Clarity principles for government and public-service websites

Government and public-service sites need direct language, clear paths and content that can be scanned quickly. We structure information around a resident or citizen need, make requirements and status visible, then ask for form completion only when the next step is clear.

1

Start with a public task

Public-service visitors are looking for an action, a requirement, an official update or a contact route. The homepage should expose the highest-demand tasks immediately rather than presenting an institutional introduction first.

2

Separate official information from promotion

Service steps, eligibility, documents, fees and deadlines need a stable, scannable structure. Editorial stories can add context, but they must not obscure official instructions or create ambiguity.

3

Design for access and maintenance

Strong contrast, clear Arabic labels, keyboard-ready interaction and accountable content ownership are part of the service. The team also needs a simple publishing model for notices and time-sensitive updates.