Usability – Digital.gov

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/WebSite" prefix="og: http://ogp.me/ns#" > <head profile="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <script async type="text/javascript" id="_fed_an_ua_tag" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=GSA&subagency=TTS" ></script>  <script> dataLayer = [ { "content-type": "resource+page", topics: "design, analytics, Tag+Manager", }, ]; </script>  <script> (function (w, d, s, l, i) { w[l] = w[l] || []; w[l].push({ "gtm.start": new Date().getTime(), event: "gtm.js" }); var f = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j = d.createElement(s), dl = l != "dataLayer" ? "&l=" + l : ""; j.async = true; j.src = "https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=" + i + dl; f.parentNode.insertBefore(j, f); })(window, document, "script", "dataLayer", "GTM-MZCKZPQ"); </script>   <title>Usability – Digital.gov</title>  <meta name="description" content="Usability refers to the measurement of how easily a user can accomplish their goals when using a service. This is usually measured through established research methodologies under the term “usability testing,” which includes success rates and customer satisfaction. Usability is one part of the larger user experience (UX) umbrella. While UX encompasses designing the overall experience of a product, usability focuses on the mechanics of making sure products work as well as possible for the user." /> <meta name="keywords" content="digital, government, technology, civic-tech" />  <meta property="og:title" content="Usability" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Usability refers to the measurement of how easily a user can accomplish their goals when using a service. This is usually measured through established research methodologies under the term “usability testing,” which includes success rates and customer satisfaction. Usability is one part of the larger user experience (UX) umbrella. While UX encompasses designing the overall experience of a product, usability focuses on the mechanics of making sure products work as well as possible for the user." /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://digital.gov/topics/usability/" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Digital.gov" /> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/topics-og-primary-image.jpg" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content=" " /> <meta property="fb:admins" content="100000569454928" /> <meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/digitalgov" />   <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@Digital_Gov" /> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@Digital_Gov" /> <meta name="twitter:image:src" content="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/topics-og-primary-image.jpg" /> <meta property="twitter:description" content="Usability refers to the measurement of how easily a user can accomplish their goals when using a service. This is usually measured through established research methodologies under the term “usability testing,” which includes success rates and customer satisfaction. Usability is one part of the larger user experience (UX) umbrella. While UX encompasses designing the overall experience of a product, usability focuses on the mechanics of making sure products work as well as possible for the user." /> <meta property="twitter:title" content="Usability" />   <link href="/topics/usability/index.xml" rel="feed" type="application/rss+xml" />  <link href="https://digital.gov/topics/usability/index.json" data-proofer-ignore rel="alternate" type="application/json" title="Digital.gov" />  <link rel="sitemap" type="application/xml" title="Digital.gov Sitemap" href="https://digital.gov/sitemap.xml" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#656bd7" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="A662823C2F59EB4F55F752CC752AC299" />  <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://digital.gov/dist/styles.css" type="text/css" media="all" /> <script src="https://digital.gov/dist/js/uswds-init.min.js"></script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/apple-touch-icon.png?v=3" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/favicon-32x32.png?v=3" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/favicon-16x16.png?v=3" /> <link rel="manifest" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/site.webmanifest?v=3" /> <link rel="mask-icon" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/safari-pinned-tab.svg?v=3" color="#0076d6" /> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://digital.gov/img/icons/favicon.ico?v=3" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#0076d6" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#ffffff" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1" /> </head> <body class="topics term"><noscript ><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MZCKZPQ" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden" ></iframe ></noscript>  <div class="paper"><a class="usa-skipnav" href="#main-content">Skip to main content</a> <section class="usa-banner gov-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government" > <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"><img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="" width="16" height="11" /> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text"> An official website of the United States government </p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action">Here’s how you know</p> </div> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default-default" > <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default-default" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"><img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Official websites use .gov</strong> <br /> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"><img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br />A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false" > <title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description-default"> Locked padlock </desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" /> </svg> </span >) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="dg-site-alert usa-site-alert usa-site-alert--info " aria-label="Site alert" > <div class="usa-alert"> <div class="usa-alert__body"> <h3 class="usa-alert__heading">Hurricane guidance for U.S. government websites and social media</h3> <ul class="usa-list"> <li><a href="/hurricane-helene">digital.gov/hurricane-helene</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-milton">digital.gov/hurricane-milton</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <script type="text/javascript"> const links = document.querySelectorAll(".dg-site-alert a"); links.forEach((link) => link.classList.add("usa-link")); </script> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" role="banner"> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="usa-logo" id="extended-logo"> <em class="usa-logo__text"> <a href="https://digital.gov/" title="Digital.gov Home" aria-label="Digital.gov Home" > <img class="logo-black" src="https://digital.gov/img/digitalgov-logo.svg" alt="Digital.gov