Martin Jordan
@martinjordan.com
Making services work better for all people—Head of Design & User Research at the German govt’s Digital Service, previously Head of #ServiceDesign at the UK’s Government Digital Service, int’l #GovDesign community co-lead, 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 ally
martinjordan.com
martinjordan.com
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
#ServiceStandard work continued in my week 197, with more guidance published, more interaction #design and content support arriving, and #serviceQuality work soon involving big citizen workshops.
(👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social)
#ServiceStandard work continued in my week 197, with more guidance published, more interaction #design and content support arriving, and #serviceQuality work soon involving big citizen workshops.
(👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social)
Week #197 at the Digital Service: Notes for 2–6 February
Service Standard work continued in Martin’s week 197, with more guidance published, more interaction design and content support arriving, and service quality work soon involving citizen workshops. Mar...
verwaltungsgestaltung.de
February 8, 2026 at 9:11 PM
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
#ServiceStandard work continued in my week 197, with more guidance published, more interaction #design and content support arriving, and #serviceQuality work soon involving big citizen workshops.
(👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social)
#ServiceStandard work continued in my week 197, with more guidance published, more interaction #design and content support arriving, and #serviceQuality work soon involving big citizen workshops.
(👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social)
#FixTheForms, as @cjforms.bsky.social puts it.
In the absence of universal standards within German government for what constitutes good #formDesign, we published 3 new pieces of guidance to address this void.
You find them in the handbook section of the German #ServiceStandard website.
1/X
In the absence of universal standards within German government for what constitutes good #formDesign, we published 3 new pieces of guidance to address this void.
You find them in the handbook section of the German #ServiceStandard website.
1/X
February 8, 2026 at 3:23 PM
#FixTheForms, as @cjforms.bsky.social puts it.
In the absence of universal standards within German government for what constitutes good #formDesign, we published 3 new pieces of guidance to address this void.
You find them in the handbook section of the German #ServiceStandard website.
1/X
In the absence of universal standards within German government for what constitutes good #formDesign, we published 3 new pieces of guidance to address this void.
You find them in the handbook section of the German #ServiceStandard website.
1/X
Lifting a #govTech newspaper made my heart jump a little!
Cause there is an unseen consistency in the government domains listed – referencing 2 .gov.de subdomains.
As a small team at @digitalservice.bund.de has been supporting the pilot phase of the cross-gov’t identity and design system since May
Cause there is an unseen consistency in the government domains listed – referencing 2 .gov.de subdomains.
As a small team at @digitalservice.bund.de has been supporting the pilot phase of the cross-gov’t identity and design system since May
February 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Lifting a #govTech newspaper made my heart jump a little!
Cause there is an unseen consistency in the government domains listed – referencing 2 .gov.de subdomains.
As a small team at @digitalservice.bund.de has been supporting the pilot phase of the cross-gov’t identity and design system since May
Cause there is an unseen consistency in the government domains listed – referencing 2 .gov.de subdomains.
As a small team at @digitalservice.bund.de has been supporting the pilot phase of the cross-gov’t identity and design system since May
#DesignJob klaxon 🔔
A new #UX specialist position has opened at the tax and revenue office in Kassel. The role is open until 15 February 2026.
4 more roles are currently listed on my German #GovDesign job board – at @bundestag.de, DRV BW, Bay. LKA:
👇🏻
verwaltungsgestaltung.de#positionen
A new #UX specialist position has opened at the tax and revenue office in Kassel. The role is open until 15 February 2026.
4 more roles are currently listed on my German #GovDesign job board – at @bundestag.de, DRV BW, Bay. LKA:
👇🏻
verwaltungsgestaltung.de#positionen
February 5, 2026 at 11:39 AM
#DesignJob klaxon 🔔
A new #UX specialist position has opened at the tax and revenue office in Kassel. The role is open until 15 February 2026.
