Explains that government service forms should be designed to reduce anxiety and build trust—especially for marginalized people—by minimizing requests for highly sensitive personal information or explaining clearly why and how such data will be used, making optional fields and alternatives available, and providing context and reassurance throughout the application process.
A research report examines how internal workplace conditions in federal agencies influence employee satisfaction and ultimately the quality of services delivered to the public.
This research paper examines how stigma shapes participation in U.S. social safety net programs and influences public support for benefit design and access.
This blog summarizes a FormFest session where the Center for Civic Design shared research on how screen reader users navigate voter registration forms and offered guidance for designing more accessible digital and PDF forms.
The GetCalFresh team, the California Department of Social Services, and the California Secretary of State’s office worked together to create a simplified, accessible voter registration experience with clients. When people come to GetCalFresh.org, they are looking to apply for food assistance, so the state of California did not want voter registration to become an obstacle to the goal of getting food assistance. Thus, rather than directing clients to anther website, they offered to text clients a link to the CA Secretary of State’s voter website with directions on how to register.
The Playbook’s purpose is to guide researchers while supporting and lending authority to community organizations as they advocate for partnerships that will benefit their constituencies. The Playbook aims to provide some answers to such questions as: How can technologists and scientists engage communities in a spirit of partnership, without such extractive practices? How can community organizations work with researchers in ways that benefit their communities and expand their capacity, rather than burdening their staff?
The U.S. Digital Response collaborated with a state workforce agency to develop a multilingual, user-friendly system for retroactive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications, enhancing claimant comprehension and reducing administrative strain.
Code for America offers government agencies a general overview of getting started with implementing text messaging services for clear, responsive communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This webpage links to materials ASPE has prepared as it leads work on how federal agencies and programs can meaningfully and effectively engage people with lived experience.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)