Logo" width="220" height="36" /> </a> </em> <p class="sub-head display-none">Guidance on building better digital services in government</p> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-2px" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#menu"></use> </svg> Menu </button> </div> <nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <img src="/uswds/img/close.svg" alt="close" /> </button><ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/news/" ><span>Blogs</span></a > </li><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/events/" ><span>Events</span></a > </li><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/resources/" ><span>Resources</span></a > </li><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/communities/" ><span>Communities</span></a > </li><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/guides/" ><span>Guides</span></a > </li><li class="usa-nav__primary-item " > <a class="usa-nav__link" href="/job-board/" ><span>Job board</span></a > </li></ul> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/subscribe" ><span>Subscribe to our newsletter</span></a > </li> </ul> <form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="https://find.digitalgov.gov/search" id="search_form" method="get" class="usa-search usa-search--small" > <input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /> <input id="affiliate" name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="digitalgov" /> <div role="search"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="query">Search small</label> <input class="usa-input" id="query" type="search" name="query" /> <button class="usa-button" name="commit" type="submit"> <img src="/uswds/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" /> </button> </div> </form> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <main role="main" id="main-content"> <div class="grid-container-desktop"><nav class="usa-breadcrumb usa-breadcrumb--wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"> <ol class="usa-breadcrumb__list"> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item"> <a href="https://digital.gov/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"> <span>Home</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item"> <a href="https://digital.gov/topics/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link" aria-label="Back to Topics" > <span> Topics</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item usa-current" aria-current="page"> <span> Usability</span> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> <header class="grid-container-desktop"> <h1 class=" dg-topic__header-title--collection " >Usability</h1> <p class="dg-topic__deck margin-0"> How easily and effectively people can accomplish their goals using a product or system, while having a positive experience. </p> </header> <div class="grid-container-desktop margin-top-2"> <div class="grid-row desktop:grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col margin-bottom-4"> <p class="usa-intro text-light">Usability refers to the measurement of how easily a user can accomplish their goals when using a service. This is usually measured through established research methodologies under the term “usability testing,” which includes success rates and customer satisfaction. Usability is one part of the larger user experience (UX) umbrella. While UX encompasses designing the overall experience of a product, usability focuses on the mechanics of making sure products work as well as possible for the user.</p> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col"> <div class="dg-card-legislation"> <div class="usa-card__container usa-card-group usa-card--flag"> <div class="usa-card__header"> <h2 class="dg-featured-resource__text-kicker">Related Policy</h2> <h2 class="usa-card__heading"> 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA) and M-23-22 </h2> </div> <div class="usa-card__media"> <div class="usa-card__img"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/legislative-stamp-card-logo-600.png" alt="21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA) and M-23-22" /> </div> </div> <div class="usa-card__footer"> <a href="/resources/delivering-digital-first-public-experience" class="usa-button">Explore policy</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="dg-topic__featured grid-container-desktop"> <div class="dg-featured-resource"> <a href="/communities/user-experience/" class="dg-featured-resource__body"> <div class="dg-featured-resource__text"> <p class="dg-featured-resource__kicker">Communities of Practice</p> <h2 class="dg-featured-resource__text-title">Join the User Experience</h2> <p class="dg-featured-resource__text-description">Create better user-centered products for the public.</p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="grid-container-desktop usa-section"> <div class="dg-collection"> <h2 class="dg-collection__header" > Resources on Usability </h2> <ul class="usa-collection"> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/an-introduction-to-content/" title="An introduction to content">An introduction to content</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/logos/digitalgov-icon.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/event/2018/06/14/usability-testing-with-steve-krug/" title="Usability Testing with Steve Krug">Usability Testing with Steve Krug</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Get started making usability fixes to your website or product. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=https://www.dhs.gov/cx/dhs-usability-testing-kit" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.dhs.gov/cx/dhs-usability-testing-kit" title="Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit">Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/logos/18f-icon.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://methods.18f.gov/" title="18F Methods">18F Methods</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> A collection of tools that describe how teams can put human-centered design into practice. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/digitalgov-user-experience-program-usability-starter-kit/" title="Usability Starter Kit">Usability Starter Kit</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Here are some tools and templates to help you create better user experiences. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/digitalgov-user-experience-program-results-and-case-studies/" title="Fueleconomy.gov – Extended Case Study">Fueleconomy.gov – Extended Case Study</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Like any valid business decision, User Experience work should produce results and demonstrable impact. To see a list of screenshots from websites we’ve improved, visit the rest of our Usability Case Studies. Or see a more complete case study below. Case Study: Fueleconomy.gov Mobile Site In December of 2012 </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/government-usability-case-studies/" title="Government Usability Case Studies">Government Usability Case Studies</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> This list of government usability case studies shows how government sites, mobile apps and other products become more effective, more coherent and more usable by focusing on the User Experience of their customers. Want to be featured here? Just email us. National Cancer Institute Persona </p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="dg-collection"> <h2 class="dg-collection__header" > Join a Community of Practice </h2> <ul class="usa-collection"> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/communities/web-analytics-and-optimization/" title="Join the Web Analytics">Join the Web Analytics</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Make better decisions using web analytics and other optimization strategies. