UI/UX Guidelines

Visual Accessibility Guidelines

We strive to make all visual elements from Working Solutions adhere to the following protocols:

• All graphic and text colors should comply with the WCAG guidelines.
• Check color contrast between text and background prior to using each respective color.
• Avoid designing content that solely requires sensory details of components such as shape, color, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.
• Avoid the use of color as the only visual differentiator in a design or layout.
• Designs should transition seamlessly between portrait and landscape orientation.
• Never create anything with fast flashing that may cause a seizure.
• All videos and animations should provide an alternative to viewing and/or listening. Include sub-titles or closed captioning whenever possible, and additional audio guidance when appropriate.
• All web images should provide alternative text that describes the image to the best ability.

Agile Process

We follow a simplified agile process aligned with the concepts of the Agile Manifesto. The Manifesto was developed by a group of fourteen leading figures in the software industry, and reflects their experience of what approaches do and do not work for software development. Strategy and design contain their own sub-process and should always work in tandem.

Visual Design Guidelines

Responsive Design

Consumers today have many choices when it comes to devices they use to consume web content. For website designers, it can be a challenge to design websites that adjust to fit the unique dimensions and aspect ratios of each screen. Several good layout frameworks are available to help you create “responsive” web pages that respond well to any screen size, adjusting the design for many different devices’ unique capabilities, and expanding the audience who can easily view and interact with your webpages. All new BSA webpages should be designed using responsive design principles.

Interface Design

Mobile apps are two things. First, they are a tool to perform an intended function. Second, they are a method of communication and engagement with our agents, or our clients. An app’s functions aren’t improved with a lot of embellishments or decorations. Good apps are but one tool out of many on a user’s device. Intuitive design and simple, singular functionality are best, especially when the app’s use is occasional or infrequent. Keep your interface design as close as possible to design conventions the user will already be familiar with by nature of using other apps that follow the same conventions (which are typically established by the device’s manufacturer).

Always Design for both Android and iOS

The major providers of mobile operating systems provide app developers with detailed guidance on how to meet their human-machine-interaction (HMI) and experience standards. Before beginning work on an app, the provider’s guidelines and requirements are read and understood. Adhering to design conventions is good for the user, and speeds up development. In the case of Apple, failing to follow iOS design guidelines will result in an app to be rejected during the App Store submission process.

Written Content Guidelines

Written elements from Working Solutions will adhere to the following protocols:

• All language should be descriptive and informative, yet clear in direction. We suggest avoiding idioms and jargons for this reason.
• All pre-recorded audio should provide an alternative to listening, such as closed captioning or sub-titles. Should a screen reading software already be available, ensure that it is enabled.
• Directional language that requires a specific action to take place to proceed should be avoided (i.e. “click here”). Instead, links should occur organically, while also including the full URL separately if someone is viewing a text-only version.

Digital Functionality Guidelines

Digital elements from Working Solutions will adhere to the following protocols:

• All Working Solutions websites should retain consistent navigation throughout all pages.
• All Working Solutions websites should retain consistent UI components.
• All Working Solutions webpages should be fully interactive with a keyboard.