4 more roles are currently listed on my German #GovDesign job board – at @bundestag.de, DRV BW, Bay. LKA:
👇🏻
verwaltungsgestaltung.de#positionen
A new #UX specialist position has opened at the tax and revenue office in Kassel. The role is open until 15 February 2026.
4 more roles are currently listed on my German #GovDesign job board – at @bundestag.de, DRV BW, Bay. LKA:
👇🏻
verwaltungsgestaltung.de#positionen
Government services that deliver for people – that’s the focus of a new workstream of the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation & Government Modernisation, which we are supporting.
Through wide-ranging participation, we’re defining what makes a #goodService.
bmds.bund.de/themen/staat...
1/X
Through wide-ranging participation, we’re defining what makes a #goodService.
bmds.bund.de/themen/staat...
1/X
February 5, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Government services that deliver for people – that’s the focus of a new workstream of the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation & Government Modernisation, which we are supporting.
Through wide-ranging participation, we’re defining what makes a #goodService.
bmds.bund.de/themen/staat...
1/X
Through wide-ranging participation, we’re defining what makes a #goodService.
bmds.bund.de/themen/staat...
1/X
Microsoft launched its #InclusiveDesign website
It includes plenty of great resources for people who want to design accessible products and services, including tools and powerful real-life stories
inclusive.microsoft.design
Well done, @annaecook.com and team!
It includes plenty of great resources for people who want to design accessible products and services, including tools and powerful real-life stories
inclusive.microsoft.design
Well done, @annaecook.com and team!
Microsoft Inclusive Design
Microsoft Inclusive Design is a practice that anyone who creates and manages products and services can use to build more inclusive experiences for everyone. Get the principles, guidebooks, workshop to...
inclusive.microsoft.design
February 5, 2026 at 7:59 AM
Microsoft launched its #InclusiveDesign website
It includes plenty of great resources for people who want to design accessible products and services, including tools and powerful real-life stories
inclusive.microsoft.design
Well done, @annaecook.com and team!
It includes plenty of great resources for people who want to design accessible products and services, including tools and powerful real-life stories
inclusive.microsoft.design
Well done, @annaecook.com and team!
Big mistake from #LinkedIn – limiting the number of personalised invitations to 3 per month.
This only results in worse interactions on the platform and decontextualised requests – which I personally always decline.
This only results in worse interactions on the platform and decontextualised requests – which I personally always decline.
February 4, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Big mistake from #LinkedIn – limiting the number of personalised invitations to 3 per month.
This only results in worse interactions on the platform and decontextualised requests – which I personally always decline.
This only results in worse interactions on the platform and decontextualised requests – which I personally always decline.
It’s tough being a junior service designer entering the market.
I just talked to a recent graduate who is looking across Europe and even internationally.
They didn’t find much. They don’t want to apply for slightly more common junior #UX design roles, given they completed their #serviceDesign MA.
I just talked to a recent graduate who is looking across Europe and even internationally.
They didn’t find much. They don’t want to apply for slightly more common junior #UX design roles, given they completed their #serviceDesign MA.
February 4, 2026 at 2:49 PM
It’s tough being a junior service designer entering the market.
I just talked to a recent graduate who is looking across Europe and even internationally.
They didn’t find much. They don’t want to apply for slightly more common junior #UX design roles, given they completed their #serviceDesign MA.
I just talked to a recent graduate who is looking across Europe and even internationally.
They didn’t find much. They don’t want to apply for slightly more common junior #UX design roles, given they completed their #serviceDesign MA.
How is your day going so far?
I sent a colleague this classic GDS #contentDesign poster after a ministerial stakeholder argued that against “every coarsening and simplification of language, because the state should use correct (and, where applicable, legal) terms”
1/X
I sent a colleague this classic GDS #contentDesign poster after a ministerial stakeholder argued that against “every coarsening and simplification of language, because the state should use correct (and, where applicable, legal) terms”
1/X
February 4, 2026 at 9:55 AM
How is your day going so far?
