Proposed principles

Help improve the design standard to create and run digital services that are user-focused and high-quality. While the standard is being developed, these principles are in draft — they might change based on your feedback.

Questions about the standard

Email the standard’s design team at gcdo@dia.govt.nz.

  1. 1

    Understand users’ needs

    Test assumptions by developing a holistic understanding of real users beyond their relationship with the government.

  2. 2

    Define a clear purpose

    Create a shared understanding of the problem you’re solving and desired outcomes before choosing a solution.

  3. 3

    Make it secure and trustworthy

    Evaluate what data should be collected, secured and provided. Be transparent how people’s information is used so it’s lawful and ethical.

  4. 4

    Build for everyone equally from the start

    Everyone, including disabled people, should be able to access and use your service regardless of ability, language or culture.

  5. 5

    Resource for ongoing delivery

    Make sure you have the resources to operate, maintain and improve the service over its life cycle.

  6. 6

    Support multi-disciplinary teams

    Bring together and develop teams who work together to create solutions. Make sure they’re given the freedom to work in innovative ways.

  7. 7

    Improve often

    Adopt modern agile and iterative ways of working. Start by solving a small part of the problem — learn and continue to improve over time.

  8. 8

    Share solutions

    Use existing resources so you can create services that are cost-effective and familiar. Share your own so others can benefit.

  9. 9

    Build cultural capability

    Commit to learning and adopting culturally grounded approaches that allow partnering with communities to create solutions.

  10. 10

    Select the right technology partners

    Pick flexible technology partners and tools that let you create a high-quality service that reduces the risk of future changes in direction.

  11. 11

    Measure performance

    Define what good looks like. Continue to measure what’s important to inform further improvements and publish results.

  12. 12

    Make it simple to use

    Integrate with other services and channels so users can easily find, understand and use your service.

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