service-manual checked
Help users to Navigate a service
Documents when service navigation links are appropriate, how GOV.UK header and Service navigation work together, top-level service link selection, utility ordering, and page-specific placement.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global navigation | Choose global navigation when users need repeated access to a small set of top-level product or service sections. | Activating a global navigation item changes to the named top-level section and updates current-state semantics. | GOV.UK Navigate a service guidance defines when services need navigation links, service identity, top-level links, utility separation, and ordering from global to page-specific elements. |
| Service navigation | Choose service navigation when one named service needs persistent identity and a small set of service-level destinations across multiple pages. | Activating a service navigation link changes to the named service section and updates current or active service state. | GOV.UK Navigate a service gives planning rules for repeated multi-task services, service-home links, service-level tools, external links, and ordering from general to specific elements. |
| Utility navigation | Choose utility navigation for controls whose primary job is session management, account access, support, search entry, notifications, language, product switching, or global tools. | Activating a utility button opens the corresponding panel, menu, tray, or inline search surface without changing the current primary destination. | GOV.UK Navigate a service defines ordering from GOV.UK-wide tools to service-level tools and page-specific elements. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as service-manual evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: GOV.UK Design System. Last checked: .