Constituent Expectations of State Websites vs. Federal Websites

Does anyone know of articles or reports that outline the different expectations constituents have for federal sites vs. state sites? Do they expect more interactivity from one, or more customized information? Is user behavior different between the two?

Any other thoughts or anecdotal experience is welcome, too.

Thanks!

Awesome

2 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by GovLoop on January 13, 2013 at 3:37pm

Good question.

Some anecdotal thoughts - The company NIC runs most of the top state sites and I'd look at those sites for ideas - RI.gov, utah.gov, alabama.gov - they do extensive user testing so I think they've nailed what constituents want for state sites.

As a citizen, I think state websites are more transaction driven - go to renew drivers license, fishing license, etc. While federal sites are less transaction oriented and often information driven (how do I get info on X)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Smith on January 14, 2013 at 7:27am

Thank you! Awesome feedback. It's nice to get out of your own head on these kind of matters and hear what other people know/experience.

I'll be checking out all of those resources this week!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nick Wright on January 15, 2013 at 10:08am

We've just completed an audit of the writing style of 100 documents on Federal Government websites. It showed only 5 percent of documents were in plain English. The average grade level, for instance, was 16 - rather than the under 12 recommended by most authorities.

The audit has information on a host of writing measures. I'm currently writing up the results, but if you or anyone else wants to see the data, I'm more than happy to send a copy of the spreadsheet. Alternatively, I'll also send you the full audit report when I have finished writing them up.

For a copy of the data, email me at info@editorsoftware.com

Nick Wright