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/communities/web-content-managers/" title="Join the Web Managers">Join the Web Managers</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Create a better online experience for the public alongside government web content managers. </p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <section class="dg-stream usa-section"> <div class="grid-container-desktop"> <h2>Usability events</h2> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="uswds-monthly-call-november-2024" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>USWDS</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="uswds-monthly-call-november-2024"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/11/21/uswds-monthly-call-november-2024/" title="USWDS Monthly Call - November 2024" rel="bookmark" >USWDS Monthly Call - November 2024</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> 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. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-11-21"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Nov</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >21<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="uswds-monthly-call-october-2024" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>USWDS</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="uswds-monthly-call-october-2024"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/10/17/uswds-monthly-call-october-2024/" title="USWDS Monthly Call - October 2024" rel="bookmark" >USWDS Monthly Call - October 2024</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> 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. </div><div class="card-event__watch-label"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#youtube" ></use> </svg> Watch Video </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-10-17"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Oct</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >17<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="spring-2024-community-summit" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>Annual Gathering</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="spring-2024-community-summit"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/03/13/spring-2024-community-summit/" title="Spring 2024 Community Summit" rel="bookmark" >Spring 2024 Community Summit</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> Digital service experts across the federal government will share case studies and best practices on delivering a digital-first public experience. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-03-13"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Mar</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >13<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="uswds-monthly-call-march-2023" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><h2 class="card-event__title" id="uswds-monthly-call-march-2023"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2023/03/28/uswds-monthly-call-march-2023/" title="USWDS Monthly Call - March 2023" rel="bookmark" >USWDS Monthly Call - March 2023</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> Making sense: Cognition, perception, and design </div><div class="card-event__watch-label"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#youtube" ></use> </svg> Watch Video </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2023-03-28"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Mar</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >28<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2023</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2023</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="continuously-improve-your-website-by-using-customer-feedback-and-web-analytics-an-irs-case-study" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>Web Managers & Web Analytics</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="continuously-improve-your-website-by-using-customer-feedback-and-web-analytics-an-irs-case-study"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2023/01/25/continuously-improve-your-website-by-using-customer-feedback-and-web-analytics-an-irs-case-study/" title="Continuously improve your website by using customer feedback and web analytics: An IRS case study" rel="bookmark" >Continuously improve your website by using customer feedback and web analytics: An IRS case study</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> Get tips and lessons learned from the Internal Revenue Service on how they collect user feedback and use web analytics to improve applications. </div><div class="card-event__watch-label"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#youtube" ></use> </svg> Watch Video </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2023-01-25"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Jan</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >25<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2023</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2023</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="grid-container-desktop"> <h2>Usability news</h2> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/30/enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites/">Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>An overview of GSA’s website evaluation process, which combines qualitative and quantitative data to assess website management and performance.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/beharti.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/behati-hart/ " title="Posts by Behati Hart" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Behati Hart" >Behati Hart</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <div class="media-featured"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/30/enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites/" title="Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/quantitative-qualitative-research-data-whale-design-istock-getty-images-1533625139_w800.png" aria-hidden="true" alt="" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 30, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-making-targeted-improvements-to-nps.gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-making-targeted-improvements-to-nps.gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/11/making-targeted-improvements-to-nps-gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service/">Making targeted improvements to NPS.gov: A case study from the National Park Service</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>NPS enhances user experience on NPS.gov by integrating Digital Analytics Program web analytics data and customer feedback from GSA Touchpoints.