Government Website Design Tips For Best UX And UI

 18 May, 2022

Everything, from healthcare to education to government organizations, can now be accessed over the Internet today. However, federal and local government organizations continue to face challenges regarding government website design and what it should look like. 

The regulations and legislation that form the basis of a government website necessitate that web designers know a little bit more about them and user experience while developing a government website.

But what does it mean to provide a good user experience? What lessons can governments glean from web design best practices, and how can they apply them?

User Experience is a term used to describe the application of design and development strategies that enhance users' ease of use and enjoyment when interacting with a website. And UX has been overlooked by government websites in the past. 

Designing a government website can be challenging, but the best government website design services can help you succeed in this sector. Also, we've put up a list of top tips for designing top government websites, including examples of the best designs to take inspiration from.

Valuable Tips For Designing Top Government Websites

What is the difference between designing a government website and a business website from a perspective of UX and usability? One major difference is for whom it is developed!

A business website performs well when it comes to engaging, onboarding, and navigating for the respective audience. 

On the contrary, a government website should serve all the citizens, catering to every aspect, such as-

  • Technological proficiency,
  • Age,
  • Ability,
  • Language,
  • Devices,
  • Education,
  • Access to the internet

Important Tip: 

In order to develop the best-designed government website, its important to focus on providing an all-inclusive user experience to all citizens. It must serve the purpose and fulfill the user's expectations; why?

The answer is simple - To develop “TRUST!”

People with varying levels of hands-on experience with the web, technology, and websites visit government websites. Even though it's essential to remember that several users will look for seamless UXs as they experience when they visit business/corporate/non-state-run websites. 

That type of user-friendliness and intuitive UXs feel familiar to most users nowadays. Therefore, providing similar types of experience could help in developing trust. And trust is very important if you wish citizens to engage with the website confidently.

So, provide a strong UX if you wish to develop strong trust and encourage users to interact with the website. 

Also, having limited resources might sometimes create issues; therefore, we’re sharing some helpful tips for designing top government websites.

1. Consistency

Visual coherence is a critical part of optimizing your government website. All of your website's pages should have the same look and feel. Visitors become suspicious of the material they see on a website with a visually pleasing homepage but link off to low-quality internal pages. As a result, people are much less inclined to make use of your information and services.

There should be a uniform look to the visual elements of a website design, such as typefaces, logos, images, and banners on every page of the site. You should also make every effort to adhere to the state government website design guidelines outlined in your style guide while developing your web-based applications, web forms, and payment portals.

2. Responsive Design

Most government websites aren't built to work with all browsers and devices. In light of the fact that mobile devices account for more than half of all website traffic, the current state of affairs is problematic. Find the mobile vs. desktop traffic statistics here. Half of the people who visit your site are trying to squeeze, zoom in, and the content in a form they can read and interact with. Therefore write website content that’s easy to read and understand.

Make your website mobile-friendly from top to bottom if you don't want a substantial number of your visitors to leave due to usage difficulties by taking the help of mobile website design and development services.

Looking for Responsive Design for Government Websites?
  • Well-optimized landing pages
  • Strong & visible CTA
  • An intuitive website layout
  • Mobile-friendly Website Design

3. Ease Of Use

It has become increasingly important for governments to ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. Therefore, in addition to 508 compliance and WCAG compliance, state and local governments are increasingly expected to adhere to the ADA Compliant website design

To avoid penalties and litigation, you should choose an ADA-compliant design to avoid breaking the rules for government website design. When it comes to folks who have trouble reading small print, this can make all the difference in the world. It should also be possible for people with visual impairments, such as blind people, to utilize a government website without trouble.

4. Language

Depending on the country, government websites should be bilingual. Building fluid and intuitive bilingual government websites is important. When designing a top government website that will be available in many languages, it's imperative that the site function properly in both languages. Additional requirements include that the content is understandable and written in the style of all the languages on your site.

5. Avoid Inaccessible Web Navigation 

A strong navigation system is essential for any website, but this element is even more necessary for government institutions due to stricter restrictions and rules. You should analyze the current site and its analytics data if you're reworking an existing website.

A good place to start is to find out how current visitors use the website. As soon as you begin mapping and wireframing, look for instances where the navigation and page architecture may be improved.

6. Security

There is a growing risk of valuable data being exposed and leaked due to cyber-attacks and data breaches on government websites. Your website is continuously at risk of information theft, hacking attempts, and data loss if you don't have a secure government CMS in place. Check out the reasons to choose custom CMS for your website here. 

7. International Laws

Things start to get interesting and complex at this point. Different countries may have their own laws, rules, and other papers in place to govern online design. Each and every one of them could directly affect your design process. For this reason, you must do your homework and be well-versed in the relevant policies and legislation to prevent legal snags.

