# The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS)

The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) was created to help Federal agencies build websites that are fast, accessible, and easy to use. It offers a toolkit of code and resources to create websites that work well on mobile devices and follow accessibility guidelines. More than 25 Federal agencies, including NASA, the IRS, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, use this system to provide important information to the public.

## The WordPress Admin Dashboard

The WordPress admin dashboard is where users manage a website’s content. It’s important to make sure this dashboard is easy for content creators, managers, and publishers to use. If it’s confusing or cluttered, they might not want to use it, and the site could suffer as a result.

One way to improve the dashboard is by creating templates for different types of content, so users have a clear starting point. Simplifying the main dashboard landing page by showing only the most frequently used options can also help. Additionally, organizing the sidebar and limiting unnecessary choices or actions for different user levels makes the process smoother.

## NASA’s Migration to WordPress

Lone Rock Point’s Stacy Holtz and Gary Kovar were guests on the 100th episode of the Gutenberg Changelog podcast, where they discussed NASA’s migration from Drupal 7 to WordPress and the block editor. Moving NASA’s content was a huge task, especially since some parts didn’t fit with the new design system. Andrew Norcross led the migration, which involved reorganizing content and dealing with outdated or duplicate information.

## Atomic Design in WordPress

Atomic design is a bottom-up methodology that breaks down web design into smaller elements. The smallest components are “atoms,” which form “molecules” when combined, and these molecules come together to create “organisms” that represent templates or pages. This approach simplifies complex designs into manageable parts while maintaining a cohesive structure.

In WordPress, the Gutenberg Block Editor aligns with atomic design by using blocks—such as paragraphs or images—that serve as atoms or molecules, creating flexible, reusable components for building dynamic and user-friendly websites.

## The Importance of Website Navigation

When it comes to web design, one crucial aspect that should take center stage is website navigation. Though often overlooked, a well-designed navigation system can greatly enhance the user experience and provide benefits for your business or organization. In this post, you will learn the significance of navigation for your website including: Navigation Design and…

## Global Accessibility Awareness Day

We’re thrilled to announce that Michelle Schulp Hunt, known for her expertise in UX Design as well as her innovative development work within the WordPress community, will be speaking at this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event. Michelle joined Lone Rock Point in January 2024 as Director of UX Engineering after working on the…

## Digital Modernization in Federal Government

We’ve been closely tracking the federal government’s progress taking on the challenges of digital modernization. Last fall, the Office of Management and Budget published OMB M-23-22, Delivering a Digital First Public Experience and we believe it is an excellent definition of what it means to design, delivery, and operate a modern Web experience. One of…

## The User Experience Gap

Every day, Americans spend an average of 4 hours 25 minutes on their phones. Social media and eCommerce sites have perfected the user experience, delivering seamless, tailored content to the individual. However, when it comes to government websites, users encounter a starkly contrasting experience: out of date designs, a sea of information, and a lack…