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/rangernathan.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/nathan-king/ " title="Posts by Nathan King" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Nathan King" >Nathan King</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <div class="media-featured"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/11/making-targeted-improvements-to-nps-gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service/" title="Making targeted improvements to NPS.gov: A case study from the National Park Service"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/national-park-service-nps-homepage-october-2024_w800.png" aria-hidden="true" alt="" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 11, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/04/uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research/">Uncovering impactful solutions through user research</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>Get an overview of what user research and user testing are in a federal context. Learn what policies apply and what resources are available.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/Frances-Carden.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/frances-carden/ " title="Posts by Frances Carden" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Frances Carden" >Frances Carden</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 04, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-10-years-of-the-u.s.-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-10-years-of-the-u.s.-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age"> <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/08/13/10-years-of-the-u-s-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age/">10 years of the U.S. Digital Service: Transforming government for the digital age</a> </h3> <p>Over the past decade, the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) has collaborated with more than 30 federal agencies to create user-friendly, reliable, and seamless digital experiences. Their work prioritizing human-centered design and engineering includes improving services for veterans with Veterans Affairs, launching the Internal Revenue Service Direct File Pilot, and supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, USDS remains committed to building trust, fostering innovation, and scaling digital capacity across the federal government, ensuring better service for all Americans.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/08/13/10-years-of-the-u-s-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age/" title="Read at The White House" >The White House</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/whitehouse-logo.png" alt="whitehouse logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Aug 13, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants">Developing an easier way to recruit user research participants</a> </h3> <p>USA.gov and 10x recently partnered to develop a new user research recruitment page. The page launched in February 2024 and has attracted hundreds of sign-ups. It allows participants to assist in testing government websites for compensation, and helps teams find participants that match needed demographics. By simplifying the process and expanding recruitment of diverse populations, the initiative aims to support and streamline user research. It plans to add recruitment opportunities in additional languages and recruit more specific audiences for future studies.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Aug 06, 2024</div> </div> </article> </div> </section> <section class="grid-container-desktop usa-section"> <div class="dg-collection"> <h2 class="dg-collection__header" > Resources on Usability </h2> <ul class="usa-collection"> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/an-introduction-to-content/" title="An introduction to content">An introduction to content</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/logos/digitalgov-icon.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/event/2018/06/14/usability-testing-with-steve-krug/" title="Usability Testing with Steve Krug">Usability Testing with Steve Krug</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Get started making usability fixes to your website or product. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=https://www.dhs.gov/cx/dhs-usability-testing-kit" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.dhs.gov/cx/dhs-usability-testing-kit" title="Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit">Department of Homeland Security: Usability Testing Kit</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> A resource with four approaches to help federal employees perform usability testing. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/logos/18f-icon.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://methods.18f.gov/" title="18F Methods">18F Methods</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> A collection of tools that describe how teams can put human-centered design into practice. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/digitalgov-user-experience-program-usability-starter-kit/" title="Usability Starter Kit">Usability Starter Kit</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Here are some tools and templates to help you create better user experiences. </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/digitalgov-user-experience-program-results-and-case-studies/" title="Fueleconomy.gov – Extended Case Study">Fueleconomy.gov – Extended Case Study</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> Like any valid business decision, User Experience work should produce results and demonstrable impact. To see a list of screenshots from websites we’ve improved, visit the rest of our Usability Case Studies. Or see a more complete case study below. Case Study: Fueleconomy.gov Mobile Site In December of 2012 </p> </div> </li> <li class="usa-collection__item"> <div class="usa-collection__img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-collection__img" src="/img/digit-50.png" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> </div> <div class="usa-collection__body"> <h3 class="usa-collection__header"> <a class="usa-link" href="/resources/digitalgov-user-experience-resources/government-usability-case-studies/" title="Government Usability Case Studies">Government Usability Case Studies</a> </h3> <p class="usa-collection__description"> This list of government usability case studies shows how government sites, mobile apps and other products become more effective, more coherent and more usable by focusing on the User Experience of their customers. Want to be featured here? Just email us. National Cancer Institute Persona </p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </section> <div class="usa-section usa-section--light"> <div class="grid-container grid-container-desktop"> <h2 id="dg-stream-pagination-header"> More News and Events on Usability</h2> <p>144 posts</p> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="uswds-monthly-call-november-2024" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>USWDS</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="uswds-monthly-call-november-2024"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/11/21/uswds-monthly-call-november-2024/" title="USWDS Monthly Call - November 2024" rel="bookmark" >USWDS Monthly Call - November 2024</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> 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. