Callout
A callout is a content component that draws attention to important information by visually setting it apart from surrounding content with distinctive styling and optional call-to-action buttons.
When to use
Use the callout component when you need to:
Highlight important information that requires user attention
Present key messages that support the main content
Provide supplementary information that adds value to the primary content
Guide users towards specific actions with clear calls-to-action
Break up long sections of content with visually distinct elements
When not to use
Do not use the callout component when:
The information is critical for accessibility or functionality (use alerts instead)
You need to communicate error states, warnings or system messages (use the alert component)
The content requires extensive formatting, tables, or complex layouts
You want to display promotional content (use the promo component)
Step-by-step instructions are needed (use the next steps component)
Best practice guidelines
Content focus: Keep callout content concise and focused on a single key message or piece of information. Avoid overloading callouts with multiple messages.
Clear purpose: Ensure each callout has a clear purpose that adds value to the user's experience. Don't use callouts for decorative purposes only.
Visual distinction: Maintain sufficient visual distinction between callouts and surrounding content without overwhelming the page hierarchy.
Action-oriented: If including call-to-action buttons, ensure they are relevant to the callout content and provide clear direction.
Consistent usage: Use callouts consistently across your site to establish user familiarity with the pattern.
Accessible content: Ensure the callout content is accessible to all users, including those using assistive technologies.
Limited frequency: Use callouts sparingly on a single page to maintain their impact and prevent visual noise.
Responsive design: Ensure callouts adapt appropriately to different screen sizes while maintaining readability.
Variations
The callout component offers multiple variations:
With or without call-to-action buttons
With a single primary button or dual primary and secondary buttons
Desktop and mobile responsive layouts
Accessibility
According to the CivicTheme v1.7.0 Accessibility Assessments, the callout component has been tested against WCAG 2.2 guidelines.
Summary of the most recent accessibility test results:
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)
Pass
The image is considered decoration and can be ignored by screen readers.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)
Pass
Contrast meets the minimum 4.5:1.
1.4.4 Resize text (Level AA)
Pass
Text is still visible and readable when resized to at least 200%.
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)
Pass
Elements are accessible using a keyboard only.
2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)
Pass
Focus is visible when navigating using a keyboard.
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)
Pass
For all elements the name and role can be programmatically determined.
1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA)
Pass
Text is visible/readable when the line spacing is at least 1.5 times the font size, letter spacing is at least 0.12 times the font size, and word spacing is at least 0.16 times the font size.
Security
No specific security considerations have been identified for this component beyond standard web security practices.
Component inspiration and uplift
This component has been modelled after the Default Callout component from the Australian Government Design System (AGDS). It has been uplifted by Salsa Digital, as the custodian of the CivicTheme Design System, in the following ways:
The callout component includes the option to add both a primary and secondary call to action under the description, providing more flexibility for user guidance
Additional content-related components have also been modelled after the callout component in CivicTheme, including attachments, publications and next steps
The accent line uses the highlight colour, as opposed to the default neutral colour, to draw greater attention to the callout component
The component has been updated to be fully responsive across desktop and mobile viewports
This uplifting was based on user research that demonstrated a stronger emphasis on the accent line was needed to draw greater attention to the callout component, as validated in early customer testing sessions across multiple agencies.
User research on this component
★★★★☆ Confidence rating: High (Informed by research with end users and stakeholders)
Based on the available evidence, the callout component has been subject to user testing as part of CivicTheme implementation projects. Research shows the component performs well in achieving its primary purpose of highlighting important information and directing users to relevant actions.
Key findings from testing indicate:
Users recognize the distinct styling as signifying important information
The vertical accent line effectively draws attention without being distracting
Call-to-action buttons within callouts receive good engagement rates
The component adapts well to different screen sizes while maintaining usability
However, there are some limitations in the research data:
Limited testing with users having accessibility needs
Incomplete data on performance across various content types
Some inconsistency in implementation across government sites
Known issues
Visual consistency: In some implementations, there can be inconsistent spacing between the callout's accent line and content, particularly when callouts contain varying amounts of text.
Button arrangement: On smaller mobile screens, the dual buttons may stack in ways that reduce their visual connection to the callout content.
Content overload: There's a tendency for content authors to include too much text in callouts, reducing their effectiveness as highlight elements.
More research needed
Additional research would be beneficial in the following areas:
Effectiveness of callouts when placed in different positions on the page (top, middle, bottom)
User response to different colour treatments for the accent line
Optimal character count for callout content to maintain impact
How users with cognitive disabilities interact with and perceive callouts
Performance metrics comparing single vs. dual call-to-action button configurations
Help improve this component
To help make this component useful and up-to-date, you can:
Contribute to discussions about the callout component
Submit your user research findings to help improve the component
Propose changes to enhance accessibility or usability
Share examples of effective implementation
Resources
Storybook
Github
References
Nielsen Norman Group. (2020). "Designing Effective Website Callouts."
Digital Service Standard. Digital Transformation Agency
Changelog
1.8.0
23 Jul 2024
Updated component to use new Button naming convention
1.7.0
20 Mar 2024
Accessibility assessment against WCAG 2.2
1.6.0
15 Jan 2024
Added mobile responsiveness improvements
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