New White House Digital Design Team Seeks to Make Federal Websites ‘Delightful’
Administration launches in-house unit to modernize government web services, signaling shift toward user-centered design
The White House has established a new digital design team tasked with overhauling federal websites, aiming to make them more accessible, visually engaging and easier to navigate for the public.
Officials familiar with the initiative said the team’s mandate goes beyond technical upgrades, reflecting a broader shift in design philosophy across government platforms.
Rather than prioritizing purely functional layouts, the new approach emphasizes clarity, usability and what one official described as a more “delightful” experience for users seeking information or services.
The effort is expected to involve collaboration with federal agencies to standardize design systems, streamline content architecture and improve performance across desktop and mobile devices.
Early projects include refining the White House’s own web presence and establishing updated guidelines that agencies can adopt when redesigning their digital platforms.
Advocates of the initiative argue that modern design practices can strengthen transparency and civic engagement by making official information more approachable.
They point to the rapid evolution of private-sector digital services as a benchmark, suggesting that citizens increasingly expect the same level of intuitive interaction from government portals.
The move also reflects a growing recognition within Washington that digital infrastructure plays a central role in public trust.
Poorly organized or outdated websites can create barriers to essential services, from benefits applications to regulatory guidance.
By embedding designers and technologists within a dedicated White House unit, the administration aims to accelerate improvements and reduce the fragmentation that has historically characterized federal web development.
Officials say the goal is not cosmetic change alone but a durable design framework that prioritizes user experience, accessibility standards and long-term adaptability across agencies.