I sent a colleague this classic GDS #contentDesign poster after a ministerial stakeholder argued that against “every coarsening and simplification of language, because the state should use correct (and, where applicable, legal) terms”
1/X
I sent a colleague this classic GDS #contentDesign poster after a ministerial stakeholder argued that against “every coarsening and simplification of language, because the state should use correct (and, where applicable, legal) terms”
1/X
It’s always insightful to hear others talk about the work you’re involved in
In January, a brown bag meeting at digital government competence network NEGZ discussed the German #ServiceStandard & #DINSPEC66336 – in German 🇩🇪
Some 200+ people joined, and it’s been recorded and is available on YouTube
In January, a brown bag meeting at digital government competence network NEGZ discussed the German #ServiceStandard & #DINSPEC66336 – in German 🇩🇪
Some 200+ people joined, and it’s been recorded and is available on YouTube
Servicestandard umsetzen mit DIN SPEC 66336 – Q&A | NEGZ BBM 16.01.2026
YouTube video by NEGZ – Kompetenznetzwerk Digitale Verwaltung
www.youtube.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:30 AM
It’s always insightful to hear others talk about the work you’re involved in
In January, a brown bag meeting at digital government competence network NEGZ discussed the German #ServiceStandard & #DINSPEC66336 – in German 🇩🇪
Some 200+ people joined, and it’s been recorded and is available on YouTube
In January, a brown bag meeting at digital government competence network NEGZ discussed the German #ServiceStandard & #DINSPEC66336 – in German 🇩🇪
Some 200+ people joined, and it’s been recorded and is available on YouTube
Immigration offices are among the most stressful places in a city.
Emotions run high cause life decisions are getting made.
Navigating a huge building when you’re stressed isn’t an extra you need.
That’s probably why Berlin invested in a bold signage system for its State Office for Immigration.
Emotions run high cause life decisions are getting made.
Navigating a huge building when you’re stressed isn’t an extra you need.
That’s probably why Berlin invested in a bold signage system for its State Office for Immigration.
February 2, 2026 at 7:51 AM
Immigration offices are among the most stressful places in a city.
Emotions run high cause life decisions are getting made.
Navigating a huge building when you’re stressed isn’t an extra you need.
That’s probably why Berlin invested in a bold signage system for its State Office for Immigration.
Emotions run high cause life decisions are getting made.
Navigating a huge building when you’re stressed isn’t an extra you need.
That’s probably why Berlin invested in a bold signage system for its State Office for Immigration.
How is your #weeknoting going?
Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes I don’t feel it or have the time to write more than a few bullet points.
But somehow, I did publish 52 notes in 2025, 1 each week.
I then counted, and it’s 58,004 words written. Hence, the reflections of a year are almost a little book
Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes I don’t feel it or have the time to write more than a few bullet points.
But somehow, I did publish 52 notes in 2025, 1 each week.
I then counted, and it’s 58,004 words written. Hence, the reflections of a year are almost a little book
2025 Archives
Einblicke in praktisches nutzendenzentriertes Design in der deutschen Verwaltung: Vorträge, Fortschrittsberichte, Arbeitsnotizen
verwaltungsgestaltung.de
January 31, 2026 at 3:11 PM
How is your #weeknoting going?
Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes I don’t feel it or have the time to write more than a few bullet points.
But somehow, I did publish 52 notes in 2025, 1 each week.
I then counted, and it’s 58,004 words written. Hence, the reflections of a year are almost a little book
Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes I don’t feel it or have the time to write more than a few bullet points.
But somehow, I did publish 52 notes in 2025, 1 each week.
I then counted, and it’s 58,004 words written. Hence, the reflections of a year are almost a little book
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
I spoke with representatives from several states and larger municipalities curious about the #ServiceStandard.
I also participated in 3 separate 2026 planning & roadmapping sessions—with teams and our discipline leadership team
I spoke with representatives from several states and larger municipalities curious about the #ServiceStandard.