8. Unconstrained Content Management System

When it comes to designing top government websites, governments should set the standard by using a customer-focused approach. Consider every online encounter as an opportunity to learn how to serve your citizens better digitally. Also, use a flexible CMS so that you can respond to citizen feedback and continually enhance the user experience design.

The best government website design is easy to navigate, has a lot of helpful information, and is easy to find. Therefore, the easiest way to optimize a service-oriented government website is to use simple and straightforward material.

Government Website Examples To Take Inspiration From

1. The White House

The White House

Image Credit: The White House

White House is the United States government's official website. It's a great way for the general public to have an inside look at how the current government works. It provides information about administration and executive offices, news announcements, White House history, and an overview of the administration's top priorities.

The White House website is easy to navigate and visually appealing. A single-column layout breaks down information into manageable chunks. Visitors can easily view the content on a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and huge desktop monitors.

2. California DMV

California-DMV

Image Credit: California's DMV

The official portal of California's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) controls the state's use and sale of automobiles. It provides a wide range of online services, such as driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and identification cards for the general public. It also provides online tools for driver education, safety guidelines, studies and reports, and DMV offices. 

In addition to clear text, visuals, and user interaction signals, the California DMV portal is well-rounded. However, it does so in a very well-balanced manner. It's noticeable when visitors join the digital transaction procedure because of how clean the interface is.

In addition to clear text, visuals, and user interaction signals, the California DMV website is well-rounded. However, it does so in a very well-balanced manner. It's noticeable when visitors join the digital transaction procedure because of how clean the interface is.

3. Gov.uk

Gov.uk

Image Credit: Gov.uk

The United Kingdom's government website, gov.uk, serves as a single repository of information for all of the country's agencies and public bodies. The public can access government services and information, as well as news, communication, statistics, and consultations, through the website.

This website has a lot going for it, from its fast loading times to its well-organized services and material, to its consistency in communication, but most significantly, its focus on user experience.

4. U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of State

Image Credit: U.S. Department of State

State.gov is the official website of The Department of the United States. Among its various responsibilities are the prevention and elimination of international terrorism, the defense of American interests, and the implementation of foreign policy goals. 

The website serves as a gateway to a wealth of information for a diverse range of users, including international tourists, visa applicants, students, and employers, state.gov is also aesthetically pleasing.

Typography, layout, and color from graphic design are combined with interactive aspects and responsive design from the Web to create this hybrid design. As a result, this is one of the best government websites design in terms of visual appeal.

5. Save Our Water

Save Our Water

Image Credit: Save Our Water

As part of the California Department of Water Resources and California Water Agencies, the Save Our Water website serves as a portal for a state-wide water conservation program called Save Our Water. Using drought and climate change information and tools, the website aims to spread the word about the importance of conserving water in California.

The Save Our Water website uses less mechanical and stiff shapes, colors, and text in favor of more humanistic and organic designs. The campaign's fundamental message is conveyed through the usage of these visual design elements.

Conclusion

It's understandable why developing government agency websites might be difficult for web designers. However, when it comes to developing a product, it can take a long time and require much research to get started.

The secret to designing top government websites is to keep the exterior simple while maintaining complexity inside. As a government website, it must adhere to all applicable laws and include all of the qualities that make it a government website.

There is no need for government websites to be difficult to use. Consistent, responsive, and accessible design is becoming the norm in the private sector, and citizens demand the same degree of service in the public sector. It's up to you, as a government agency, to take advantage of the growing availability of best practices in government web design and to put them into effect.

As a government website design company, we are well-versed in government agencies' difficulties in developing and maintaining user-friendly websites. 

JanBask Digital Design has worked on several high-profile government website design and development projects as a trusted local government website design company and advanced system integrator. If you'd want to get started on improving your government agency's website, feel free to get in touch with us. You can also check out our complete website design checklist for the year 2023.

Looking for Government Website Design Company?

  • Right Content Management System
  • Conversion-driven Web Designs
  • Build Trust and Relationships
  • Powerful CTAs

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A

Adonis Smith

I never hoped to see such a great piece of information on designing a government website. Nice piece.

A

Aidan Johnson

The examples are really great!

K

Kaden Brown

I strongly believe that a simple and easy-to-navigate website is the key to keeping users on your website longer.

P

Paul Wilson

I have had a lot of issues navigating through the state website because of the language options. I think the government website should have multiple language options for all types of users.

O

Omar Moore

Nice piece!

V

Vimal

Thanks for sharing informative article.

R

Ricardo Long

I never hoped to see such a great piece of information on designing a government website. Nice piece.

T

Tanner Patterson

The examples are really great!

M

Malcolm Hughes

I strongly believe that a simple and easy-to-navigate website is the key to keeping users on your website longer.

R

Raymond Flores

I have had a lot of issues navigating through the state website because of the language options. I think the government website should have multiple language options for all types of users.

O

Odin Washington

Nice piece!