Patterns
USWDS patterns are practical guidelines and best practices for common user interactions
Interested in what the USWDS team learned speaking with digital teams throughout the federal government as they work to remove barriers and create inclusive digital experiences for all users? Visit Together: Inclusive Design Patterns.
Help users to…
Complete a complex form
Assist users in entering form information by reducing their cognitive load and offering peace of mind.
Select a language
Help users to easily identify and access content in whatever language they prefer.
Create a user profile
Help users to provide information that is key to their identity.
Introducing patterns
USWDS patterns are practical guidelines and best practices for common user interactions
What are design patterns?
Patterns are best practice design solutions for specific user tasks and interactions.
Where do design patterns fit into USWDS?
If we frame USWDS within a food metaphor, patterns are the recipes that pull together components (ingredients), tokens (flavors and textures), and usability and accessibility guidance (techniques). Patterns provide the recipe — the blueprint — for creating an inclusive experience. You’ll still need to apply your deep knowledge of your users to make design choices that work for you, but the patterns summarize the considerations important to your choices.
Design patterns provide suggested layouts, key considerations, and research-informed recommendations on how to create successful experiences. They are designed to respect and reflect the variety of personal and life experiences users bring as these recipes come to life.
How will design patterns drive USWDS in the future?
The initial set of USWDS design patterns represent some of the most common information-gathering and task-related interactions digital teams are currently designing, with a focus on applying a lens of inclusivity to these customer experiences.
We believe this approach is just the beginning — and that our continued focus on understanding what digital teams need to reduce friction and support all users will drive USWDS toward pattern-driven development — new or improved components, tokens, guidance, and templates that reflect an evolving understanding of inclusive language and equity in delivery. We expect USWDS patterns to evolve just as this space does.
Create a user profile
Help a user to create their profile
Why this matters
User profiles are central to a person’s identity. A user profile may be integral to proving identity and qualifying for and receiving support and services from the government. It can also be integral to expressing identity and ensuring respectful communication.
Help users to…
Enter their address
Help users to input their physical or mailing addresses for successful communication.
Indicate their contact preferences
Help users to specify how they would like to be contacted and in what language.
Enter their date of birth
Help users to enter their birth date or other memorable date.
Provide their email address
Help users to enter their email address.
Select their gender identity and sex
Help users to select their gender identity and sex.
Provide their name
Help users to enter their name accurately and confidently regardless of format.
Enter their phone number
Help users to enter their phone number or numbers to ensure effective communication.
Share their pronouns
Help users to provide their pronouns to ensure they are addressed in the manner they prefer.
Provide their race and ethnicity
Help users to provide the race and ethnicity that reflects their lived experience.
Enter their Social Security Number
Help users to provide their Social Security Number.
Complete a complex form
Help a user to successfully complete complex forms
Why this matters
Complex forms can be daunting and overwhelming. This is especially true when users are under stress or recovering from trauma. By supporting users through their interaction with the form, we can increase confidence, reduce cognitive load, and decrease frustration.
Help users to…
Understand expectations and establish trust
Help users understand what’s needed to complete the form, how the information will be used, and how we’ll protect their privacy and security.
Progress easily through form questions
Guide users through the process of completing a form in a way that is humane and respectful.
Keep a record of submitted information
Allow users to review and keep a copy of the answers they’ve provided and feel confident in their interaction.
Select a language
Help a user to choose their preferred language
Why this matters
Accessing content in the language that the user is most comfortable in allows the user to be more successful in completing key tasks. People with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) may struggle to complete tasks in English, especially during times of stress. By supporting users in their language of choice we show respect and enable them to be more effective.
Help users to…
Select between two languages
Help users select between two languages, such as English and Spanish.
Select from three or more languages
Help users choose from multiple available languages, such as English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.
Find selected multilingual content
Help users to find content in their preferred language when only selected pieces of content have been translated.
Indicate preferred languages
Help users to choose the languages they prefer for communication
Become part of the community
USWDS is an active open source community of government engineers, content specialists, and designers. Our contributors both in and out of government support dozens of agencies and nearly 200 sites.
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