News and Updates

Designing with empathy

Discover the transformative power of empathy in design with USAGov’s benefit finder. From simplifying applications to a mobile-first approach, the revamped tool not only functions efficiently in two different languages and cultural contexts, but demonstrates the consideration for users in challenging situations. Explore how empathy turned a government service into a compassionate lifeline, creating a product that genuinely understands and meets people where they are. — via USA.gov

Jan 25, 2024

Maximizing impact of federal websites: Integrating metrics with annual goals and policies

The Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team discusses how OMB’s recent memo, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience (M-23-22), inspired them to reassess their metrics plan to harmonize with policies governing federal public websites. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Jan 24, 2024

In 2023, TTS stepped up to meet growing technology demands for government

GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) celebrated major milestones and met growing demand for its services in 2023. This wrap-up summaries key successes in five areas: improving customer experience, modernizing federal technology, innovating for the future, focus on equity and accessibility, and building the technology workforce of tomorrow. — via General Services Administration

Jan 24, 2024

Webinar: Non-Compliant Permanent Digitized Records FAQ

On January 10, 2024, NARA hosted a webinar to walk through frequently asked questions about and discuss options and paths for non-compliant digitized permanent records. The discussion also covered the upcoming June 30, 2024 deadline in M-23-07 for NARA to stop accepting records in analog format. — via National Archives and Records Administration

Jan 22, 2024

Customer experience and human-centered design

Customer experience is the application of design within a business context to craft the human experience.

Ana Monroe

Jan 18, 2024

This month the Design System team will talk about the development and rollout of their new accessibility tests for components.

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Accessibility testing: Creating digital services everyone can use

Making sure that USA.gov and USAGov en Español remain accessible to people with disabilities is essential. The product team shares four testing tips they’ve learned to help ensure that everyone has equal access to digital products and services. — via USA.gov

Jan 09, 2024

GSA Issues Report to Congress Highlighting Need for Improvement in Federal Government Section 508 Compliance

The report, the FY23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment, evaluates reporting entities’ adherence to the criteria established by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in coordination with GSA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the U.S. Access Board (USAB). It provides a baseline and recommendations for strengthening compliance initiatives and enhancing Section 508 activities across the federal government. — via General Services Administration

Dec 28, 2023

OMB Releases Digital Accessibility Guidance to Ensure All Americans Have Ability to Access Critical Government Resources

The Biden-Harris Administration is championing inclusivity by requiring federal agencies to prioritize accessibility in the digital space, recognizing the gap in access for the 61 million Americans with disabilities on nearly half of popular federal government websites. The new guidance mandates rigorous testing, inclusion of individuals with disabilities in design processes, and the incorporation of experts in procurement, emphasizing a commitment to universal access. Read more to discover how these measures aim to change the federal digital experience for all Americans. — via The White House

Dec 21, 2023

Amplifying customer voices

Understand how to use natural language processing and advanced analytics to gain insights on high-impact service performance and survey design.

Isabel (Izzy) Metzger

Dec 19, 2023

Less is more: Improving the public’s web search experience with filters

Explore the evolution of search experiences on federal websites as Search.gov introduces customizable search filters, providing users with the same flexibility familiar from e-commerce sites. Devolve into the NASA case study, uncovering how this innovative feature enhances accessibility and efficiency for a seamless user journey. — via USA.gov

Dec 12, 2023

Making GSA’s public art collection more accessible

GSA’s Fine Arts team recently leveraged modern product development practices to launch the new collection website.

Jenn Noinaj

Dec 08, 2023

Have you conducted user research and are now wondering which artifacts or outputs you can share and with whom? 18F provides tips on determining your target audiences, using discretion for sensitive data, and ensuring that such work complies with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). — via 18F

Dec 05, 2023

Extended comment period on draft FedRAMP memo

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is requesting public comment on a new draft memorandum to strengthen and enhance the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). The comment period for the Modernizing the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) memo has been extended to December 22, 2023. — via FedRAMP

Nov 30, 2023

Delivering on 21st Century IDEA: A case study from the GSA SmartPay team (Part 3)

A GSA SmartPay product owner shares her experience designing user-centered, accessible content for multiple audiences.

Rebekah Knouse Perillo

Ryan Johnson

Nov 29, 2023

Delivering on 21st Century IDEA: A case study from the GSA SmartPay team (Part 2)

A GSA SmartPay product owner shares his experiences as a first-time product owner in a government agile development project.

Jessica Marine

Andrew Lee

Nov 29, 2023

Delivering on 21st Century IDEA: A case study from the GSA SmartPay team (Part 1)

The GSA SmartPay program, the largest government charge card and commercial payment solutions program in the world, celebrated their 25th anniversary by launching three new websites with a user-centered, agile approach.

Ryan Johnson

Nov 28, 2023

Managing a high-performing dream team in the federal government

Discover how the Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team at the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) transformed their federal projects with Agile methodologies, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and openness. From unique sprint names to engaging traditions and innovative knowledge-sharing practices, this blog post offers insights into building a high-performing dream team in government. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Nov 27, 2023

The USWDS team will continue sharing our progress to improve ongoing research, publishing results and addressing recent findings.