DIR Launches System for State Website Modernization

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has launched the new Texas Design System intended to help state agencies modernize websites and online service portals with more consistent, accessible and user-friendly digital services.

The launch builds on DIR’s broader website modernization work tied to House Bill 5195, which directed state agencies and institutions of higher education to assess and improve public-facing websites and digital service portals. The law focuses on accessibility, navigation, usability and digital service efficiency while also requiring DIR to report to the Legislature on the status of agencies’ digital modernization efforts.

Earlier this year, DIR launched a website modernization hub to centralize guidance, tools and implementation resources for agencies working through those requirements. The hub included resources tied to responsive design, search functionality, page load speed and standardized website templates, along with a request process for agencies seeking DIR’s templates and design system.

The new Texas Design System expands that work with a content library of website components, standardized templates and implementation guidance. According to DIR, the system was developed in consultation with a cross-agency website modernization workgroup and serves as a one-stop shop for agencies working to meet website modernization requirements.

DIR said the system includes 37 ready-to-use website components, including navigation menus, online forms, search functionality, alerts, responsive layouts and service-focused content pages commonly used across government websites.

The system targets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 AA standards, an internationally recognized benchmark for digital accessibility. DIR said the components support screen readers and other assistive technologies while remaining functional across desktop computers, tablets and mobile devices.

“Accessibility is a fundamental component for Texans accessing government services online,” said Marie Cohan, DIR’s statewide digital accessibility officer. “The Texas Design System gives agencies practical, easy-to-use tools to create digital experiences that are more accessible, mobile-friendly and easier to navigate for Texans of all abilities.”

The launch follows DIR’s earlier update on agency engagement. In May, DIR told its board that 27 agencies had requested more information about the templates produced for the modernization effort, and that a DIR lunch and learn drew more than 200 attendees from state agencies and institutions of higher education.

At the time, Chief Experience Officer Endi Silva said DIR was using information submitted through the 2026 Information Resources Deployment Review to produce a legislative report on agencies’ digital modernization efforts. DIR also said agencies were required to review the templates but did not have to use them if their existing websites already met the law’s requirements. The templates were positioned as a starting point for agency and vendor conversations rather than a required full rebuild.

DIR’s earlier update also pointed to continued demand for accessibility resources. Its statewide digital accessibility program included an email list, Microsoft Teams community and regular office hours, while 57 agencies were participating in DIR’s web scanning program. That program had scanned about 15,000 pages and 7,700 PDFs across 81 agency websites.

In line with House Bill 5195, the Texas Design System is intended to support a more unified digital experience across state government websites. DIR said the system includes standardized headers, footers, buttons, cards, menus and page layouts to help Texans recognize sites as belonging to Texas government while allowing agencies flexibility with branding, colors and typography.

Together with previously released website templates, Figma design files and guidance resources, DIR said the Texas Design System gives agencies a practical toolkit to support website modernization efforts across Texas government. More information is available through DIR’s Website Modernization webpage.