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-11-21"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Nov</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >21<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/30/enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites/">Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>An overview of GSA’s website evaluation process, which combines qualitative and quantitative data to assess website management and performance.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/beharti.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/behati-hart/ " title="Posts by Behati Hart" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Behati Hart" >Behati Hart</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <div class="media-featured"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/30/enhancing-the-customer-centricity-of-gsa-websites/" title="Enhancing the customer-centricity of GSA websites"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/quantitative-qualitative-research-data-whale-design-istock-getty-images-1533625139_w800.png" aria-hidden="true" alt="" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 30, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="uswds-monthly-call-october-2024" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>USWDS</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="uswds-monthly-call-october-2024"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/10/17/uswds-monthly-call-october-2024/" title="USWDS Monthly Call - October 2024" rel="bookmark" >USWDS Monthly Call - October 2024</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> 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. </div><div class="card-event__watch-label"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#youtube" ></use> </svg> Watch Video </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-10-17"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Oct</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >17<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-making-targeted-improvements-to-nps.gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-making-targeted-improvements-to-nps.gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/11/making-targeted-improvements-to-nps-gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service/">Making targeted improvements to NPS.gov: A case study from the National Park Service</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>NPS enhances user experience on NPS.gov by integrating Digital Analytics Program web analytics data and customer feedback from GSA Touchpoints.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/rangernathan.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/nathan-king/ " title="Posts by Nathan King" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Nathan King" >Nathan King</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <div class="media-featured"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/11/making-targeted-improvements-to-nps-gov-a-case-study-from-the-national-park-service/" title="Making targeted improvements to NPS.gov: A case study from the National Park Service"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/national-park-service-nps-homepage-october-2024_w800.png" aria-hidden="true" alt="" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 11, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/10/04/uncovering-impactful-solutions-through-user-research/">Uncovering impactful solutions through user research</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>Get an overview of what user research and user testing are in a federal context. Learn what policies apply and what resources are available.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/Frances-Carden.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/frances-carden/ " title="Posts by Frances Carden" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Frances Carden" >Frances Carden</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 04, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-10-years-of-the-u.s.-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-10-years-of-the-u.s.-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age"> <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/08/13/10-years-of-the-u-s-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age/">10 years of the U.S. Digital Service: Transforming government for the digital age</a> </h3> <p>Over the past decade, the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) has collaborated with more than 30 federal agencies to create user-friendly, reliable, and seamless digital experiences. Their work prioritizing human-centered design and engineering includes improving services for veterans with Veterans Affairs, launching the Internal Revenue Service Direct File Pilot, and supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, USDS remains committed to building trust, fostering innovation, and scaling digital capacity across the federal government, ensuring better service for all Americans.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/08/13/10-years-of-the-u-s-digital-service-transforming-government-for-the-digital-age/" title="Read at The White House" >The White House</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/whitehouse-logo.png" alt="whitehouse logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Aug 13, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants">Developing an easier way to recruit user research participants</a> </h3> <p>USA.gov and 10x recently partnered to develop a new user research recruitment page. The page launched in February 2024 and has attracted hundreds of sign-ups. It allows participants to assist in testing government websites for compensation, and helps teams find participants that match needed demographics. By simplifying the process and expanding recruitment of diverse populations, the initiative aims to support and streamline user research. It plans to add recruitment opportunities in additional languages and recruit more specific audiences for future studies.