Figma Update: Removing 'View' From Privacy Act Button

by Omar Yusuf 54 views

Hey everyone! 👋 We've got a quick but important update regarding the Figma design and guidance for the va-omb-info component in the Vets Design System. We're focusing on making our design language more inclusive and accessible, and this update is a step in that direction. Let's dive in!

The Issue: Sighted Language in the Privacy Act Statement Button

We received a request (va-omb-info: Remove the word "View" from the Privacy Act Statement button") to remove the word "View" from the Privacy Act Statement button. The reasoning behind this is that the word "View" is considered sighted language. Sighted language refers to terms and phrases that are primarily understood through visual perception. Using sighted language can create barriers for users who are blind or have low vision, as they may not have the same visual context.

In this specific case, using "View" implies that the user will be visually inspecting the Privacy Act Statement. However, users may interact with the button and access the statement in various ways, such as using a screen reader. By removing "View," we can make the button label more neutral and inclusive, ensuring that it accurately represents the functionality for all users.

Why This Matters: Accessibility and Inclusive Design

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we're deeply committed to accessibility and inclusive design. This means creating digital products and services that are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Using inclusive language is a crucial aspect of this commitment. It's about being mindful of the language we use and how it might be interpreted by different users. By avoiding sighted language, we can create a more equitable and user-friendly experience for all Veterans.

The Plan: Removing "View" from the Component

To address this issue, we're taking a two-pronged approach. We'll be removing the word "View" from both the Figma design of the va-omb-info component and the guidance for the component on the Vets Design System website. This ensures that the updated language is reflected consistently across all our resources.

Figma Design Update

The first step is to update the Figma design of the va-omb-info component. This involves opening the Figma file, locating the button in question, and removing the word "View" from the button label. We'll also make sure to update any related documentation or annotations within the Figma file to reflect the change. This update ensures that designers are using the correct language when working with the component in their designs. Figma plays a crucial role in the design process, allowing teams to collaborate and create consistent user interfaces. Figma's collaborative features enable designers to work together in real-time, share feedback, and maintain a unified design language. This is particularly important in large organizations like the VA, where multiple teams may be working on different parts of a project. By centralizing design assets and guidelines in Figma, we can ensure consistency and efficiency across the board. The update in Figma will serve as the foundation for all future implementations of the va-omb-info component, setting a new standard for inclusive language and design practices.

Guidance Update

Next, we'll be updating the guidance for the va-omb-info component on the Vets Design System website (guidance for va-omb-info component ). This includes updating the component's documentation to reflect the removal of "View" from the button label. We'll also review any examples or usage guidelines to ensure that they align with the updated language. The guidance serves as a central resource for developers and designers, providing clear instructions on how to use the va-omb-info component correctly. By updating the guidance, we ensure that everyone has access to the latest information and best practices. This consistency is vital for maintaining a cohesive user experience across all VA digital services. The Vets Design System is a comprehensive toolkit that promotes consistency, accessibility, and usability in our digital products. It includes a library of components, patterns, and guidelines that help teams build high-quality user interfaces. Regular updates to the design system, such as this one, are essential for keeping it relevant and effective. The Vets Design System is not just a set of tools; it's a commitment to providing the best possible experience for Veterans. By continually improving and refining the system, we ensure that our digital services meet the evolving needs of our users.

Specific Tasks

Here’s a breakdown of the tasks involved in this update:

These tasks are straightforward but essential for ensuring that our component library and documentation are up-to-date and aligned with our accessibility goals.

Acceptance Criteria

To ensure that the update is successful, we've defined the following acceptance criteria:

  • [ ] OMB info component is updated

This means that we'll verify that the word "View" has been removed from both the Figma design and the guidance documentation. Once this is confirmed, the update will be considered complete. This simple criterion ensures that the change is implemented correctly and consistently across all relevant resources.

Making a Difference Through Small Changes

This might seem like a small change, but these kinds of details can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive experience for Veterans. By being mindful of the language we use and making deliberate choices to avoid sighted language, we can ensure that our digital products are accessible to everyone.

Why Inclusive Language Matters in Design

Inclusive language is more than just a trend; it's a fundamental aspect of creating equitable digital experiences. When we use language that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, we create a more welcoming and user-friendly environment. Inclusive language helps to avoid unintentional bias and ensures that all users feel respected and valued. In the context of the VA, where we serve a diverse population of Veterans, inclusive language is particularly important. Many Veterans may have disabilities or use assistive technologies to access digital services. By using clear, simple language and avoiding jargon or ableist terms, we can make our services more accessible to everyone. Inclusive language also helps to improve overall usability. When language is clear and straightforward, it's easier for all users to understand and navigate our digital products. This can lead to a better user experience and increased satisfaction. The commitment to inclusive language should be embedded in every stage of the design process, from initial planning to final implementation. It's not just about avoiding specific words or phrases; it's about adopting a mindset that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity.

The Importance of Clear and Concise Button Labels

Button labels are a critical element of user interface design. They provide users with a clear indication of what will happen when they click a button. Clear and concise button labels help to improve usability and reduce the cognitive load on users. When button labels are ambiguous or confusing, users may be hesitant to click them, or they may inadvertently take an action they didn't intend. In the case of the Privacy Act Statement button, it's essential that the label accurately reflects the functionality of the button. By removing the word "View," we are making the label more neutral and inclusive, ensuring that it is accessible to all users. The updated label should focus on the action that the button performs, such as "Read Privacy Act Statement" or "Access Privacy Act Statement." This clarity helps users to understand the button's purpose and encourages them to interact with it confidently. Button labels should also be consistent across all digital services. This consistency helps users to develop a mental model of how the interface works, making it easier for them to navigate and complete tasks. When designing button labels, it's important to consider the context in which they will be used. The label should be clear and concise, but it should also provide enough information for users to understand the action that will be performed. Testing button labels with users can help to identify any potential issues and ensure that the labels are effective. In addition to clarity, button labels should also be visually distinct and accessible. This means using sufficient contrast between the text and the background, as well as providing alternative text for screen readers. By paying attention to these details, we can create button labels that are both usable and accessible.

Next Steps and Ongoing Commitment

We'll keep you updated on the progress of this update. In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for your continued commitment to making our designs more inclusive and accessible! This update is just one step in our ongoing journey to improve accessibility and create a better user experience for all Veterans. We are continually evaluating our designs and processes to identify areas where we can make improvements. This includes conducting user research, soliciting feedback from accessibility experts, and staying up-to-date on the latest accessibility standards and best practices. Our commitment to accessibility is not just a one-time effort; it's an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and improvement. We encourage everyone on the team to take an active role in promoting accessibility and inclusive design. This can include attending training sessions, participating in accessibility reviews, and advocating for accessibility in all aspects of our work. By working together, we can create digital services that are truly accessible and user-friendly for all Veterans. We are also committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with the broader design community. This includes publishing articles, giving presentations, and participating in industry events. By sharing our experiences, we can help to raise awareness of accessibility issues and promote best practices in the design of digital products. Our goal is to create a world where all digital services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. We believe that this is not just a moral imperative; it's also good business. Accessible digital services are more usable, more efficient, and more satisfying for all users. By investing in accessibility, we are investing in the future of our organization and the well-being of the Veterans we serve.