I also participated in 3 separate 2026 planning & roadmapping sessions—with teams and our discipline leadership team
Week #196 at the Digital Service: Notes for 26–30 January
Martin spoke with representatives from several states and larger municipalities who were curious about the Service Standard. He also participated in 3 separate 2026 planning and roadmapping sessions –...
verwaltungsgestaltung.de
January 31, 2026 at 2:33 PM
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
I spoke with representatives from several states and larger municipalities curious about the #ServiceStandard.
I also participated in 3 separate 2026 planning & roadmapping sessions—with teams and our discipline leadership team
I spoke with representatives from several states and larger municipalities curious about the #ServiceStandard.
I also participated in 3 separate 2026 planning & roadmapping sessions—with teams and our discipline leadership team
It’s good to hope for something.
Following @olu.online’s example, I wrote down my hopes (for the work context) for the first time in early 2025.
This week, I shared my 26 hopes for 2026 with our design & user research team.
They added plenty of emojis.
👇
verwaltungsgestaltung.de/notizen/2026...
Following @olu.online’s example, I wrote down my hopes (for the work context) for the first time in early 2025.
This week, I shared my 26 hopes for 2026 with our design & user research team.
They added plenty of emojis.
👇
verwaltungsgestaltung.de/notizen/2026...
January 31, 2026 at 1:21 PM
It’s good to hope for something.
Following @olu.online’s example, I wrote down my hopes (for the work context) for the first time in early 2025.
This week, I shared my 26 hopes for 2026 with our design & user research team.
They added plenty of emojis.
👇
verwaltungsgestaltung.de/notizen/2026...
Following @olu.online’s example, I wrote down my hopes (for the work context) for the first time in early 2025.
This week, I shared my 26 hopes for 2026 with our design & user research team.
They added plenty of emojis.
👇
verwaltungsgestaltung.de/notizen/2026...
Who got taxpayers’ money?
The Government of Cyprus is doing an excellent job at increasing transparency for service design and development.
For the 28 services that are compliant with their #ServiceStandard so far, you can see who made them – PWC, EY, in-house:
dsf.dmrid.gov.cy/service-stan...
The Government of Cyprus is doing an excellent job at increasing transparency for service design and development.
For the 28 services that are compliant with their #ServiceStandard so far, you can see who made them – PWC, EY, in-house:
dsf.dmrid.gov.cy/service-stan...
January 31, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Who got taxpayers’ money?
The Government of Cyprus is doing an excellent job at increasing transparency for service design and development.
For the 28 services that are compliant with their #ServiceStandard so far, you can see who made them – PWC, EY, in-house:
dsf.dmrid.gov.cy/service-stan...
The Government of Cyprus is doing an excellent job at increasing transparency for service design and development.
For the 28 services that are compliant with their #ServiceStandard so far, you can see who made them – PWC, EY, in-house:
dsf.dmrid.gov.cy/service-stan...
One of the best takes on non-sensical product and service developments:
“Protobot is very simple: it generates a product idea by matching a random product category with a random constraint.”
— by the great Molly Claire Wilson:
protobot.org#en
“Protobot is very simple: it generates a product idea by matching a random product category with a random constraint.”
— by the great Molly Claire Wilson:
protobot.org#en
Protobot: randomly generated design challenges
protobot.org
January 31, 2026 at 7:27 AM
One of the best takes on non-sensical product and service developments:
“Protobot is very simple: it generates a product idea by matching a random product category with a random constraint.”
— by the great Molly Claire Wilson:
protobot.org#en
“Protobot is very simple: it generates a product idea by matching a random product category with a random constraint.”
— by the great Molly Claire Wilson:
protobot.org#en
How to support 50 people in your discipline as a design leader?
Today, our little #design and #userResearch leadership team at @digitalservice.bund.de got together to review 2025 and look ahead into 2026. The team consists of principals Charlotte and Sonja, people partner Annemie and me.
Today, our little #design and #userResearch leadership team at @digitalservice.bund.de got together to review 2025 and look ahead into 2026. The team consists of principals Charlotte and Sonja, people partner Annemie and me.
