---
title: Better Gov's Design System
tags: [onboarding]
---

# Welcome to BetterGovPH Design System

### Why do we need this?

Government websites across the Philippines lack consistency in user experience, accessibility standards, and visual design. Citizens often struggle to navigate different government services because each agency creates their own interface patterns from scratch.

**Our mission:** Create a unified, accessible, and citizen-centered design system that makes government services easier to use and more trustworthy for all Filipinos.

A shared design system will help us:
- **Create consistency** - Citizens get familiar patterns across all BetterGov.ph projects
- **Reduce development time** - Reuse proven components instead of rebuilding from scratch
- **Enable rapid iteration** - Test and improve patterns once, benefit everywhere
- **Ensure accessibility** - Built-in compliance with WCAG standards and Filipino user needs

## What we'll cover
- [How to contribute](#how-to-contribute)
- [Design principles](#design-principles)
- [Component library](#component-library)
- [Accessibility guidelines](#accessibility-guidelines)
- [Development standards](#development-standards)
- [Testing and feedback](#testing-and-feedback)
- [Getting help](#getting-help)

## How to contribute

We welcome contributions from designers, developers, researchers, and government employees! Here's how you can get involved:

### For Designers
1. **Audit existing patterns** - Document what's currently being used across existing BetterGov.ph projects.
2. **Create new components** - Design accessible, mobile-first components in Figma
3. **Test with users** - Conduct usability testing with Filipino citizens
4. **Document guidelines** - Write clear usage instructions for each component

### For Developers
1. **Build components** - Implement designs using our tech standards (React, Vue, vanilla JS)
2. **Ensure accessibility** - Test with screen readers and follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards
3. **Write documentation** - Create clear implementation guides and code examples
4. **Review contributions** - Help maintain code quality and consistency

### For Researchers
1. **User research** - Study how Filipinos interact with government services online
2. **Accessibility testing** - Ensure our patterns work for users with disabilities
3. **Content strategy** - Help create clear, inclusive language patterns
4. **Usability testing** - Test new components with real government service users

## Ready to contribute?

The future of government digital services in the Philippines starts with all of us working together. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a design student, or a government employee who wants better tools - there's a place for you in this community.

**Next steps:**
1. Join our Discord server: [[discord.gg/bettergov-ph](https://discord.gg/J5kwyvSyZc)]
2. Check out our GitHub repo: ???
3. Read our contribution guide: ???

*Sama-sama tayong gagawa ng mas magandang digital na serbisyo para sa lahat ng Pilipino!*

## Design principles

### 1. **Citizen-First**
Every design decision should make government services easier and more accessible for Filipino citizens, regardless of their technical literacy, device, or connection speed.

### 2. **Inclusive by Default**
Design for the most vulnerable users first - those with disabilities, limited internet access, older devices, and lower digital literacy.

### 3. **Mobile-First**
Most Filipinos access government services through mobile devices. Our designs must work brilliantly on small screens with slow connections.

### 4. **Culturally Appropriate**
Respect Filipino values, communication patterns, and visual preferences. Use inclusive imagery and language that represents our diversity.

### 5. **Trust Through Transparency**
Build trust by being transparent about processes, timelines, and requirements. Use clear, honest language and set proper expectations.

## Component library

*=== FEEL FREE TO EDIT ====*

Our component library includes:

### Core Components
- **Forms** - Accessible form fields, validation, and submission patterns
- **Navigation** - Consistent header, footer, and menu patterns
- **Cards** - Information display for services, updates, and content
- **Buttons** - Primary, secondary, and specialized action buttons
- **Tables** - Data display for schedules, fees, requirements, etc.

### Service-Specific Components
- **Document upload** - Secure file upload with clear requirements
- **Status tracking** - Show application progress and next steps
- **Payment integration** - Consistent payment flows across agencies
- **Appointment booking** - Calendar and scheduling components
- **Contact information** - Office locations, hours, and contact details

### Accessibility Features
- **Screen reader support** - Proper ARIA labels and semantic HTML
- **Keyboard navigation** - Full functionality without a mouse
- **Color contrast** - WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for all text and interface elements
- **Text scaling** - Support for browser zoom up to 200%

## Development standards

*=== FEEL FREE TO EDIT ====*

### Technology Requirements
- **Framework agnostic** - Components work with React, Vue, Angular, or vanilla JS
- **Progressive enhancement** - Basic functionality works without JavaScript
- **Responsive design** - Mobile-first, works on all screen sizes
- **Performance optimized** - Fast loading on 2G connections

### Code Standards
- **Semantic HTML** - Use proper HTML elements for better accessibility
- **Modern CSS** - CSS Grid, Flexbox, custom properties
- **TypeScript support** - Type definitions for all components
- **Testing required** - Unit tests and accessibility tests for all components

### Browser Support
- **Mobile browsers** - Chrome Mobile, Safari Mobile, Samsung Internet
- **Desktop browsers** - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (current and previous versions)
- **Legacy support** - Graceful degradation for older browsers

## Testing and feedback

*=== FEEL FREE TO EDIT ====*

### User Testing
- **Citizen feedback** - Regular testing with actual government service users
- **Agency feedback** - Input from government employees who use our tools
- **Accessibility testing** - Testing with users who have disabilities
- **Device testing** - Testing on various devices and connection speeds

### Quality Assurance
- **Automated testing** - Continuous integration with accessibility and performance tests
- **Manual review** - Design and code review for all contributions
- **Documentation review** - Ensure all components have clear usage guidelines

## Getting help

*=== FEEL FREE TO EDIT ====*

### Join our community
- **Discord server** - Real-time chat with other contributors
- **GitHub discussions** - Async conversations about specific issues
- **Monthly meetings** - Virtual meetups for planning and updates
- **Workshops** - Regular training sessions on accessibility and inclusive design

### Resources
- **Design files** - Figma library with all components and patterns
- **Code repository** - GitHub repo with implementation examples
- **Documentation site** - Comprehensive guides and best practices
- **Blog** - Updates on progress and lessons learned

### Support
- **Email** - [e-mail] for questions and support
- **Office hours** - Weekly video calls with core team members
- **Onboarding guide** - Step-by-step guide for new contributors

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