News and Updates
Innovative work, news, and ideas from people and teams in government
Judiciary Launches New Federal Ticket Processing Website
Individuals can now pay tickets for minor federal violations more easily, using a redesigned website for the Judiciary’s Central Violations Bureau. The website, officially launched in early May, leverages new technologies and best design practices to improve usability and accessibility across devices, including smart phones.— via Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
The 18F design chapter
Designing technology-enabled public services requires deep expertise in how different elements of the experience come together (or don’t!). The 18F design chapter comprises four discipline-specific cohorts — service design, user experience (UX) design, product design, and content strategy — each of which has a primary focus, with corresponding tools, methods, and techniques.— via 18F
18F Checks in With the Dawson Project at the U.S. Tax Court
In December 2020, the United States Tax Court introduced DAWSON, a modern open-source case management system developed with assistance from an industry partner and 18F. DAWSON streamlined Court operations and changed the way the public interacts with the Court.— via 18F
The art of storytelling in a hybrid world
Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.
Introducing the new USA.gov
We’re excited to share that the new USA.gov and USAGov en Español are live. However, we’re not finished. See what we’ll be working on in the future.— via USA.gov
Modernizing a federal government website with user-centered design
In this blog post, we break down our process for redesigning a federal government website (onrr.gov) into six detailed sections. This blog serves as a helpful guide for other agencies looking to do a major website redesign.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Who’s your website manager?
The importance of HR and accountability to improving digital service delivery at federal agencies.
Am I doing it right? A checkup for agile teams
Even on the best teams, things need to be monitored and adjusted. If you are doing this for the first time, it can be even harder. In this article, I share some signals of what success looks like and what to do if you are stuck in one of the many common pitfalls.— via 18F
Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners
Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov.— via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Testing Beta for Accessibility
The USAGov team strives to ensure all our websites are accessible to as many people as possible. This includes those who need the use of specialized assistive technologies when browsing the internet. In building beta.USA.gov we deliberately validated that it met Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 compliance requirements. Our testing approach includes a three step hybrid method that may be suitable for other agency use.— via USA.gov
5 Changes the UX Team Made for Beta
The USAGov UX team has made improvements to beta.usa.gov in new ways. See the five changes that help us understand user needs and pain points.— via USA.gov
HHS Leverages Data for Impact and Action at the 2023 Health Datapalooza
U.S. Digital Corps Fellows at HHS proved instrumental to delivering this year’s Health Datapalooza, especially the 2023 Health Equity DataJam, which launched at the event as a two-month-long technology sprint through the end of April. A professional association for health services and policy researchers will run the DataJam using HHS open data. Thanks to the U.S. Digital Corps Fellows, HealthData.gov includes DataJam challenge prompts, priority themes, open datasets, and curated resources for solvers.— via U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Call for participation: Government UX summit 2023
The UX Summit will be a one day virtual event on June 14, 2023. New and experienced UX practitioners are encouraged to participate.
The plain language tie to translating digital content
A happy compromise between people-first and plain language
Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.
Building Beta: The Foundation
The USAGov program has been developing a new iteration of our bilingual sites, USA.gov and USAGov en Español. In the process of building beta.USA.gov and beta.USA.gov en Español, we’ve been rethinking our work style and priorities. Follow the “Building Beta” series to learn how we’re reimagining the way we approach product management, usability, accessibility, content creation, analytics, and outreach.— via USA.gov
Understanding design in 10 questions
How the discipline of design can help your agency improve customer experience.