Design
Using, adapting and creating patterns
Design patterns are evidence-based solutions to common design problems. You must start using them as soon as you begin making prototypes.
Following design patterns means you:
- avoid repeating work that’s already been done
- avoid making mistakes that others have already learned from
- build on the research and experience of teams across government
- make your service consistent with other government services
Where to find design patterns
In the GOV.UK Design System, you’ll find patterns on how to ask users for commonly-needed information like:
- addresses
- dates
- gender or sex
- names
- National Insurance numbers
- passwords
There are also patterns on how to help users do things like:
- check a service is suitable
- check their answers
- confirm an email address
- create a username
- create an account
You’ll also find patterns for common page types like:
- confirmation pages
- question pages
- start pages
- task list pages
Creating or changing patterns
If research shows that none of the existing patterns meet the needs of your users, you can:
- adapt an existing pattern
- create a new pattern
You must contribute your findings back to the GOV.UK Design System.
- Last update:
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Added guidance on using beta patterns.
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Guidance first published