What are the common challenges and pitfalls of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle?

2 Adapting to GDS formats

Another challenge of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle is to adapt your content to the GDS formats and standards. These formats and standards include using plain English, writing for the web, using active voice, avoiding jargon and acronyms, breaking up long paragraphs, using headings and subheadings, using bullet points and lists, using images and videos, and using links and buttons. You need to ensure that your content follows these rules and conventions and is easy to read, scan, and understand. To do this, you need to use tools like the GDS style guide, the GDS content design guide, and the GDS content checklist.

3 Integrating with GDS components

A third challenge of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle is to integrate your content with the GDS components and patterns. These components and patterns are reusable elements of interface design that provide common functionality and interactions for users. They include things like forms, navigation, tabs, accordions, banners, notifications, and error messages. You need to ensure that your content works well with these components and patterns and is consistent and coherent across your digital products and services. To do this, you need to use tools like the GDS design system, the GDS prototyping kit, and the GDS frontend.

4 Managing content changes

A fourth challenge of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle is to manage your content changes and updates. As you implement GDS, you may need to revise, rewrite, or remove some of your existing content to make it more aligned with the GDS principles, formats, and components. You may also need to create new content to fill any gaps or address any user needs that emerge from your research and testing. You need to ensure that your content changes are well-planned, well-documented, and well-communicated to your stakeholders and users. To do this, you need to use tools like the GDS content workflow, the GDS content audit, and the GDS content calendar.

5 Collaborating with GDS teams

A fifth challenge of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle is to collaborate with the GDS teams and experts. The GDS teams are the people who develop and maintain the GDS guidelines and tools, and provide support and advice to the government departments and agencies that use them. The GDS experts are the people who have extensive experience and knowledge in applying GDS to their content projects and products. You need to ensure that you engage with these teams and experts and benefit from their insights and feedback. To do this, you need to use tools like the GDS service manual, the GDS blog, and the GDS community.

6 Learning and developing GDS skills

A sixth challenge of implementing GDS in your content lifecycle is to learn and develop your GDS skills and competencies. As you implement GDS, you may encounter new concepts, techniques, and technologies that require you to expand your knowledge and abilities. You may also need to adapt to new ways of working, such as agile, user-centered, and multidisciplinary. You need to ensure that you invest in your professional development and keep up with the latest trends and best practices in GDS. To do this, you need to use tools like the GDS academy, the GDS podcasts, and the GDS events.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?