CFPB Design Principles

Design principles for a US government agency focused on financial consumer protection, emphasising transparency, user empowerment, and accessible design.

  1. Public service, public trust

    Build trust through honest, transparent design that is always consumer-driven. Demonstrate openness through user-friendly experiences and open-source content.

  2. Give the user control

    Empower users with information to make their own financial decisions. Provide all necessary information succinctly and let consumers decide how to use it.

  3. Aesthetic integrity

    Align appearance with purpose. Good design integrates form and function, creating a trustworthy tone through clear and intuitive interfaces.

  4. Design with data

    Let data inform design decisions and use design to make complex data understandable. Visualisation gives voice to otherwise indigestible numbers.

  5. Inclusion and accessibility

    Design for the widest possible audience with plain language and intuitive interfaces. Meet each user where they are, regardless of skill level.

  6. Coherent end-to-end user experience

    Guide users seamlessly from beginning to end. Navigation should be intuitive and transitions smooth, with consistent quality throughout.