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Modern Web Guidance

The article provides guidance on modern web development practices, covering key topics such as performance optimization, responsive design, accessibility, and security. It offers practical advice for building fast, user-friendly, and maintainable websites using current web standards and tools.

Background

- The "Modern Web Guidance" is a set of principles from UK.GOV's Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) for building government digital services. It was published in 2025 after a policy shift away from JavaScript-heavy single-page apps. - It mandates "progressive enhancement": start with server-rendered HTML that works without JavaScript, then add interactivity only where needed. This rejects the default use of frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular. - The guidance responds to expensive UK public-sector tech failures (e.g. NHS Digital, Universal Credit IT). The Government Digital Service (GDS) has long pushed for simpler, more resilient architecture, and this guidance doubles down on that philosophy. - Key reasoning: JavaScript-heavy sites fail users with slow connections, older devices, or assistive tech. Government has a duty to serve everyone equally, so accessibility and robustness trump developer convenience.

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