Overview
Black Marble partnered with a regional digital health consortium, comprising multiple NHS Foundation Trusts, to define the requirements for a new, strategic digital platform. The programme aimed to replace a restrictive third-party system with a scalable, self-owned solution capable of supporting modern, integrated care delivery.
The Challenge
The consortium’s existing platform presented several limitations, including:
- Limited control over product development and roadmap
- Constraints around system integration and data processing
- Inefficient reporting and analytics capabilities
- Challenges in protecting intellectual property
- Lack of cost transparency and long-term flexibility To move forward, the organisation required a clear and validated set of requirements to underpin future procurement, design, and delivery.
The Approach
Black Marble led a structured requirements and discovery phase using a Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach. This involved close collaboration with stakeholders across leadership, technical teams, and NHS Trust representatives. Through a series of workshops and interviews, we ensured that all user groups and operational needs were represented. Our iterative approach enabled the identification of both core requirements and previously unrecognised needs as the project evolved. Key activities included:
- Developing a comprehensive requirements specification covering functional, non-functional, and technical needs
- Managing a significant expansion in scope through structured prioritisation using MoSCoW analysis
- Documenting over 2,700 days of requirements to support realistic planning and budgeting This approach ensured that complexity was captured early and translated into a clear, structured foundation for delivery.
Outcome
The engagement provided the consortium with:
- A fully validated and prioritised requirements specification
- A clearly defined Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and roadmap for future development
- A robust basis for supplier engagement, solution design, and programme planning
- Increased confidence in decision-making, supported by evidence-based requirements By clarifying both scope and priorities, the consortium was able to significantly reduce risk and uncertainty ahead of the next phase.
Impact
This work enabled the organisation to approach the market with a clear understanding of its needs, supporting better procurement outcomes and laying the groundwork for a scalable, future-proof digital platform.
What We Learned
This engagement reinforced several key principles for complex health programmes:
- Early and continuous stakeholder engagement is critical to uncovering real user needs
- Flexibility is essential in dynamic healthcare environments
- Clear, validated documentation underpins successful delivery
Conclusion
Black Marble’s structured and collaborative approach to requirements gathering provided a strong foundation for the development of a modern digital health platform. By combining stakeholder engagement, rigorous analysis, and disciplined prioritisation, we enabled the client to move forward with clarity, confidence, and reduced risk.
