The New Zealand Government Design System (NZGDS) alpha is a catalogue of reusable basic elements, components, and patterns for building websites and applications, along with guidance on how and when to use them.
All of Government Services Delivery is creating the design system now, and you can contribute. This alpha site shows you what we have built so far, what we're working on, and how you can get involved.
Benefits of the design system
A design system builds on a pattern library and style guide — it’s all the design standards, documentation, principles and UI components you need to prototype and develop digital experiences. You get a play box of building blocks from which you can construct new websites or improve existing ones.
With the NZGDS, you will soon be able to:
- prototype, design, and develop websites quickly and efficiently
- select basic elements, components, and patterns that meet the NZ Government Web Standards.
Accessibility and usability are built into every level of the design, code, and content.
Leading best practice
The New Zealand design system is based on the tried and tested GOV.UK design system, mixed with the best from the United States Web Design System (USWDS) and the Australian Government Design System, plus some cutting-edge Kiwi innovations. By choosing the NZGDS design system, you can be confident you are at the forefront of international best practice.
New Zealanders — your users — will find consistent design and functionality across public service websites when the design system is implemented. This consistency will breed familiarity, increasing user trust and participation in government digital services.
Basics
Guidance for applying basic elements, like colour and typography. We’re working on layout, iconography, images, and media now.
Components
Reusable multiple components for navigation, panels, forms, tables, and more. We’re working on these now.
Patterns (coming soon)
Help users by providing easy flows to complete specific tasks, like setting up accounts, filling in forms, and checking eligibility. We’ll be inviting you to co-design some patterns with us soon.
Get involved
Since the NZGDS will be for everyone to use, we want a strong cross-government community backing it. Our overall aim is to improve digital service delivery across the New Zealand public service.
You can contribute by:
- testing our components and patterns
- helping to develop new components and patterns
- commenting on our guidance.
Get in touch
If you have a question, idea, or suggestion about the design system, please get in touch through: