Navigating digital acquisitions
Learn the best practices for agile acquisitions—from building and buying solutions, to overcoming common roadblocks.
Blogs
Government teams are improving digital experiences every day. Gain insights from their stories, case studies, and innovations.
The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) team will share their vision for the design system as a product, including USWDS Web Components and other new things the team expects to deliver in 2025.
2024
TTS made a lasting impact with civic tech in FY24
The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) made significant strides to prioritize and improve federal digital services in FY 2024. From expanding Login.gov to over 72 million users, launching tools like Notify.gov, or redesigning Vote.gov in 19 languages, explore how TTS continues to set the standard for impactful civic tech innovation.— via General Services Administration
Ensuring Effective and Timely Usability Research
Usability reflects how easily a user can accomplish their goals while using a product or service. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has issued new guidance to streamline usability testing for federal forms, websites, and services, helping agencies conduct usability tests in a more quick and efficient manner that is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). By enabling faster, more effective testing, OIRA aims to enhance public interactions with the government and ensure equitable access to federal resources.— via The White House
Publishing federal sales data: how we used design studios and user testing to develop a user-centered dataset
The Open Data, Design, and Development team at the Office of Natural Resource and Revenue (ONRR) successfully added federal sales data to the Natural Resources Revenue Data (NRRD) platform using design studios and user testing to create a user-centered dataset. By involving subject matter experts and refining prototypes through feedback, the team delivered the project ahead of schedule while meeting user needs. Future plans included additional usability testing and expanding stakeholder engagement.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Crafting quality content throughout its lifecycle
Learn about the life cycle of content, how content comes across to the user, and how to develop a content management strategy.
Transition Post 3: Managing Electronic Messages and Social Media Accounts
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) released a new blog on the management of federal records and transitions for federal agencies. Shedding light on the usage of agency-managed communication platforms and social media accounts, agencies are given instructions on how to best comply with the requirements outlined in the Federal Records Act.— via National Archives and Records Administration
Three ways to write fearless spreadsheet formulas
Spreadsheet formulas can be intimidating, especially given their critical role in government operations. Applying simple programming principles, 18F created a resource for making formulas clearer, easier to read, and less error-prone. 18F introduces three key techniques: using the LET function to name variables and organize code logically, adding comments to clarify complex formulas, and leveraging the LAMBDA function to break down problems into manageable parts. Together, these methods transform spreadsheets from sources of anxiety into tools of clarity and confidence.— via 18F
You’ve launched, now what? Planning for the future of your content
Creating quality digital content is not a one-time endeavor. Explore these approaches to managing and improving excellent digital content over time.
Tips for building a small, scrappy digital team
Explore hiring strategies, how to leverage contractors, and creative approaches for building your digital team.
Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites
An overview of GSA’s website evaluation process, which combines qualitative and quantitative data to assess website management and performance.
Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement With the Federal Government
Government works best when it incorporates transparent engagement and feedback from the public. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is enhancing public participation in federal decision-making through draft guidance and a proposed toolkit. These resources aim to standardize best practices, improve accessibility, and ensure underserved communities have meaningful opportunities to contribute. By prioritizing transparency and collaboration, OMB seeks to create politics that reflect the voices and needs of the public.— via Performance.gov
Making the case for human-centered design: A Department of Justice case study
The Access DOJ initiative shares nine lessons on making services more accessible, effective, and efficient.
Building a tool to make mail in voter registration more accessible
Vote.gov partnered with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to create an accessible tool for filling out the National Mail Voter Registration Form. It simplifies the process with features like screen reader compatibility, mobile-friendly design, and state-specific instructions. Available in English and Spanish, the tool reduces errors and helps state election offices process forms more efficiently, making voter registration easier for everyone.— via USA.gov
18F Folks: Adopting a new illustration library
18F adopted a new illustration style, 18F Folks, to better represent the broad spectrum of human experiences. Moving away from simple bust portraits, this updated style captures more complex emotions and human interactions, fostering a stronger sense of connection. By focusing on inclusivity, 18F aims to make government content more relatable and welcoming, ensuring everyone feels valued and understood.— via 18F
Understand how search engines work, how people search online, and who is your audience — while recognizing language and cultural differences.
2024
The U.S. Web Design System team will share the product and engineering principles they’re using to guide the development of the design system. event_organizer: Digital.gov
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2024
Making targeted improvements to NPS.gov: A case study from the National Park Service
NPS enhances user experience on NPS.gov by integrating Digital Analytics Program web analytics data and customer feedback from GSA Touchpoints.
Are social media influencers right for your digital media campaign?
Learn how to work with social media influencers to achieve your goals, while accounting for different budgets.
18F’s year of launches
Over the past year, 18F has helped partner agencies launch innovative software products to improve the public’s experience with the federal government. From helping Get.gov simplify domain requests to working with Notify.gov to develop a new public benefits texting service, the six projects featured here focus on putting their users first. Learn more about how these launches emphasize the importance of user research and strong partnerships in delivering better government services.— via 18F
