A conversation about content audits
Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.
News and Updates
Innovative work, news, and ideas from people and teams in government
Catching up with the TANF Data Portal project
Around 800,000 low-income American families receive cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) each month. 18F and the Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Family Assistance partnered on building a new data portal for TANF. We caught up with Office of Family Assistance leaders to see how their agency is continuing with the work.— via 18F
Infrastructure as a (public) service
Over the next few months, CISA will initiate major changes to the .gov top-level domain (TLD) tech infrastructure, laying a foundation for the services we will offer in the coming years.— via DotGov Registry
Infrastructure as a (public) service
In fall 2023, we’ll launch a new registrar: a better way to get and manage a .gov domain.— via DotGov Registry
First, do no harm: mistakes to avoid in creating accessible user experiences
Accessible design and development practices help us build inclusive experiences. But we can lose sight of the people we serve if we don’t steadily work to better understand our users. To create accessible experiences, avoid these mistakes.— via 18F
Making the case for sentence case on USAGov’s websites
What is the best case style to use for titles and headings? For the new USAGov websites, we discuss the decision to use sentence case on USAGov products.— via USA.gov
Quarterly PMA Updates Lead the Way for Improved Service Delivery and Trust-Building
Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its latest updates to the President’s Management Agenda (PMA). This quarter, the Implementation Leads for Customer Experience (Priority 2) share updates on where we are with this PMA priority.— via Performance.gov
Inclusivity and automation
Bots can help us improve our inclusivity by gently nudging us to use more appropriate language, explaining why some terms are offensive, and prompting us to consider others.
Blind Veterans can now read decision letters
VA now offers accessibility to blind Veterans so they can independently read decision letters online.— via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Seven tips on facilitating unplanned topics in meetings
Facilitating a workshop can feel like a daunting task. Here at 18F, we’ve identified seven tips to keep your workshop organized and flowing, despite unplanned scenarios.— via 18F
Advanced Section 508 compliance testing: moving beyond automated testing and screen readers
Members of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue team recently completed the free, six-course Trusted Tester accessibility compliance training and certification from the Department of Homeland Security. Here’s what they learned, and how they applied this new knowledge to the two websites they manage.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
USWDS product roadmap updates
USWDS Monthly Call - August 2023
What’s in the newest iteration of the U.S. Web Design System’s product roadmap.
Watch Video
2023
4 steps writers and editors can take to demonstrate value
As plain language writers and editors, we need to demonstrate the value we bring to projects. This writeup explains how to calculate the costs of our work and articulate its value.
Fact Sheet: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
The Department of Justice published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) explaining how they propose updating the regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to add more specific requirements about web and mobile application (app) accessibility.— via Department of Justice
Get to know Search.gov
Search.gov’s goal is to deliver a high-quality, government-wide search engine that allows agencies to customize search experiences for the public, regardless of website type or organization. Learn about standard offerings, as well as three major enhancements.— via USA.gov
GSA Shared Service Provider Program Guide
The newly-released SSP Program Guide was created for commercial vendors interested in becoming a Shared Service Provider.
Communicators
Supporting inclusive language through automation
Join us as we learn about our Inclusion Bot and how it helps to create an inclusive culture in the workplace.
Watch Video
2023
Reflections on a year in government from 11 U.S. Digital Corps fellows
To celebrate their first year in government, 11 U.S. Digital Corps Fellows reflect on what they have learned.
How a Small Team Modernized a Federal Website to Improve CX
The recent redesign of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) website stands as an example for agencies seeking to enhance their online platforms. ONRR’s Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team played a pivotal role in this website transformation by embracing open data, user-centered design, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.— via Performance.gov
GSA debuts new search tool to support Native governments and businesses
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) debuted a new search tool that enables buyers to search for Native business categories in GSA Advantage!, GSA eBuy, and GSA eLibrary for commercial products and services. Tribal governments are limited in their ability to generate traditional government revenues because of their unique federal status, and the income from Tribal businesses is an important source of development for these communities. This new feature will help Native businesses be visible in a diverse range of channels where they can sell products and services.— via General Services Administration
