How to design for government websites

Introduction

Designing for government websites is a unique challenge. Government websites have a certain standard of professionalism and accuracy that needs to be met in order to be effective. The overall goal of government website design is to create a website that is clear, accessible, and credible. This guide provides an overview of the key elements of creating a successful government website.

Accessibility

A key element of designing for government websites is ensuring they are accessible to everyone. It is important to include features such as alt text for images, allowing users to adjust font size and color contrast, and providing content in multiple languages. Designers should also think about how to make the website easy to use for people with disabilities.

Content

The content of the website should be authoritative, up-to-date, and accurate. Government websites should also be scannable, with clear headings and short paragraphs. If possible, it is also important to provide content in multiple formats so that it is accessible to more people. This includes providing audio and video versions of content, as well as providing printable versions when possible.

Navigation

One of the most important aspects of designing for government websites is the navigational structure. The navigation should be easy to use and intuitive, so that users can find what they are looking for quickly. Having a clear menu and submenu structure is essential in helping visitors quickly find the information they need.

Responsive Design

Given the number of devices used to access websites these days, it is essential to design for government websites with responsive design principles in mind. This means ensuring that the website looks good and is easy to use on all devices, from large monitors to small mobile phones. Designers should also ensure that the website is optimized for different browsers.

Branding and Visuals

Branding is also an important element of designing for government websites. The overall branding should reflect the values and mission of the government organization. Visuals should be professional and consistent, and should be used sparingly throughout the website. Images should also be used to support content and help convey messages.

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Understanding User Needs

Designing for government websites requires taking into account the specific needs of its users, which may include the general public, the government officials, or both. For example, the U.S. government’s official website, USA.gov, is designed with both types of users in mind—it is intuitive and user-friendly enough to accommodate general visitors, but is still comprehensive and organized enough to provide helpful resources for government personnel. The key is to create an effective balance between functionality and usability.

In order to best serve its multiple users, it is important to understand the needs of each group. Understanding the needs of the general public primarily involves making sure that the website is easy to use and can provide them quick access to the information they need. This encompasses developing effective navigation tools, ensuring that content is well-organized and easily accessible, and making sure that the design clearly conveys the purpose and messaging of the website.

Creating Accessibility and Inclusivity

Another essential element of designing for government websites is accessibility and inclusivity. This means creating a website that is available to all, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. To do this, the website must be designed according to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which helps to make it easier for users with disabilities to access and utilize the website.

WCAG covers a variety of elements, including making sure that images, text, and media are properly labeled and described, as well as designing the website to have proper contrast for legibility and to function well with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Additionally, it is important to consider language accessibility, such as providing multiple language options and ensuring that images and symbols are universally understood.

Prioritizing Security

Security is another critical aspect of government website design. Government sites handle a great deal of sensitive information, so it is essential that they are protected from data breaches and other malicious activities. This involves encrypting communications, using secure servers, and taking other measures such as two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access the website.

To this end, the government website should be designed with security in mind. This includes making sure that the website uses secure methods of registration and authentication, such as biometric or multi-factor authentication, and implementing appropriate measures to prevent malicious code from being uploaded. Additionally, it is important to design the website such that users are automatically logged out after a certain period of inactivity.

Using Relevant and Timely Content

Timely and relevant content is essential for government websites in order to ensure that they are useful and up-to-date. The challenge in designing for government websites is that their content often changes quickly and frequently. This makes it difficult to develop a design that can accommodate frequent updates while also ensuring that the website does not appear cluttered or disorganized.

In this regard, it is important to focus on creating a website design that simplifies the process of adding or updating content. This can involve developing content modules that can easily be added, altered, or removed as needed, as well as using templates that can be adapted to accommodate any changes. Additionally, it is important to ensure that content is visually appealing and engaging in order to keep users interested and engaged.

Integrating Useful Features and Applications

Government websites may also require the integration of applications and features to accommodate their specific needs. For example, the U.S. government’s official website, USA.gov, integrates a variety of features and applications, such as a Feedback Tool that enables users to report issues or provide suggestions, as well as an Online Services Tool that allows users to access government services and other resources.

Developing these applications and features requires an understanding of the needs of the website’s users. It is important to create features that are both useful and user-friendly, and integrate them into the overall design of the website such that users can easily locate and use them. Additionally, it is important to ensure that these features can be easily updated and maintained as needed.

Conclusion

Designing for government websites requires taking into account the needs of multiple users, including both the general public and government personnel. This involves creating an accessible and secure website design, understanding user needs, using timely and relevant content, and integrating appropriate features and applications. By focusing on these elements, it is possible to create a government website that is both useful and engaging.

1. Make sure to incorporate clear navigation and a well organized information architecture so that users can quickly find what they are looking for.
2. Utilize content hierarchy, like headings (H2-H6) and lists to make content more organized and easier to read.
3. Include search functionality to allow users to quickly find the information they need.
4. Use simple language to ensure understanding of the content.
5. Incorporate visuals such as infographics or videos to explain complex topics.
6. Incorporate call-to-actions (CTAs) to encourage users to take action.
7. Make sure to adhere to official branding guidelines.
8. Provide a mobile-friendly design for easy user access on any device.
9. Utilize accessibility features like screen readers and ARIA attributes for visually impaired users.
10. Incorporate feedback mechanisms like surveys or polls to get user feedback.

To go fruther on the topic

If you’d like to explore more on the topic of How to design for government websites, we recommend the following litterature:

1. Designing Government Websites: A Guide for Designers, Developers and Content Creators by Luke Wroblewski
2. Designing for Government Websites: Principles and Practices by Dan Brown
3. Making Government Work: Designing Effective Websites for Government Agencies by Lisa Welchman
4. Designing Government Interactions: Improving Digital Services for Citizens by Jonathan Grudin
5. Designing Public Web Sites: Usability in Government (Interactive Technologies) by Giorgio Ventre
6. Design for Government: How to Improve the Quality of Government Websites by Matthew J. Kelleher
7. Government Web Design: Best Practices for Interaction Design and Usability by Jaime Levy
8. Government Website Design: Designing for the Public Sector by Shayne Bowman and Chris Willis
9. Designing for Government: Global Best Practices for User Experience Design by Joe Natoli
10. Handbook of Design for Digital Government by Liza Potts and John D. Windhausen Jr.