Iowa Launches First-Ever Web Design Standard for all Executive Branch Agency Web Sites

Iowa launches first-ever Web Design Standard for all executive branch agency Web sites

State government Web sites will now all have a common look and feel, similar navigation, and serve Iowans from a citizen-centric viewpoint

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that the Website Standardization Committee established by Executive Order 73 last May has completed the necessary steps to formulate Iowa’s first Web Design Standard. Iowa’s governmental departments and agencies are now required to ensure that state of Iowa eGovernment information is from a citizen-centric viewpoint, meets applicable federal standards for individuals with disabilities, and offers a user-friendly common look, common feel and common navigation system.

The standard is found here: http://das.ite.iowa.gov/standards/documents/enterprise_web_design.pdf

“The Website Standardization Committee was tasked with identifying innovative improvements that are necessary for the state’s Web sites to more effectively and efficiently serve the people of Iowa with a cohesive, user-friendly approach to online access,” said Gov. Branstad. “Currently, there is no common thread to the state’s Web sites, and they vary greatly. As a result of this committee’s action, our state government will offer a superior Web presence that is easier for Iowa taxpayers to use.”

The Website Standardization Committee was co-chaired by interim Chief Information Officer Lorrie Tritch and Branstad/Reynolds administration Communications Director Tim Albrecht. Various departments and agencies were represented by members of the committee, and worked extensively over the past 10 months to research best practices in order to put forth a comprehensive standard.

“We are pleased to offer friendly, easy-to-use Web services for Iowans,” said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. “We believe Iowa can be a national leader in offering the best online services to serve the needs of Iowans. This is an exciting step forward for Iowans using our eGovernment services.”

With a Web Design Standard in place, agencies and departments will now complete the following:


a. Reinforce Iowa.gov identity and make it clear to users they are on an Iowa Executive Branch site through the use of the designated sliver header; and

b. Provide consistency and continuity in Web site appearance; and

c. Improve the quality, usability and accessibility of State Web sites and services for the public; and

d. Ensure that critical state links appear on all agency sites; and

e. Integrate agency sites, Web applications and the portal, to support the "one government" approach and move away from bureaucratic separation of information; and

f. Increase efficiency of Web site development and management by agencies; and

g. Compliant in meeting the federal 508 compliance standards to allow us to better serve the widest possible audience, including people with disabilities.

h. Establish two Web Content Management Systems for use within all Executive Branch agencies.

The Web Design Standard takes effect 180 days from last Thursday, when Department of Administrative Services Director Mike Carroll gave the final approval.  Web sites that have been in production prior to the approval date of the standard must comply with the Web Design Standard within two years following that date. Enforcement of this standard will be pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 11-25.9 (8A).