January 30, 2026 at 9:45 PM
How to support 50 people in your discipline as a design leader?
Today, our little #design and #userResearch leadership team at @digitalservice.bund.de got together to review 2025 and look ahead into 2026. The team consists of principals Charlotte and Sonja, people partner Annemie and me.
Today, our little #design and #userResearch leadership team at @digitalservice.bund.de got together to review 2025 and look ahead into 2026. The team consists of principals Charlotte and Sonja, people partner Annemie and me.
Standards won’t do anything unless integrated into a larger system that includes carrots & sticks.
Today, we shaped our 2026 activities for the German #ServiceStandard. My product management colleague Robert asked for a short input on what worked in the UK.
I made that slide.
All remains relevant
Today, we shaped our 2026 activities for the German #ServiceStandard. My product management colleague Robert asked for a short input on what worked in the UK.
I made that slide.
All remains relevant
January 29, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Standards won’t do anything unless integrated into a larger system that includes carrots & sticks.
Today, we shaped our 2026 activities for the German #ServiceStandard. My product management colleague Robert asked for a short input on what worked in the UK.
I made that slide.
All remains relevant
Today, we shaped our 2026 activities for the German #ServiceStandard. My product management colleague Robert asked for a short input on what worked in the UK.
I made that slide.
All remains relevant
Reposted by Martin Jordan
The #NoMouse Challenge is a global effort to raise awareness about accessible web design. Try using your website without a mouse. Use the keyboard instead. Is it possible to access all features and operate all buttons, sliders, and other controls?
nomouse.org
nomouse.org
The #NoMouse Challenge
nomouse.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:17 PM
The #NoMouse Challenge is a global effort to raise awareness about accessible web design. Try using your website without a mouse. Use the keyboard instead. Is it possible to access all features and operate all buttons, sliders, and other controls?
nomouse.org
nomouse.org
How often do you engage in cross-silo exchange?
How often do you talk to colleagues and other teams doing similar work as you do, but in different organisations and contexts?
Today, our #ServiceStandard team spoke with @benaldo.bsky.social , and it was worth every one of the 60 minutes we had.
How often do you talk to colleagues and other teams doing similar work as you do, but in different organisations and contexts?
Today, our #ServiceStandard team spoke with @benaldo.bsky.social , and it was worth every one of the 60 minutes we had.
January 27, 2026 at 9:43 PM
How often do you engage in cross-silo exchange?
How often do you talk to colleagues and other teams doing similar work as you do, but in different organisations and contexts?
Today, our #ServiceStandard team spoke with @benaldo.bsky.social , and it was worth every one of the 60 minutes we had.
How often do you talk to colleagues and other teams doing similar work as you do, but in different organisations and contexts?
Today, our #ServiceStandard team spoke with @benaldo.bsky.social , and it was worth every one of the 60 minutes we had.
I love a good government #barcamp!
And #NEGZ is doing a great job at making it as open and inclusive as possible.
We’ll be running a #ServiceStandard workshop as part of tomorrow’s event.
Join us in the late morning – remotely!
And #NEGZ is doing a great job at making it as open and inclusive as possible.
We’ll be running a #ServiceStandard workshop as part of tomorrow’s event.
Join us in the late morning – remotely!
Morgen am 27.01. diskutiert unser Innovation Lead @benedigital.bsky.social die Wirkungsorientierung von Digitalisierungsprojekten auf dem Online-Barcamp "Staat in die Zukunft". Die Abschlusspaneldiskussion startet um 16Uhr! Seid dabei und meldet euch an: staat-in-die-zukunft.de
Home - Staat in die Zukunft
Herzlich willkommen auf den Seiten von Staat in die Zukunft (#SidZ). #SidZ ist ein Online-Barcamp für alle, die die Verwaltung verändern wollen. VOL. 4 steht vor der Tür! Meldet euch hier an und/o...
staat-in-die-zukunft.de
January 26, 2026 at 11:48 AM
I love a good government #barcamp!
