Introducing Quahog: A Design System for RI.gov
Trust in government can fade quickly, and the presence of numerous websites featuring outdated, inconsistent, and poorly organized information can exacerbate this issue, diminishing public confidence even further. To establish a clear and reliable “Voice of Truth,” the State of Rhode Island and its 99 agencies needed to revamp their disjointed digital platforms. By offering timely, coordinated news and notifications alongside a visually cohesive set of websites, a new design system could transform the state's scattered digital presence into a reliable resource, particularly during crises. For organizations seeking flexibility and efficiency, composable technology can facilitate the swift adaptation of digital platforms to evolving needs. Our focus was on creating a comprehensive, component-based visual design system that employs a strategy featuring consistent typography, predefined color schemes, and built-in user preferences to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. This system incorporates various color themes, user preference options surrounding language and accessibility, and is designed with mobile-first principles to ensure high performance. State agencies have expressed satisfaction with the new system, especially as it offers better support for content creators. By utilizing a limited set of established design patterns, authors can visualize, preview, and produce timely and consistent content more efficiently and effectively.