Principles

“One Lab, one voice” embodies our commitment to unifying all aspects of our brand. It signifies the harmonious integration of our visual communications, ensuring that our messaging remains consistent  across all platforms.

Our UI design principles guide how we conduct research, develop web applications, and form our relationships with users. 

Mesa is clear

Design should be clean, simple, and clear. We should communicate effectively to our users and foster trust.

Mesa is flexible

Components and patterns should be flexible. They should be easy to implement across multiple use cases with different needs and to iterate on when necessary.

Mesa is familiar

Users should be able to easily find their way around any Lab application. Patterns should be consistent, familiar, and useful. Use patterns should follow best practices as often as possible.

Mesa is thoughtful

Designs should be well-considered, context-aware, and grounded in real user needs. Every user should have a sense of fulfillment after interacting with Lab designs and applications. Designs should create a positive connection with our users.

Mesa is equitable

Design should be helpful to people with diverse abilities and backgrounds. They should address the needs of traditionally underrepresented or excluded groups.

Mesa earns trust

Trust has to be earned every time. Federal websites and digital services can’t assume it. Trust is about understanding and meeting or exceeding expectations, a process that can be established quickly and maintained over continued interactions but is easily damaged. Be reliable, consistent, and honest. Reduce the impact of failure with solid design and engineering. Be a good steward of your audience’s data, resources, and time.