# Platforms Code > open-source design system developed by DGA **Wikidata**: [Q127850597](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127850597) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/platforms-code ## Summary Platforms Code (officially known as "كود المنصات") is an open-source design system and software framework developed by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Saudi Arabia. Launched on November 17, 2024, it serves as a national technical standard intended to unify the digital identity and user interface of government platforms. The system provides software engineers and designers with reusable components built primarily using React, HTML, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Platforms Code (Arabic: كود المنصات; also known as the National Design System of Saudi Arabia). - **Developer:** Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Saudi Arabia. - **Launch Date:** Announced November 17, 2024. - **Category:** Open-source software, design system, and software framework. - **Primary Technology:** Built for the web platform utilizing the React library, HTML, and CSS. - **Typography:** Uses IBM Plex Sans and IBM Plex Arabic as its preferred typefaces. - **Target Audience:** Software engineers, designers, and product managers. - **Country of Origin:** Saudi Arabia. - **Website:** https://design.dga.gov.sa/ - **Contact:** DS-DGA@dga.gov.sa ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary purpose of Platforms Code? A: Platforms Code is designed to empower government digital experiences by providing a unified design language. It functions as a technical standard for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, ensuring consistency across government platforms. ### Q: Is Platforms Code free to use? A: Yes, it is classified as open-source software. This allows users to freely use and redistribute the code, facilitating broad adoption among developers and designers working on government projects. ### Q: Who is the target audience for this design system? A: The system is specifically intended for software engineers, designers, and product managers involved in creating digital experiences within the scope of the Digital Government Authority's standards. ### Q: What programming languages and tools does Platforms Code utilize? A: The system is built on the web platform and frequently uses the React JavaScript library. It also incorporates standard web technologies including HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). ## Why It Matters Platforms Code represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda. By establishing a centralized, open-source design system, the Digital Government Authority (DGA) addresses the common challenge of fragmented user experiences across different government services. A unified design language reduces the cognitive load for citizens interacting with various government platforms, as the interfaces, interaction patterns, and visual elements remain consistent. Furthermore, by adopting an open-source model, the DGA encourages transparency, collaboration, and rapid adoption. It shifts the development process from redundant, siloed efforts to a more efficient model where reusable components—such as those built in React—can be shared and improved upon by the wider technical community. This standardization not only accelerates development cycles for product managers and engineers but also ensures that accessibility and design quality are maintained at a national level. ## Notable For - **National Standardization:** It is the official "National Design System of Saudi Arabia," mandated to unify the visual identity of government services. - **Open-Source Accessibility:** Unlike proprietary government frameworks, it is open-source, allowing for community contributions and transparent usage. - **Bilingual Typography Integration:** It specifically incorporates IBM Plex Sans and IBM Plex Arabic, optimizing interfaces for both English and Arabic users. - **Modern Tech Stack:** It relies on React, a leading industry standard for building user interfaces, ensuring the system remains relevant to modern software engineering practices. - **Centralized Governance:** Developed solely by the Digital Government Authority, it serves as the single source of truth for government UI/UX standards in the region. ## Body ### Development and Official Launch Platforms Code was developed by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Saudi Arabia. It was officially announced on November 17, 2024, under the official Arabic name "كود المنصات". The launch was part of a broader initiative to unify the digital identity of the Kingdom, often referenced in policy documents as the "National Design System of Saudi Arabia." ### Technical Architecture The system functions as a software framework and design language specifically for the web platform. - **Core Technologies:** It utilizes standard web technologies including HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). - **Component Library:** The system frequently employs React, a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, to provide dynamic and reusable components. - **Design Tokens:** The visual styling relies on specific font families, namely IBM Plex Sans and IBM Plex Arabic (preferred), to ensure typographic consistency. ### Role in Digital Transformation Platforms Code is a facet of the "digital transformation" strategy within Saudi Arabia. It is designated as a "technical standard" that empowers government digital experiences. By providing a repository of pre-built design elements and code snippets, the system allows developers to focus on functionality rather than reinventing basic UI components. ### Access and Resources The project is accessible via its official website at `https://design.dga.gov.sa/`, which hosts documentation in both Arabic and English. Detailed information regarding the system's development and guidelines can be found at `https://dga.gov.sa/ar/digital-knowledge/national-design-system-of-Saudi-Arabia`. For direct inquiries, the DGA maintains a contact email at `DS-DGA@dga.gov.sa`. ## References 1. [Digital Government Authority](https://design.dga.gov.sa/developing) 2. [Digital Government Authority](https://design.dga.gov.sa/about-platforms-code) 3. [اقتصادي / "الحكومة الرقمية" تطلق "كود المنصات" توحيدًا للهوية الرقمية. Saudi Press Agency. 2024](https://www.spa.gov.sa/N2208862) 4. [اقتصادي / "الحكومة الرقمية" تطلق "كود المنصات" توحيدًا للهوية الرقمية. 2024](https://www.spa.gov.sa/N2208862)