In a world where translating legislation into actionable execution can be a difficult process due to the lack of standardized guidelines, Open Regels stands out as a trailblazing solution.
Through the Open Regels Register, this project aims to bridge the gap by providing invaluable insights into government rules and regulations.Regulations, while necessary for governing various aspects of our lives, frequently lack a consistent framework for their development. When it comes to verifying the accuracy and intent of rules, the lack of standardized rule-writing guidelines can be a significant challenge. Open Regels steps in as a game changer, providing a comprehensive repository of government rules.
Clarity is a fundamental principle of Open Regels. Each rule is meticulously documented, allowing for clear ownership attribution and elucidating the reason for its existence. This transparency not only benefits government bodies striving to comply with regulatory requirements, but it also provides citizens and businesses with a better understanding of these rules.
Regels.overheid.nl
Database
Open Regels has an extensive and meticulously curated database containing a wide range of government rules.
Ownership Information
Clarity is essential. Every rule bears a clear indication of who owns it.
Identification of Purpose
An in-depth explanation of each rule's intended use is provided to aid understanding.
Design System
One of the primary goals and challenges of this project was to develop a future-proof design system. To ensure consistency and accessibility, it had to include numerous websites within the government ecosystem. As the project's lead designer, this is where I would come in.
My role
In my role as a UX designer, I was in charge of ensuring the platform's usability and user-friendliness, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. The primary goal was to design an interface that effortlessly guides users through the complexities of government regulations, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Accessibility Advocate
My role included ensuring that the website catered to the needs of all Dutch citizens, with an emphasis on inclusivity. This called for strict adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) such as color contrasts. I closely monitored and implemented these guidelines, ensuring that the platform was accessible to people of all abilities and that no one was left behind.
Design System Architect
As part of the project's holistic approach, I spearheaded the creation of a design system using Figma. The original plan was to leverage the Dutch Design System, but I took the strategic decision to initiate the development of our unique components initially.
This bespoke design system allowed us to tailor the platform to our specific needs and requirements. The forward-looking vision is to potentially integrate with the Dutch Design System in the future or even contribute to its evolution.
I worked closely with the developers, actively contributing my insights to live products and making changes as needed. Naturally, I took special care to ensure that my design decisions were consistent with our existing code architecture, ensuring seamless integration.
Because this project is open source, you are welcome to poke around in the Figma file.
Link to Figma document →
Interactive prototyping
One of the essential elements of my job was designing and building the various screens for our website. In the absence of pre-existing templates, I took on the task of starting the design process from scratch. The journey began with the creation of wireframes, which were used to strategically lay out the foundational structure of each screen. I thoughtfully built comprehensive mock-ups from this blueprint, infusing life into the design.
The design process was not at all static; it took an iterative approach. I facilitated one or two refinement cycles, diligently incorporating stakeholder feedback. Each screen was designed to provide a simple and captivating user experience. These screens were components of the interactive prototype, which was developed using Figma.
Let's delve into the journey of designing the Roadmap page.
In the initial iteration, the design direction would have necessitated extensive scrolling for users to view all the tasks planned for a specific quarter of the year. This led to a design modification in the subsequent iteration, where the entire year's tasks were made visible in one view.
Iteration 1
In the initial iteration, the design direction would have necessitated extensive scrolling for users to view all the tasks planned for a specific quarter of the year. This led to a design modification in the subsequent iteration, where the entire year's tasks were made visible in one view.
Iteration 2
In the second iteration, I was able to achieve my goal of providing a more concise overview. However, I realised that a complete overview did not imply a better user experience. Despite the fact that this new design displayed more information, it still required extra effort to comprehend. As a result, I decided to add more elements to improve its intuitiveness.
Iteration 3
The third iteration is the most recent. It offers a comprehensive overview for the current year and the following one. It's important to note that the design process for this screen is just one of several components within the project. Some aspects demanded more iterations than others, each tailored to optimize user experience.
Results
My multifaceted role included not only the traditional aspects of UX design, but also elevated the project by advocating for accessibility, language inclusivity, and the strategic development of a tailored design system.
The Open Regels platform has ushered in a new era of government rule understanding and accessibility. It has effectively improved the clarity and accessibility of these regulations by providing a comprehensive resource. This empowerment extends to government entities attempting to uphold regulatory standards, citizens seeking a more clear perspective, and businesses attempting to operate in a compliant manner. In essence, Open Regels has aided informed decision-making by providing a comprehensive understanding of the rules that govern our society.
Reflecting on a Journey:
Designing for Impact and Inclusivity.
Throughout this journey, one of the most significant lessons I learned was the art of leadership in design. Being the sole decision-maker in design choices allowed me to cultivate a holistic vision for the project.
Working closely with our dedicated developers was an invaluable experience. Together, we ensured that our design objectives were not just met, but exceeded. Their expertise and collaboration played a pivotal role in bringing our collective vision to life.
Through shared knowledge and collaborative efforts, we can continue to raise the bar in creating digital solutions that empower and enrich our society.