This memo provides guidance on conducting usability testing under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), clarifying when PRA approval is required, and offering strategies for quickly implementing improvements based on usability feedback for federal forms and websites.
This session from FormFest 2024 focuses on accessibility, featuring British Columbia’s work to improve legal form usability and tips from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on making forms more accessible overall.
The document outlines revisions to OMB's SPD No. 15, which updates the standards for collecting and presenting federal race and ethnicity data, including the integration of race and ethnicity questions, the addition of a MENA category, and requirements for more detailed data collection.
Less than 10% of applications for VA health care are submitted digitally. This article describes how the U.S. Digital Service partnered with the Health Eligibility Center to change that, making it possible for anyone with an internet connection to apply anytime, anywhere, from any device.
Applicants to federal aid programs face numerous barriers in accessing benefits they are eligible for. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare conducted an extensive qualitative user research study to better understand applicant experience in enrolling in public assistance programs. Based on the results, the study emphasizes the need for simplified, streamlined and less burdensome application processes.
This session from FormFest 2024 featured the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Digital Service talking about their work to reduce form burdens for internal and external users.
Remote identify proofing is the process federal agencies and other entities use to verify that the individuals who apply online for benefits and services are who they claim to be. If the applicant responds correctly to personal questions, their identity is considered to be verified. However, data stolen in recent breaches could be used fraudulently to respond to knowledge-based verification questions. Alternative methods are available that provide stronger security, but these methods may have limitations in cost, convenience, technological maturity, and they may not be viable for all segments of the public.
This guide explains the U.S. Digital Service’s “discovery sprint,” a process by which teams can quickly build a common understanding of the status of complex organization, system, or service.
USDS partnered with CMCS and state Medicaid agencies to improve eligibility and enrollment systems after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended, focusing on health coverage renewals.
Issued on February 2, 2023, this Executive Order provides guidance to combat discrimination and advance equal opportunity, including by redressing unfair disparities and removing barriers to government programs and services.
This handbook highlights the flexibilities in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that can help agencies implement “plays” from the Digital Services Playbook, with a particular focus on how to use contractors to support an iterative, customer-driven software development process.