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/developing-an-easier-way-to-recruit-user-research-participants" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Aug 06, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-designing-for-people-with-disabilities" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-designing-for-people-with-disabilities"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/designing-for-people-with-disabilities">Designing for people with disabilities</a> </h3> <p>The User Experience (UX) team at USA.gov’s Public Experience Portfolio recently conducted a study to analyze the experiences of individuals who access USA.gov through assistive technology. The team partnered with a local organization to gather insights from a diverse group of participants, many of whom are blind or deaf. The study revealed various habits and challenges faced by these users, such as a preference for mobile sites, difficulty with website carousels, and a reliance on clear headings and action-oriented descriptions. These findings can guide improvements in accessibility, such as clever link labeling and better navigation aids for assistive technology users.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/designing-for-people-with-disabilities" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Jul 16, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-a-small-teams-journey-through-digital-maturity" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-a-small-teams-journey-through-digital-maturity"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/07/08/a-small-teams-journey-through-digital-maturity/">A small team’s journey through digital maturity</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>As a small team, Digital.gov adopted user research and customer experience early. That foundation helps develop evidence-based strategies for today.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/sarah-sch.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/sarah-schroeder/ " title="Posts by Sarah Schroeder" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Sarah Schroeder" >Sarah Schroeder</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Jul 08, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-case-study-removing-barriers-to-applying-for-a-presidential-pardon" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-case-study-removing-barriers-to-applying-for-a-presidential-pardon"> <a href="https://www.justice.gov/atj/access-doj/case-studies/removing-barriers-applying-presidential-pardon">Case study: Removing barriers to applying for a presidential pardon</a> </h3> <p>At the Department of Justice, Access DOJ and the Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) partnered to simplify and streamline the presidential pardon application process. By conducting usability testing and gathering feedback, they identified key issues with the existing application, such as its complexity and length. See how redesigning the forms to be more accessible and understandable led to a more efficient process for both applicants and staff.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://www.justice.gov/atj/access-doj/case-studies/removing-barriers-applying-presidential-pardon" title="Read at Department of Justice" >Department of Justice</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/doj-logo.png" alt="doj logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Jun 06, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-one-year-with-the-new-usagov" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-one-year-with-the-new-usagov"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/one-year-with-the-new-usagov">One year with the new USAGov</a> </h3> <p>It has been a year since USA.gov and USAGov en Español were relaunched using human-centered design principles. Using task backlog, the USAGov team has addressed content gaps, improved discoverability, and implemented technical updates. Through usability tests, visitor comments, and click behavior the team was able to unravel and respond to user feedback and unmet needs, leading to noticeable increases in visitor satisfaction and task accomplishment. Moving forward, the focus will shift to enhancing public engagement with the government, improving the search for benefits-related content, and exploring interactive and personalized user experiences.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/one-year-with-the-new-usagov" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">May 14, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-progress-towards-delivering-a-digital-first-public-experience" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-progress-towards-delivering-a-digital-first-public-experience"> <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/04/17/progress-towards-delivering-a-digital-first-public-experience/">Progress towards delivering a digital-first public experience</a> </h3> <p>Each year, more than 400 million individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and local governments get information and services from about 430 federal agencies and sub-agencies. The Biden-Harris administration is driving a bold vision for how government agencies serve their customers digitally with OMB’s ten-year roadmap for a modern digital experience. Agencies have already made significant strides. Learn about recent successes by the IRS, CDC, NASA, and FEMA, and how OMB will continue to collaborate with agencies to ensure ongoing improvement in digital government services.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/04/17/progress-towards-delivering-a-digital-first-public-experience/" title="Read at The White House" >The White House</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/whitehouse-logo.png" alt="whitehouse logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Apr 17, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-determining-the-true-value-of-a-website-a-gsa-case-study" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-determining-the-true-value-of-a-website-a-gsa-case-study"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/04/16/determining-the-true-value-of-a-website-a-gsa-case-study/">Determining the true value of a website: A GSA case study</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>GSA has developed a composite indicator to visualize six key components of website success.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/AKM399.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/aaron-meyers/ " title="Posts by Aaron Meyers" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Aaron Meyers" >Aaron Meyers</a > </div> </div> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/anatecture.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/ana-monroe/ " title="Posts by Ana Monroe" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Ana Monroe" >Ana Monroe</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Apr 16, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-18f-at-ten" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-18f-at-ten"> <a href="https://18f.gsa.gov/2024/03/19/18f-at-ten/">18F at ten</a> </h3> <p>We’re celebrating all the ways we continue to realize our founding vision: bringing technologists into government, launching shared digital services, and helping partner agencies build user-centered technology.