The next release of Public Platform will update the version of the GOV.UK Design System used by the Platform. This will ensure that sites built using Public Platform benefit from all the latest research and development by the Government Digital Service.

We are really grateful to the Government Digital Service team for the work they're doing, as the usability and accessibility of the GOV.UK Design System backs all Public Platform sites, helping deliver a great user experience for all site visitors.

The popularity of the GOV.UK Design System means it has been implemented and augmented by other parts of national and local government. This brings further benefits to Public Platform clients by expanding the library of user research led user interface components.

As an example, a project we're working on for North Herts Council required a "project timeline" type component. We were aware of a timeline component in the Department of Work and Pensions' implementation of the GOV.UK Design System, so we were able to quickly integrate it with our highly visual "What You See Is What You Get" content editing system. The result, a best practice, highly accessible timeline component, that can easily be edited by North Herts' staff.