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We are proposing using the file upload mechanism with 3rd party online consultation suppliers. The following design (in line with above examples) will be tested soon and findings will be fed back.
Findings from testing the NHS App file upload within an third party online consultation eczema triage journey:
What we tested:
Key findings:
Photo upload design was seen as a welcome addition, best and most sensible part of the Eczema journey
1 user expected to input the description of the photo whilst they could see the photo
1 user expected to be able to upload more than 1 photo
Some users tried to click the upload button before choosing a photo. However we think the fact that users were used to just clicking through the journey without inputting anything impacted this. We think that users didn't expect to have to upload anything or were reluctant for their private photos to come up. Also we tested this using an iframe, so users were not using a mobile device. This could also have impacted user behaviour.
Quotes:
"I would have asked the description with the actual picture just because you've got the photo in front of you. Not all of us have brilliant visual memory"
"[Photo upload] really good actually, [GP can] see [the] problem before appointment"
"I would have probably said to let more than 1 photo in, I saw you're only allowed 1 photo"
"Describe what this photo is showing – that's a silly question"
"That's good but I think it should also include that it's secure, if you're adding a photo it is quite a sensitive subject"
Next steps:
We have iterated the content of the native element to say
[ Choose a photo ] No photo chosen
Rather than
[ Choose a file ] No file chosen
Rhiannon Smith is reviewing the content to give users confidence that the image will be sent securely
I'm exploring options for showing the image to the user when they are asked to describe it
We now have a draft component and PR for the frontend: nhsuk/nhsuk-frontend#1556. We'll soon be prepping guidance for the component for the design system.
Here are some examples of the pattern for uploading multiple files that's in development on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). Happy to chat through the thought process.
Reacted by Ananda Maryon, Robert Wilson and Charlotte Downs
Should we remove the "or drop file" text from this component when viewed on a mobile touch device?
Noticed this on USWDS and seems sensible: uswds/uswds#6660, but I'm not sure on the support / confidence in checking for mouse / pointer devices with file bowsers? Eg. pretty sure you can plug a mouse into an android tablet and use a pointer on it, but not sure you could drag and drop. Would it also allow it to run less JS on mobile devices, with it not needing a dropzone?
In the meantime there has been some conversation about hint text with file upload on GOV.UK Slack. Someone from MHCLG says that they've used details for technical constraints and hint text to focus on the question. Like this. They think this is similar to the pattern used on GOV Forms.
Activity
cbernardojr commentedon May 28, 2019
This is the solution we're using for the Apps library project based on GDS:

https://design-system.service.gov.uk/components/file-upload/
devansXD commentedon Oct 7, 2019
Example on eRS - based on the GDS component. Has tested well.

BrieWhyatt commentedon Sep 11, 2020
We are proposing using the file upload mechanism with 3rd party online consultation suppliers. The following design (in line with above examples) will be tested soon and findings will be fed back.
samanthasaw commentedon Dec 8, 2020
Findings from testing the NHS App file upload within an third party online consultation eczema triage journey:
What we tested:

Key findings:
Quotes:
Next steps:
[ Choose a photo ] No photo chosen
Rather than
[ Choose a file ] No file chosen
sarawilcox commentedon Sep 2, 2025
We now have a draft component and PR for the frontend: nhsuk/nhsuk-frontend#1556. We'll soon be prepping guidance for the component for the design system.
JaFoNHS commentedon Oct 21, 2025
Hi guys,
Here are some examples of the pattern for uploading multiple files that's in development on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). Happy to chat through the thought process.
sarawilcox commentedon Jan 19, 2026
Published: https://service-manual.nhs.uk/design-system/components/file-upload
JaFoNHS commentedon May 20, 2026
DSPT file upload iteration after testing with users.
anandamaryon1 commentedon Aug 20, 2026
Should we remove the "or drop file" text from this component when viewed on a mobile touch device?
Noticed this on USWDS and seems sensible: uswds/uswds#6660, but I'm not sure on the support / confidence in checking for mouse / pointer devices with file bowsers? Eg. pretty sure you can plug a mouse into an android tablet and use a pointer on it, but not sure you could drag and drop. Would it also allow it to run less JS on mobile devices, with it not needing a dropzone?
anandamaryon1 commentedon Aug 20, 2026
To consider if we create a multiple file upload variant / pattern: alphagov/govuk-design-system#6022 (comment)
sarawilcox commentedon Oct 15, 2026
A recent accessibility audit flagged an advisory issue with this component, with a recommendation that we add instructions in the form of hint text so that users know about any file size or type restrictions. (File upload - Instructions for completing the form are marked up inappropriately (DIG308-01) #2497).
We are about to publish a hint text example with guidance on file types and sizes. (PR: nhsuk/nhsuk-service-manual#2678)
In the meantime there has been some conversation about hint text with file upload on GOV.UK Slack. Someone from MHCLG says that they've used details for technical constraints and hint text to focus on the question. Like this. They think this is similar to the pattern used on GOV Forms.
sarawilcox commentedon Oct 26, 2026
MOJ multi file upload component