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://18f.gsa.gov/2024/03/19/18f-at-ten/" title="Read at 18F" >18F</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/18f-logo.png" alt="18f logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Mar 19, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-search.gov-year-in-review-2023-report" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-search.gov-year-in-review-2023-report"> <a href="https://search.gov/about/updates/year-in-review/2023-year-in-review/overview.html">Search.gov year in review: 2023 report</a> </h3> <p>Learn what types of information people searched for on federal websites in 2023, see emerging trends the team is exploring to improve customers’ search experience in 2024, and check out three new updates. The data tab provides insightful summaries for 13 popular topic areas—and lists the public’s top 25 search terms, in their own words, for each.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://search.gov/about/updates/year-in-review/2023-year-in-review/overview.html" title="Read at Search.gov" >Search.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/searchgov-logo.png" alt="searchgov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Mar 15, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-event card-event--past card-linked" aria-labelledby="spring-2024-community-summit" > <div class="card-event__main"> <div class="card-event__header"><div class="flex-align-end card-event__kicker"> <span>Annual Gathering</span> </div><h2 class="card-event__title" id="spring-2024-community-summit"> <a href="https://digital.gov/event/2024/03/13/spring-2024-community-summit/" title="Spring 2024 Community Summit" rel="bookmark" >Spring 2024 Community Summit</a > </h2> </div> <div class="card-event__body"><div class="card-event__summary"> Digital service experts across the federal government will share case studies and best practices on delivering a digital-first public experience. </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-event__aside"> <div class="card-event__date"> <time class="card-event__datetime" datetime="2024-03-13"> <span class="card-event__datetime-month" >Mar</span > <span class="card-event__datetime-day" >13<span class="card-event__datetime-comma">,</span> </span> <span class="card-event__datetime-year--mobile" >2024</span > </time> <span class="card-event__date-label"> <span class="card-event__datetime-year" >2024</span > </span> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--internal card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-timeless-top-10-best-practices-for-great-government-websites" > <div class="card__content"> <h3 id="title-timeless-top-10-best-practices-for-great-government-websites"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/02/09/timeless-top-10-best-practices-for-great-government-websites/">Timeless top 10 best practices for great government websites</a> </h3><div class="summary"> <p>While the field of federal web management continues to evolve, the core best practices have remained essentially unchanged for two decades.</p> </div> <div class="authors-list authors-list--inline"> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/afeijoo.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/ammie-farraj-feijoo/ " title="Posts by Ammie Farraj Feijoo" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Ammie Farraj Feijoo" >Ammie Farraj Feijoo</a > </div> </div> <div class="author usa-media-block"> <img class="author__photo-img usa-media-block__img" src="https://github.com/RachelF.png?size=50" alt="" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <a class="author__name" href="https://digital.gov/authors/rflagg/ " title="Posts by Rachel Flagg" rel="author" aria-label="Read more articles by Rachel Flagg" >Rachel Flagg</a > </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <div class="media-featured"> <a href="https://digital.gov/2024/02/09/timeless-top-10-best-practices-for-great-government-websites/" title="Timeless top 10 best practices for great government websites"> <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/digitalgov/colorful-digital-10-vuifah-istock-getty-images-166056002_w800.jpg" aria-hidden="true" alt="" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Feb 09, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-accessibility-testing-creating-digital-services-everyone-can-use" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-accessibility-testing-creating-digital-services-everyone-can-use"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/accessibility-testing-creating-digital-services-everyone-can-use">Accessibility testing: Creating digital services everyone can use</a> </h3> <p>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.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/accessibility-testing-creating-digital-services-everyone-can-use" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Jan 09, 2024</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-5-things-we-learned-from-our-scams-wizard-usability-test" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-5-things-we-learned-from-our-scams-wizard-usability-test"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/5-things-we-learned-from-our-scams-wizard-usability-test">5 things we learned from our scams wizard usability test</a> </h3> <p>USAGov’s usability (UX) team developed a step-by-step process for visitors to easily report a scam. Here are 5 things the team learned from performing usability testing on the tool.<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/5-things-we-learned-from-our-scams-wizard-usability-test" title="Read at USA.gov" >USA.gov</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/usagov-logo.png" alt="usagov logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Oct 04, 2023</div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-news--external card-linked" aria-labelledby="title-why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government" > <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__summary"> <h3 id="title-why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government"> <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/09/22/why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government/">Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government</a> </h3> <p>OMB released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA).<em class="card__source source" >— via <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/09/22/why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government/" title="Read at The White House" >The White House</a ></em > </p> </div> </div> <div class="card__media"> <img src="/logos/whitehouse-logo.png" alt="whitehouse logo" /> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="date">Sep 22, 2023</div> </div> </article> <ul class="pagination"> <li class="page active"> <a href="/topics/usability/" class="pagination__link"> 1 </a> </li> <li class="page "> <a href="/topics/usability/page/2/" class="pagination__link"> 2 </a> </li> <li class="page "> <a href="/topics/usability/page/3/" class="pagination__link"> 3 </a> </li> <li class="page "> <a href="/topics/usability/page/4/" class="pagination__link"> 4 </a> </li> <li class="page "> <a href="/topics/usability/page/5/" class="pagination__link"> 5 </a> </li> <li class="pagination-next"> <a href="/topics/usability/page/2/" aria-label="Next page"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#arrow_forward" ></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="pagination-last"> <a href="/topics/usability/page/8/" aria-label="Last page"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#last_page" ></use> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </main> <section id="newsletter-signup" aria-label="Subscribe to the Digital.gov newsletter" > <div class="grid-container grid-container-desktop"> <div class="grid-row tablet-lg:grid-gap-6"> <div class="grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-7"> <section class="usa-sign-up"> <p class="blurb" id="newsletter-subscribe-description"> <strong>Join 18,000 others in government</strong> and subscribe to our newsletter — a round-up of the best digital news in government and across our field. </p> </section> </div> <div class="grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-5"> <section class="usa-sign-up" aria-describedby="newsletter-subscribe-description" > <script src="https://public.govdelivery.com/assets/Signup.js" data-account-code="USGSA" data-signup-id="34948" ></script> </section> </div> </div> </div> </section> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big" role="contentinfo"> <section class="return-to-top"> <div class="grid-container grid-container-desktop usa-footer__return-to-top" > <a href="#"> <span>Return to top</span> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#arrow_upward" ></use> </svg> </a> </div> </section> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container grid-container-desktop"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" > <h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">Learn</h4> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/news/">Blogs</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/events/">Events</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/resources/">Resources</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/communities/">Communities</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/guides/">Guides</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/job-board/">Job board</a> </li></ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" > <h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">Contribute</h4> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/contribute/">Write for us</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/digitalgov-university/">Host an event</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/issues">Submit GitHub issue</a> </li></ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" > <h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">About</h4> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about/">About Us</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/policies/">Site Policies</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about/contact/">Contact Us</a> </li><li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about/manage-content/">Content schedule</a> </li></ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" > <h4 class="usa-footer__primary-link">Social</h4> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled social-links"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#x" ></use> </svg> <a class="text-ink hover:text-ink text-no-underline hover:text-underline" href="https://twitter.com/digital_gov" >X (Formerly Twitter)</a > </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#facebook" ></use> </svg> <a class="text-ink hover:text-ink text-no-underline hover:text-underline" href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalgov/" >Facebook</a > </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#youtube" ></use> </svg> <a class="text-ink hover:text-ink text-no-underline hover:text-underline" href="https://youtube.com/@DigitalGov" >YouTube</a > </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#linkedin" ></use> </svg> <a class="text-ink hover:text-ink text-no-underline hover:text-underline" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalgov-gsa/" >LinkedIn</a > </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <svg class="usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" > <use xlink:href="/uswds/img/sprite.svg#rss_feed" ></use> </svg> <a class="text-ink hover:text-ink text-no-underline hover:text-underline" href="/index.xml" >RSS</a > </li> </ul> </section> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="usa-identifier"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead" aria-label="Agency identifier" > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__logos"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov" class="usa-identifier__logo"> <img class="usa-identifier__logo-img" src="/img/gsa-logo-w100.png" alt="GSA logo" role="img" width="100" height="100" /> </a> </div> <section class="usa-identifier__identity" aria-label="Agency description" > <p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain">Digital.gov</p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer"> An official website of the <a href="https://www.gsa.gov">U.S. General Services Administration</a> </p> </section> </div> </section> <nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important links" > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list"> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/about-us" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > About GSA </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/accessibility-statement" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > Accessibility statement </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/freedom-of-information-act-foia" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > FOIA requests </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/civil-rights-programs/the-no-fear-act" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > No FEAR Act data </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsaig.gov/" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > Office of the Inspector General </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/reports/budget-performance" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > Performance reports </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/website-policies" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" > Privacy policy </a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--usagov" aria-label="U.S. government information and services" > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__usagov-description"> Looking for U.S. government information and services? </div> <a href="https://www.usa.gov/" class="usa-link"> Visit USA.gov </a> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div id="clicks_iframe" class="display-none"></div> </body> <script type="text/javascript">let glossaryPath = null; const glossaryIcon = "\/uswds\/img\/sprite.svg#expand_more" </script> <script src="https://digital.gov/dist/js/uswds.min.js"></script> <script src="https://digital.gov/dist/js/main.js"></script> </html>

CINXE.COM

Usability – Digital.gov