USWDS Process list
Documents process lists for high-level sequential steps or stages in important instructions or processes, recommends three to ten steps, parallel short headings, rich supporting content, semantic heading levels, and alternatives for step indicators, side navigation, unordered lists, and general text lists.
What this source can teach
Use this source to compare a documented solution with the task and states in your own product.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process list / step-by-step navigation | Choose a process list when users need an ordered overview of an end-to-end journey that combines guidance, service links, offline actions, or external tasks. | Activating a step expands or collapses its supporting task content without changing the user's transaction state. | USWDS defines process lists for high-level sequential process steps or instructions and distinguishes them from step indicators, side navigation, unordered lists, and general text lists. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Process list vs step navigation vs in-page anchor navigation
USWDS defines process lists as high-level sequential process or instruction steps, with alternatives for step indicators, side navigation, unordered lists, and general content lists.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: U.S. Web Design System. Last checked: .