A systemic approach to visual design

The state of Georgia is one of the most populous states in the American south. With a population of 10.4 million people interacting with the state at some point, the state’s web presence needed a serious design makeover. With very little consistency amongst hundreds of Georgia’s websites, the state was struggling to maintain how these websites were designed and built. Ideally, an online platform would provide unifying and accessible government resources for everyone, whether they’re renewing their vehicle registration, seeking a fishing license, or looking up tax law updates.

Georgia’s Office of Digital Services (DSGA) designed a systemic approach to modernize the collective and individual online presence of state agencies and elected officials, many of which used visually disconnected formats and color palettes that could leave the public feeling confused. This session discusses the process of conceptualizing and implementing a design system for large organizations. It highlights the challenges and benefits that present themselves when centralizing a consistent approach to an enhanced user experience in government.