Design system - Changes to the design system to meet WCAG 2.2

In 2024, we updated the design system to comply with the new criteria and recommendations in WCAG 2.2.

We've made changes to the following components and patterns to bring them into line with WCAG 2.2 level AA.

Learn more about the new criteria in WCAG 2.2 in our Accessibility guidance.

Updates to our components

No changes to design or code, but you must check the updated guidance to understand whether your service needs updating.

Page	Changes
Back link	Guidance on positioning and keeping data the user has entered
Breadcrumbs	Guidance on positioning
Buttons	Guidance on minimum target size
Error message	Guidance on not clearing data the user has entered
Footer	Guidance on placing help links
Header	Guidance on placing help links and not hiding content that has a focus applied
Select	Guidance on avoiding click and drag
Summary list	Guidance on action link target size and keeping data the user has entered
Tag	Guidance on avoiding click and drag

Updates to our styles

No changes to design or code, but you must check the updated guidance to understand whether your service needs updating.

Page	Changes
Focus state	Guidance on not hiding content that has a focus applied
Icons	Guidance on minimum target size

Updates to our patterns

No changes to design or code, but you must check the updated guidance to understand whether your service needs updating.

Page	Changes
Check answers	Guidance on keeping data the user has entered
Complete multiple tasks	Guidance on avoiding click and drag and keeping data the user has entered
Question pages	Guidance on avoiding click and drag and keeping data the user has entered

Updates to the GOV.UK design system

Our design system is based on GOV.UK and we know that teams regularly refer to their guidance too. If your service uses any components or patterns borrowed from the GOV.UK design system, check for any guidance about how WCAG 2.2 affects them.

Updated: July 2025