> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://specs.govstack.global/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://specs.govstack.global/overview/23q4/govstack-ui-ux-guidelines/2-description.md).

# 2 Description

This document has been developed as guidance to kick-start the design and development of services that use and combine GovStack applications and Building Blocks, as well as other components while maintaining a seamless and consistent user experience.

This guidance supports teams in identifying and implementing the foundations for designing user-centered, accessible, consistent, and technically robust services. Intended to help teams align to the [GovStack Design Principles](https://govstack.gitbook.io/implementation-playbook/govstack-implementation-playbook/govstack-design-principles) and the [Implementation Playbook](https://govstack.gitbook.io/implementation-playbook/).

## 2.1 Current scope

Specifications for how to implement accessible, responsive, multi-modal Building Blocks and provide a consistent service.

* Guidelines for designing interfaces (like meeting [WCAG accessibility guidelines](https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/)).
* Screen flows for common user journeys (like registration).
* Guidance on technical choices (like how to design for low bandwidth, high latency environments, unreliable connectivity, local storage, local persistence of data security using DOMs, etc.).
* Patterns for managing client-side validation.

## 2.2 Good practice UI/UX guidelines for Service Design

The guidelines act as a template checklist for assuring the quality of a service's design and delivery. Each point in the guideline has/links to additional guidance.

## 2.3 Service patterns

We chose to define high-level service patterns rather than anything more specific like a design system or user interface components, this is to maintain flexibility to work around each organization's needs and existing design assets and front-end frameworks.


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