The guidance clarifies that usability testing can often be conducted without the need for PRA clearance. Image: jannoon028/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOMB has issued guidance to agencies on Paperwork Reduction Act considerations when conducting “usability testing” of their forms, saying it “is aware that confusion regarding the PRA’s applicability has been a barrier to its use by some agencies.”
“Usability testing is an important tool that agencies can use to understand how real-world users interact with paper and digital forms, websites, or other services in order to identify issues and then address them,” says a posting by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. “By listening to user feedback, agencies can better understand users’ experiences, which helps agencies improve collections and reduce unnecessary burdens on the public.”
However, it says, agencies commonly raise concerns about how the PRA—intended to reduce the paperwork burdens the government imposes on individuals and companies—applies to such testing and to carrying out any improvements it indicates are needed.
The guidance clarifies that usability testing can often be conducted without the need for PRA clearance; discusses how agencies can quickly make changes that address problems identified during their testing; and emphasizes flexibilities for agencies to receive approval to update forms, websites, and other services when those needs are identified through usability testing.
The posting adds: “Finally, OIRA encourages agencies to think ahead when launching a new or updated form. If an agency plans to conduct usability testing on an item subject to PRA clearance, it should proactively discuss its plans during that process. While not required, doing so will allow for speedier deployment of improvements identified through usability testing.”
Key Bills Advancing, but No Path to Avoid Shutdown Apparent
TSP Adds Detail to Upcoming Roth Conversion Feature
White House to Issue Rules on RIF, Disciplinary Policy Changes
DoD Announces Civilian Volunteer Detail in Support of Immigration Enforcement
See also,
How Do Age and Years of Service Impact My Federal Retirement
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
Should I be Shooting for a $1M TSP Balance? Depends…
