USDOT Web Design System Purpose & Principles

Purpose

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Web Design System captures the web design standards for DOT Drupal Content Management System (CMS) websites and outlines the design guidelines for the DOT’s ecosystem of websites. The web standards support modern web development and usability practices and apply stringent requirements for conformance to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, which ensures access for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, as well as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA standards. This guide serves as documentation for the identity, colors, typography, iconography, graphics, layouts, and components shared across the USDOT platform websites. 

DOT Operating Administration sites include:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) *
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
• Maritime Administration (MARAD)
• National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) *
• Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA)
• Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS)

Other sites include:

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
• Build America Bureau *
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) *
• John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) *

* site design varies from standard

Design Principles

The USDOT Web Design System adheres to the guidance provided by the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), which requires public-facing websites to be accessible, follow a consistent design, emphasize content, be searchable, be secure, be user and civic-centric, be customizable, and be mobile-friendly. The design system also aligns with the principles and goals of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) by starting with real user needs, earning trust, embracing accessibility, promoting reusability, and listening to user feedback.