Tips for building government websites in Panama

In 2011, the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG) in Panama published standards for public entity websites. The full resolution can be accessed here. This guide provides tips and recommended tools to help you design government websites that comply with these standards.

1. Page Structure

AIG mandates that websites be divided into three regions: upper, middle, and lower, each further subdivided into specific areas with unique purposes.

When building a website, it’s crucial to create dynamic structures that maintain integrity even when certain sections are unused. At Rootstack, we use grid systems to ensure consistency and flexibility. Grid systems provide structured layouts using columns, spacing, and margins, enabling an orderly design.

Recommended Grid Systems:

• Bootstrap
• Foundation
• Susy

2. Menu: "About the Organization"

On page 22, paragraph 18 of the AIG document, a requirement is outlined for an “About the Organization” menu. Complex menus can become cumbersome for users, so we recommend using collapsible libraries to improve the user experience.

Suggested Tool:

• jQuery UI Accordion

This library simplifies menu interactions, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.

3. Accessibility and Interoperability

Government websites must be accessible across multiple browsers. While AIG does not specify which ones, it’s safe to assume compatibility with:

• Internet Explorer
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Safari

Tips for Ensuring Accessibility and Interoperability:

1. Implement Fallbacks: When using modern features, always create alternatives for older browsers. Tools like html5please.com can guide compatibility strategies.
2. Separate JavaScript and Styles: Avoid assigning styles directly within JavaScript, as disabling JavaScript in browsers may disrupt the layout.
3. Use a CSS Grid Framework: As mentioned earlier, grid systems ensure consistency and facilitate troubleshooting.

Additional Tools:

• Respond.js: Supports CSS3 Media Queries in older browsers.
• Modernizr: Detects browser features to tailor website behavior.
• Polyfills: Simulate unsupported features in older browsers. More info here.

Compatibility Testing:

• BrowserStack: Tests website functionality across multiple browsers simultaneously.
• Modern.ie: Provides virtual machines for testing older versions of Internet Explorer.

4. Download Speed

As stated in section E.3.3 of the AIG document, optimizing download speed is essential for government and general websites alike.

Recommendations:

1. Use Image Sprites: Combine multiple images into one file and position them with CSS. This reduces HTTP requests and improves loading time. Example.
2. Enable Compression: Compress HTML using tools like mod_deflate for Apache or similar modules for Nginx.
3. Leverage Caching:
   • Use long-expiration headers for static elements like icons and backgrounds.
   • Implement caching systems for static content with tools like Varnish Cache or services like Cloudflare.

5. Compliance with Web Standards

Adhering to web standards ensures compatibility and accessibility. While pre-built templates can make compliance challenging, starting with clean, simple templates provides flexibility and reduces errors.

Focus on templates that comply with W3C standards and AIG requirements while leaving room for growth.

6. Security

Security is a top priority, particularly for government websites. At Rootstack, we prefer platforms with active security communities like Drupal and Symfony. These platforms offer robust security features and community support.

For more detailed insights on building secure web applications, refer to our dedicated post on secure web development platforms.

If you have questions or need assistance building a government website that meets AIG standards, feel free to contact us.

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