Apply the Service Standard in the Department for Education

Why it's important

Open standards save money and make use of best practice.

Using common components, patterns, and technology stacks means you do not have to solve problems that have already been solved.

By using a component, pattern, or stack that's already been assured and extensively tested, you can provide users with a good experience in a cost-effective way. It also speeds up delivery and reduces risk.

Developing components and patterns that meet a shared need and sharing them allows others to benefit from your work.

All phases

Things to consider:

• reach out to other teams and similar services to consider possible patterns, architecture components, and tools
• open source tools and frameworks have been chosen or considered as the basis for the service components
• use the GOV.UK Design System common components and patterns
• publish a design history to keep track of design decisions, options explored, and rationale for choices made
• record architecture decision records to track decisions and rationale
• share and encourage use of new and existing design patterns and architecture components within the wider DfE service community