And #NEGZ is doing a great job at making it as open and inclusive as possible.
We’ll be running a #ServiceStandard workshop as part of tomorrow’s event.
Join us in the late morning – remotely!
And #NEGZ is doing a great job at making it as open and inclusive as possible.
We’ll be running a #ServiceStandard workshop as part of tomorrow’s event.
Join us in the late morning – remotely!
“What we put into the world, as action or artefact, is how the world is made.
Design is a way of engaging with the greater conversation of how to live together on a planet with limited resources.
Design is thus politics.”
@mikegallagher.bsky.social
Design is a way of engaging with the greater conversation of how to live together on a planet with limited resources.
Design is thus politics.”
@mikegallagher.bsky.social
Mike Gallagher: Design is politics
Weeknote, w/c 19 January 2026
mikegallagher.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:43 PM
“What we put into the world, as action or artefact, is how the world is made.
Design is a way of engaging with the greater conversation of how to live together on a planet with limited resources.
Design is thus politics.”
@mikegallagher.bsky.social
Design is a way of engaging with the greater conversation of how to live together on a planet with limited resources.
Design is thus politics.”
@mikegallagher.bsky.social
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
Kicking off 2026 for the #userResearch sub-discipline, I participated in a half-day onsite to look ahead.
I also helped facilitate a 2-day workshop on a substantial extension to a #ServiceStandard.
👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social
Kicking off 2026 for the #userResearch sub-discipline, I participated in a half-day onsite to look ahead.
I also helped facilitate a 2-day workshop on a substantial extension to a #ServiceStandard.
👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social
Week #195 at the Digital Service: Notes for 19–23 January
Kicking off 2026 for the user research sub-discipline, Martin participated in a half-day onsite to look back and ahead. In week #195, he also co-facilitated a 2-day workshop on a substantial Service S...
verwaltungsgestaltung.de
January 25, 2026 at 4:31 PM
As a public servant, I write weekly notes to let people see what I do.
Kicking off 2026 for the #userResearch sub-discipline, I participated in a half-day onsite to look ahead.
I also helped facilitate a 2-day workshop on a substantial extension to a #ServiceStandard.
👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social
Kicking off 2026 for the #userResearch sub-discipline, I participated in a half-day onsite to look ahead.
I also helped facilitate a 2-day workshop on a substantial extension to a #ServiceStandard.
👋🏻 @weeknotes-bot.bsky.social
“How much #userResearch can a team handle?”, a user researcher asked today.
“Sometimes, we can overwhelm a team. Then, we find – depending on our individual strengths and interests – other areas we can add value”
💡
“Sometimes, we can overwhelm a team. Then, we find – depending on our individual strengths and interests – other areas we can add value”
💡
January 22, 2026 at 1:11 PM
“How much #userResearch can a team handle?”, a user researcher asked today.
“Sometimes, we can overwhelm a team. Then, we find – depending on our individual strengths and interests – other areas we can add value”
💡
“Sometimes, we can overwhelm a team. Then, we find – depending on our individual strengths and interests – other areas we can add value”
💡
Our #ServiceStandard work doesn’t end just because we have a standard that’s baked into a formal regulation.
We are acutely aware of gaps in guidance, training offerings and the wider service support system.
That is why we went into workshop mode again for the last 2 days to address existing gaps.
We are acutely aware of gaps in guidance, training offerings and the wider service support system.
That is why we went into workshop mode again for the last 2 days to address existing gaps.
January 21, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Our #ServiceStandard work doesn’t end just because we have a standard that’s baked into a formal regulation.
We are acutely aware of gaps in guidance, training offerings and the wider service support system.
That is why we went into workshop mode again for the last 2 days to address existing gaps.
We are acutely aware of gaps in guidance, training offerings and the wider service support system.
That is why we went into workshop mode again for the last 2 days to address existing gaps.