A Start page is the first page of a digital service or online form.
Why we have a design pattern for Start pages
We have a design pattern for Start pages so people:
- have a consistent user experience; and
- have all the information they need to complete the transaction.
When to use a Start page
Use a Start page for all digital services and online forms.
When not to use a Start page
You will only use a Start page for digital services and online forms.
How Start pages work
A Start page must be in place if your digital service or online form is in public beta or live. Make sure you do not use a domain name other than Yukon.ca.
Placement
The Yukon.ca bridge page links to the Start page. The Start page is the first step or page of the service.
Language and style
Start pages have 10 main elements.
Page title
The page title should be the name of your service. The name of the service should follow the standard for naming services.
Example: "Apply for finacial support to hire low income essential workers"
Page or step number
The page or step number will appear below the page title. It should be written as Page x of x or Step x of x. In some instances the page or step number will appear at the top of the page. In these instances it should indicate which step the user is on.
Time to complete the application
This is where you add the average time to complete an application. You should have an idea of this time based on your usability testing. You can update this number based on transactional data you collect once the service is live.
This should look as follows.
Average time to complete this application: 4 minutes
Application fee
Let people know what the cost for the transaction is before they get into the service. You might not know the exact cost at this point, but give people a range.
This should look as follows.
- Application fee: $35
- Application fee: $35 to $50 depending on the license you select.
- Application fee: There is no cost to apply for this service.
Overview of the service
This overview tells people who the service is for and what the service is. Keep this to 1 to 2 sentences.
Before you start
This section is called Before you start (h2). This section is a list of the things users need to have in order to complete the transaction or task. This section is not for eligibility requirements or any other content.
Example:
Before you start
You need:
- your business registration number. Check your status with Corporate Affairs;
- an email address and phone number so we can contact you;
- completed and signed employee agreement forms for each employee;
- copies of pay stubs for each employee to demonstrate work dates and proof of wages paid; and
- proof of your office location. This can be a utlility bill, proof of lease, notice of assessment for the year or, if applicable a copy of your municipal business license.
Information for document uploads
If the user will have to upload documents as part of the transaction, you must let them know which file formats you accept and the maximum file size they can upload. The platform you use may dictate what the options are, or your program may have specific requirements.
This should appears as follows.
File formats accepted: .png, .jpeg, .pdf or .doc.
Maximum file size: 56 MB
Other ways to access the service
This section is called Other ways to apply (h3). It serves to link people to the Yukon.ca bridge page where they can see the options to apply.
Use the following text: Visit Yukon.ca to see options to apply to this service.
Data collection notice
See the online design pattern for Data collection notices.
Call to action button
The call to action button should be styled as a primary button. Text should let the user know what they are starting.
Examples: "Start an application," Buy a license," or "Submit a funding report."
Example of a Start page
