Last year, the Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 5195 (89R), which calls on Texas state agencies to improve user accessibility, navigation, responsive web design, and digital service efficiency across agency websites and online service portals. The bill also directed DIR to develop statewide guidance for agencies to standardize modernization resources and assist agencies with website and online service portal improvements. 

To assist with this initiative, the Texas Design System was developed in consultation with a cross-agency website modernization workgroup and serves as a one-stop shop for agencies working to meet website modernization requirements. The system offers 37 ready-to-use website components in addition to standardized templates and implementation guidance built around accessibility and usability best practices, including navigation menus, online forms, search functionality, alerts, responsive layouts, and service-focused content pages commonly used across government websites. 

The Texas Design System was built with an accessibility-first approach and targets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, an internationally recognized benchmark for digital accessibility. The system’s components support screen readers and other assistive technologies while remaining functional across desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices. 

“Accessibility is a fundamental component for Texans accessing government services online,” said Marie Cohan, DIR’s Statewide Digital Accessibility Officer. “The Texas Design System gives agencies practical, easy-to-use tools to create digital experiences that are more accessible, mobile-friendly, and easier to navigate for Texans of all abilities.” 

In line with HB 5195, the system supports a more unified digital experience across Texas government websites to ensure that Texans immediately recognize them as belonging to Texas government. The system includes standardized headers, footers, buttons, cards, menus, and page layouts intended to create a familiar and consistent look across Texas government websites while still allowing agencies flexibility with their preferred branding, colors, and typography. Together with previously released website templates, Figma design files, and guidance resources, the Texas Design System provides agencies with a practical toolkit to support website modernization efforts across Texas government. 

More information about HB 5195 website modernization resources, guidance, and best practices is available on DIR’s Website Modernization webpage.