In the beginning
We launched the public beta of the NSW Design System in December 2018, driven and guided by a strong set of principles - the NSW Design Standards. Since release, our team have fully embraced the iteration process. We've tested them, re-worked them, and got straight back to testing.
This testing showed that the original approach wasn't the most useful format for the people using the Standards. What we've learned, through testing with service designers, policymakers, project managers, agile coaches and a vast collection of other government employees, is that different users have different needs of the Standards. Testing showed that some users wanted a holistic view of the Standards and what was expected of them, while others wanted a more stepped out process, where they could see what was required of them at specific points of a project.
Now it's time to show you the work that we've done.
The shiny new Standards
Based on your feedback we are also developing more concrete requirements so it's easier for teams to know that their work is meeting the minimum they need to do.
The users have spoken, and we're releasing two formats. You can see the six Standards holistically (which seems to be preferred by policymakers, executives and communications professionals) or as a project checklist (which is preferred by product manager and people who are in the detail of delivery). By providing both versions, we're hoping to meet people at their need.
As well as being available in two formats, the language of the new Standards has been simplified, with reading time significantly reduced. The new Standards are also clearer on what is expected from creators, which should make following the Standards in projects a little easier. We've also renamed one of the standards to be clearer – 'Continuously improve' is now 'Monitor, manage and evolve'.
There's more to come
Based on your feedback we are also developing more concrete requirements so it's easier for teams to know that they're meeting the Standards, as well as more guides to support applying it.
This will take time to evolve.
We're starting with the 'Design with users, for users' standard, focusing on inclusivity and user research, so keep a look out for updates.
We'd love to hear from you. If you've got experience working in inclusivity and user research, please get in touch.
We're building a community of creators to understand what kind of support people in NSW government need in the design process. Email us at digital@customerservice.nsw.gov.au if you'd like to be involved.