HHS Web Standards Checklist

Acknowledges user submissions.

Alerts site visitors to new or temporal content with the standard "New" icon.

Allows selection of an option by clicking on either the box itself or its label.

Announces major changes to Web pages.

Designates visited and unvisited links.

Designs for dominant screen resolutions.

Designs using most common browsers and operating systems.

Displays a statement of content ownership or management on every page.

Distinguishes required data entry fields from optional ones.

Does not duplicate content when a link will suffice.

Does not link to political sites.

Does not post empty pages or pages "under construction."

Does not use frames.

Hosts Web site development in a non-public test environment.

Identifies and disclaims links to non-federal government Web sites.

Informs when content was posted or last updated. 

Limits use of portrait shots to Senior Managers. 

Links to the homepage from every other page on the Web site.

Obtained approval for all proposed use of Flash at concept stage.

Presents links to foreign language content on menu and content pages.

Presents RSS and podcast links in a consistent format.

Provides a control to clear checked box selections.

Provides a user-friendly message for a 404 error page.

Provides file type and size with downloadable files.

Uses a check box to allow users to select one or more items from a list of choices.

Uses appropriate list style.

Uses Arial or Verdana font and the listed font size (or equivalent) for standard text and links on all Web pages.

Uses breadcrumbs.

Uses dark text on plain, high-contrast backgrounds.

Uses images only when they enhance understanding.

Uses mixed case with prose content.

Uses open lists to select one from many.

Uses radio buttons for exclusive selections.

Uses standard icons.

Uses text for links.

Uses the HHS branding bar on all non-HHS branded Web sites.