The Government Design System (GDS) is a comprehensive framework used by the UK government to create consistent, user-friendly digital services. It includes styles, components and patterns that help design and build accessible and efficient services.  

Our Power Platform component library has been developed in line with the GDS. We recommend using GDS and following these five principles to help you get started: 

• Lead with User-Centred Design 

• Consistency is Key 

• Make Accessibility a Priority  

• Work Efficiently 

• Promote Collaboration 

 

#1 Lead with User-Centred Design 

A key principle of the GDS focuses on meeting the needs of users and building the right services for them.  

Throughout the development of our component library, we have followed the patterns set out by the GDS, which have been tested in GDS user research. This enabled us to apply the best practice design solutions to Power Platform components for specific, user-centred tasks, such as email inputs. By following GDS styling, our components look familiar and are easy to use, enhancing overall user satisfaction. 

 

#2 Consistency is Key  

The GDS aims to ensure that all government services have a standardised look and feel, by using the same design patterns and approaches wherever possible. This is important to ensure that users can easily navigate and understand the services that they are using. All our components align with GDS patterns and styling. They support theme customisation for branding, ensuring a consistent appearance when using them in applications. This approach helps create reliable, user-friendly services that are easy for users to recognise and understand. 

 

#3 Make Accessibility a Priority  

Within the GDS the overall aim is that digital services are inclusive, legible and readable. The GDS aims to design for all users, especially those who find their services hardest to use. 

Creating inclusive technology is an integral part of Marra’s values. Throughout the development of our component library, we aimed for our components to be as accessible as possible. This included building features such as screen reader accessibility labels and tab ordering. We believe that integrating accessibility requirements into our components enhances the overall end user experience for everyone. 

 

#4 Work Efficiently 

Time, budget and internal resources are just some of the constraints and challenges faced by government departments. By providing reusable components and patterns, the GDS aims to save time and resources, reducing duplication of effort across the development of digital services. Developing a library that contains reusable components and adheres to the GDS, enables the quicker delivery of Power Apps. This contributes to the optimisation of resources and helps to streamline the development process, which can result in lower costs and amount of rework.

 

#5 Promote Collaboration 

The GDS encourages open sharing of code, designs, intentions and failures. Using open-source code and the collective expertise across the government will enhance and improve digital services and give back to the community invested in supporting the GDS.  

Our Power Platform component library, hosted on GitHub, is open source and designed in line with the GDS. This provides transparency and flexibility to app makers, enhancing trust that our components can fulfil user needs. By encouraging community collaboration and feedback, we aim to incorporate a diverse range of ideas into our library through development iterations. This approach helps accelerate innovation and problem solving, ensuring the library remains useful and relevant. 

 

The GDS can Benefit Everyone 

Following the key principles of the GDS is beneficial, even if you’re not building government services. They can benefit both internal and external facing applications. They enable the creation of more appealing solutions through accessible, user-centred design.  

Ensuring consistency and efficiency across your organisation’s Power Apps helps to build user confidence and trust. This reduces cognitive load while using multiple applications and leads to improved productivity of internal users. These principles also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of development. Gathering feedback and opinions from a diverse range of stakeholders enables continuous improvement of solutions, ensuring they remain suitable and fit for purpose. Adhering to these principles supports the meeting of business goals, while providing meaningful and positive experiences for all users. 

 

Want to try it out? 

Our component library is free to use within Power Platform, and you can access the library  here. Want to read more about it first? Read our Build Better Apps Insights piece here.  

If you would like a demo of the library from one of our Power Platform specialists, then get in touch.