The most common use of a governmental website is to get information but more importantly to download application forms for the different services offered. Generally, there are two types of forms to be filled, downloadable forms that are to be filled and presented to the government entity where the service is requested, in such case, the below points
must be taken into consideration:
- All forms must be in conformance with the specifications set in the Government Forms Standardization effort.
- Links to information on how application forms can be obtained should be made available when these forms are not made available online.
Downloadable Forms
- These application forms should be posted in an easily accessible format.
- The title of the form should be identical to the name of the service.
- Instructions should be provided of how to fill out the application.
- A detailed breakdown of the fees of the service requested if applicable should be available.
- Instructions should be provided on where to present the form physically with clear indications of the address and working hours of the recipient.
Online Forms
Online Forms are generally filled out directly on a website aiming to subscribe to a certain service that
may be informative such as newsletters and updates, in such cases, the below points
must be taken into consideration:
- The number of fields should be minimal.
- Pre-set listing of clickable answers may be used, namely when indicating locations, income brackets, age, etc.
- Explanation on certain terminologies may be used next to some fields.
- Check boxes of “yes” or “no” may be used especially in the case of questionnaires.