Getting started is a key sticking point for agencies since it creates so much friction right out of the gate. There’s an opportunity to make it easier for agencies to find the right information and guidance to start implementing the design system regardless of where they’re starting from or their skill level. This guidance should also include better explanations of how to customize the look and feel of agency sites, as well as provide a clearer path for scaling over time.

It’s particularly difficult for agencies using existing content management systems or user interface frameworks to incorporate the design system into their sites. The design system could do more to help ease the transition by demonstrating how it’s different from other frameworks and sharing additional tips for integrating it into commonly used systems.

It’s also critical to help equip agencies to build the right teams as they implement the design system, whether that’s through hiring individuals, partnering with other agencies, or acquiring through vendors.

Improve guidance

To help agencies begin using the design system, we can reduce barriers to getting started with these opportunities.

Provide demos

Provide more guidance and examples around how to customize the design system, perhaps through a series of feature stories about how agencies are using USWDS to meet their unique needs or a gallery of examples

Understand the value

Create onboarding guides and feature comparison

Provide targeted guidance for agencies transitioning from another open-source framework to USWDS, including providing a side-by-side comparison to other frameworks and outlining the unique value the design system provides

Understand the value
Know how to get started

Promote community-built resources

Explore ways to support and share component variations created by the community that are specific to different content management systems or frameworks

Feel engaged
Iteratively improve

Outline the necessary resources

Share general information around recommended team composition and expected resources to help agency teams plan for staffing and budgeting needs, which could include guidance on what skills to look for or sample performance profiles

Know how to get started
Find the right team

Tie to existing strategic planning

Work with agencies to integrate high-priority investment opportunities into their annual CX action plans and 21st Century IDEA progress reports to inform their budget requests

Know how to get started
Find the right team

Create sandbox

Create tools that let agency teams who are brand new to the design system try it out in a sandbox environment with quick themeable templates for easy testing, experimentation, and exploration

Understand the value
Know how to get started

Advocate for design principles

Continue being intentional and transparent about the design principles, USWDS product values, and the research and processes that go into USWDS components and guidance

Feel engaged