service-manual 4 linked patterns checked
GOV.UK Design System Patterns
Documents task-oriented service patterns such as entering data, account creation, validation recovery, and confirmation pages.
Read with a purpose
What this source can teach
Use this source to study a complete public-service task and the guidance that supports its implementation.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
- Trace the connection. Use the claim notes below to see how this site applies the source to specific patterns.
- Check the setting. Compare the source's platform, people, and constraints with your own decision.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic search | Choose basic search when the task is content retrieval. | Typing or submitting a query changes the visible result set predictably. | GOV.UK patterns emphasize task-oriented search, filtering, and recovery states. |
| Dead-end empty state | Flag dead-end empty state when a blank area lacks a specific object name, cause, and reachable next action. | A blank or actionless content region is not a valid terminal state. | GOV.UK service patterns emphasize task progress, recovery, and clear next steps rather than blank terminal states. |
| Faceted search | Choose faceted search when users need to progressively narrow a large set by multiple attributes. | Applying or removing a facet updates the result count and preserves visible applied filters. | Service patterns distinguish task-oriented narrowing and recovery from raw visual filtering. |
| No-results recovery | Choose no-results recovery whenever search or filters can produce an empty set. | The UI must explain that no matches were found and identify the active constraints. | Service guidance emphasizes helping users recover from validation and task dead ends. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Empty state vs no-results recovery vs error state
GOV.UK service patterns emphasize clear task state, recovery, and accessible error handling.
- Faceted search vs no-results recovery
GOV.UK patterns emphasize task completion and recovery rather than visual-only filtering controls.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as service-manual evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: Government Digital Service. Last checked: .