Recommendation to Obama transition team

In order to bring citizen attention to the potential for design and also to alert the Obama Administration to the issue, AIGA Design for Democracy members David Gibson and Ann Harakawa, both of Two Twelve, and Sylvia Harris, Office of Sylvia Harris, crafted specific recommendations around the role of communications and service design in improving government service. They posted these recommendations to the Obama transition team’s Citizens’ Briefing Book, an online project inviting citizens to make policy recommendations to the incoming administration:

Government communications should be helpful and clear

As citizens, we deserve a government that’s efficient, effective, and respectful. Today it’s easy, even enjoyable, to buy an iPod, track a package, or bank online. In contrast, using our most vital public services—Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, and others—can be a time-consuming, humiliating nightmare. Americans design great products and service experiences in the private sector; it’s time to bring the same know-how to the public sector. Let’s start by passing legislation that requires professional communications design and writing in any activities that involve government communications with citizens.

Government must invest in quality graphic design and clear language for all its public communications. We need simple forms, easy-to-use websites, quality telephone support, and good signs and communications at public buildings. Well-designed communications can lower costs, reduce errors, encourage compliance, enhance understanding, and increase good will among citizens. Only when government serves the people effectively, with clarity and courtesy, do we achieve the goals of our inclusive democracy.

America has an extraordinary pool of design talent that is respected worldwide. For the benefit of citizens, to support American jobs, and to invest in the information infrastructure that will improve productivity over time, government should be committed to improving the way it communicates.

Get involved

Design for Democracy invites you to add your reccomendations to this page or contact Design for Democracy with your thoughts about bringing clarity to governemnt communications.