Digital Service Development

Introduction to the GDS UK Principles

The Government Digital Service (GDS) principles form the backbone of digital transformation across public services in the UK. These principles were created to ensure that digital projects and services are user-centred, accessible, and efficient, enabling the government to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

By adhering to these principles, organisations can design services that meet user needs, work seamlessly across platforms, and adapt to evolving technologies. They emphasise collaboration, iterative development, and the use of data to drive decisions, ensuring public resources are used effectively and services remain robust and future-proof.

This page outlines the core GDS principles and their practical application, offering insights into how they can guide your work to achieve excellence in digital service delivery. Whether you're a developer, designer, or project manager, understanding and adopting these principles is key to creating impactful, user-friendly services.

Agile Development

Agile Development Workflow - Highlighting the iterative approach to delivering services.

View Example GDS Prototype

Categories

Innovate

Innovate: Sparking new ideas and driving innovation within teams.

Agile Workflow

Agile Workflow: Highlighting service development stages.

Fixed-Flex

Fixed vs Flex: Balancing time, cost, and scope.

Multi-Device

Multi-Device: Ensuring compatibility across devices.

KPIs

KPIs: Measuring completion, satisfaction, uptake, and cost.