Focus on user needs

Make it easy for users to find what they want. Information should be categorised into themes according to a visitor’s interest. Ensure the search bar is prominent – the search engine-style landing page for Singapore’s eCitizen is a good example.

Keep it simple

The UK government’s official website GOV.UK won the Design of the Year 2013 from London’s Design Museum despite its no-frills appearance. By keeping GOV.UK images and colours minimal, focuses on a neat presentation of information, allowing for easy navigation.

Inclusive design

Consider the needs of different groups of users who might visit your site, such as the elderly or visually impaired. Other than providing assistive technology or contrasting colours and large font sizes to improve readability, provide options for users. Hong Kong’s GovHK, for example, has selected parts of its website available in languages such as Tagalog, Thai and Urdu.

Be mobile-friendly

Your design should also be responsive to different mobile devices, since not everyone will access your site with a desktop computer.