Redesigning Jury Voting for Online Workflows and Nucleus Integration
Redesigning Jury Voting for Online Workflows and Nucleus Integration
In 2014, BAFTA embarked on a significant technological leap, replacing traditional paper ballots with a secure, tablet-based jury voting system. My role in this transformation began with implementing a bespoke solution that connected tablet devices to a Cubie Truck, a compact yet powerful single-board computer designed to store and encrypt votes securely. The system operated offline during voting, leveraging a local LAN network for added security, and only connected to the internet to upload PGP-encrypted results. This approach not only safeguarded the voting process but also ensured the integrity of results throughout.
While the system significantly enhanced security and efficiency, it had its limitations. The local network could reliably connect only four tablets at a time, requiring jurors to share devices during voting. Rather than hindering the process, this limitation encouraged a relaxed pace, allowing jurors to take brief breaks between turns. At the time, all juries were conducted in person, and the notion of a global pandemic requiring remote voting was far from consideration. However, the foundational work laid during this phase would prove instrumental as BAFTA adapted to unprecedented challenges in the years to come.
The global pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, forcing BAFTA to reimagine its in-person jury processes. With social distancing measures and lockdowns making physical meetings impossible, the jury voting system underwent a rapid transformation to support remote participation. A key question was how to validate users securely, and I proposed leveraging jurors’ existing Nucleus Viewing logins to simplify access. By integrating the jury voting system into Nucleus, jurors were able to log in using their existing credentials, enhanced with two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. This approach not only streamlined the user experience by eliminating the need for additional passwords but also maintained the high security standards expected of BAFTA’s processes. The transition to a cloud-based voting system ensured continuity during a time when in-person gatherings were no longer viable.
While the remote solution worked well for jurors, it introduced new challenges for administrators, who now had to manage users and entries across two separate systems. Furthermore, the role of the Chair Person, critical to driving discussions in BAFTA juries, required adaptation for virtual platforms such as Zoom. In a remote environment, functionality that was straightforward in person became more complex, particularly for those less familiar with the technology. These challenges underscored the importance of creating intuitive tools and workflows tailored to a virtual setting.
The decision to redesign the jury voting system for exclusive online use and integrate it into Nucleus was a pivotal step in addressing the challenges posed by remote jury participation. While the original system was effective for in-person juries, the shift to an online environment required a solution that could streamline both administrative processes and the user experience. My recommendation to rebuild the system fully within Nucleus ensured it was optimised for these new demands while maintaining the integrity of its core functionalities.
A major focus of this redesign was migrating all administrative functionality into Nucleus. By consolidating jury controls within a single platform, BAFTA staff could manage users, entries, and categories more efficiently, reducing complexity and manual overhead. The updated admin interface introduced tools for attendance tracking, vote management, and secure result processing, providing staff with greater oversight and streamlined workflows.
For jurors, the UI underwent a significant transformation. Using socket technology, we created a responsive, seamless voting experience with real-time updates during the process. This approach eliminated the need for page refreshes, improving usability and ensuring the momentum of jury discussions was maintained. The redesigned interface was intuitive and accessible, enabling jurors to navigate voting rounds confidently, regardless of their technical proficiency.
The integration also introduced improved encryption through Libsodium, replacing the legacy PGP workflow. This upgrade enhanced data security while simplifying result submission and verification. By leveraging Nucleus’s existing infrastructure, we avoided duplicating features, minimised development time, and delivered a cohesive solution that balanced administrative control with an enhanced user experience.
This redesign not only addressed the immediate challenges of remote participation but also established a scalable foundation for future innovations. It strengthened BAFTA’s jury voting process while positioning Nucleus as a comprehensive and forward-thinking platform for awards management.
Integrating the jury voting system into Nucleus delivered tangible benefits for both jurors and administrators, reinforcing the platform’s value and usability. By moving jury controls directly into Nucleus, processes were streamlined, security was enhanced, and administrative overhead was significantly reduced.
Key improvements included:
– Enhanced Jury Setup: Admins could utilise existing Nucleus data, including juror accounts, entry details, and category metadata, which simplified setup and reduced the risk of errors.
– Improved Security: The adoption of Libsodium encryption strengthened data protection and streamlined the secure storage and transmission of results.
– Leveraging Existing Features: Nucleus’s functionalities, such as user authentication, category filtering, and media management, were adapted to support the jury workflow, saving development costs and improving usability.
– Increased Value for Clients: The addition of jury voting functionality enhanced Nucleus’s appeal as a commercial product, expanding its capabilities and cementing its reputation in the awards management space.
These improvements were complemented by refinements to the user interface, enhancing accessibility and usability. I collaborated closely with designers and developers to ensure intuitive interactions, allowing jurors to focus on their decisions rather than navigating complex systems. Stakeholder feedback played a critical role during this process, guiding refinements to align the final product with BAFTA’s reputation for excellence.
The technical development of the integrated jury voting system required a meticulous approach to ensure functionality, security, and user experience were balanced effectively. Leveraging Nucleus’s existing architecture, the project was designed to align with the platform’s infrastructure while introducing new capabilities tailored for remote jury voting.
To maintain consistency and reliability, the tech stack mirrored Nucleus’s established setup. The back end was built using PHP/MySQL, while the front end utilised Svelte, a modern and lightweight framework that delivered a responsive, user-friendly interface. A carefully designed API bridged the new jury voting functionality with the existing Nucleus platform, enabling seamless communication between components.
Building the Svelte application involved close collaboration with front-end developers and designers. My role was to ensure that the final implementation adhered to the project’s vision while addressing technical challenges. This included accommodating the unique requirements of different user types—jurors, Chairs, and Admins—while maintaining an intuitive interface. The use of socket technology allowed for real-time updates during voting, eliminating the need for page refreshes and enhancing the fluidity of the user experience.
Rigorous testing was a critical part of the development process. Automated testing covered a broad range of scenarios to validate system functionality, while manual quality assurance checks ensured the platform was accessible and responsive across devices. These tests helped identify and resolve edge cases, ensuring that the system performed reliably even in high-pressure voting situations. Stakeholder feedback was instrumental in refining the system, providing insights that guided adjustments to better meet user needs.
Security remained a top priority throughout the development. The adoption of Libsodium encryption replaced the legacy PGP workflow, providing robust protection for voting data. Combined with two-factor authentication (2FA), these measures reinforced the system’s resilience against potential threats while ensuring the confidentiality of jury results.
Delivering an intuitive and functional user interface (UI) was a key focus of the project, alongside ensuring the system’s reliability through rigorous testing. This dual approach ensured the jury voting platform exceeded user expectations.
The design process prioritised simplicity and accessibility for jurors, Chairs, and Admins, ensuring straightforward navigation even during high-pressure sessions. Features like name-locking, automatic entry updates, and seamless reset functionality streamlined workflows while maintaining security and accountability. Admin tools, such as attendance tracking, voiding votes, and result finalisation, provided flexibility without disrupting the voting process.
Comprehensive testing was essential to guarantee robustness. Automated tests identified potential issues early, while manual testing ensured usability and consistency across devices. Stakeholder feedback during this phase offered valuable insights that refined the system to better meet user needs.
Key security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted vote storage, were rigorously evaluated to balance protection with usability. Stress tests simulated real-world challenges, such as tied votes, confirming the system’s reliability under all conditions.
The result was a polished, user-centric platform that seamlessly integrated security, efficiency, and usability, reinforcing BAFTA’s reputation for technological innovation.
The evolution of BAFTA’s jury voting system represents a journey of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. From the initial tablet-based system in 2014 to the seamless integration with Nucleus, this project demonstrated the transformative power of technology in enhancing traditional processes. By addressing challenges with creativity and precision, the voting process was not only modernised but also elevated to meet BAFTA’s high standards for security, efficiency, and user experience.
Since its launch, the new system has received significant positive feedback from jurors and administrators alike. Support requirements have been dramatically reduced, stability has improved, and enhanced workflows have streamlined the voting process for all users. The platform’s upgraded security measures and real-time functionality further underscore its reliability and adaptability, creating a seamless experience that benefits both jurors and administrators. These improvements have solidified the system’s reputation as a model for awards management innovation.
The success of the system is a testament to the value of strategic decision-making and stakeholder collaboration. By consolidating processes within Nucleus, we not only strengthened BAFTA’s internal workflows but also enhanced Nucleus’s value as a commercial product. The platform now serves as a benchmark for excellence, offering a comprehensive and scalable solution for awards management.
Reflecting on this journey, I am proud of the role I played in delivering a solution that aligns with BAFTA’s esteemed reputation. This project exemplifies my approach to problem-solving, blending technological expertise with a deep understanding of user needs. It reaffirms my commitment to driving impactful change through thoughtful innovation, and I look forward to embracing future challenges that push the boundaries of what is possible.
