Design has long been a valuable and essential part of modern business. While the private sector has been embracing design methodologies to improve products and services, the federal government has lagged in adopting modern practices, IT in particular. This article will explore why the federal government needs to embrace design, the benefits of integrating design methodologies, and the progress being made towards a more design-driven government.
The Federal Government's Slow Modernization
The federal government’s hesitance to adopt modern practices may not come as a shock to many. However, it is important to note that this slow modernization also applies to design practices and the employment of design practitioners. This lack of modern design approaches has created a perception that the federal government is challenging to work with. In turn, this has led to some frustration and inefficiency for everyday citizens who need to interact with the government.
The federal government’s slow modernization is evident in various aspects, including design practices and the employment of design practitioners. Here are two recent examples of this slow modernization:
- Aging Infrastructure: Our nation’s infrastructure is experiencing significant challenges due to years of neglect and delayed modernization efforts. More than 45,000 U.S. bridges and 1 in 5 miles of roads are in poor condition, as reported by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This slow modernization has resulted in deteriorating infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies and frustration for citizens who rely on these critical systems.
- Limited Digital Transformation: While private companies have embraced digital transformation, the federal government has struggled to keep pace with modern technology advancements. This slow adoption of digital tools and systems has impeded the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, making it challenging for citizens to interact with government agencies and access information or assistance.
Sources:
Modernizing U.S. Infrastructure: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law | CEA | The White House
Government intervention is more of an American tradition than we care to admit | Fortune
Understanding the Value of Design
In recent years, however, a shift has occurred. Designers, researchers, and developers are integrating design methodologies into their work and advocating for UX design to be integrated into federal websites, services, and systems. They understand that design approaches benefit government and citizens alike by creating more user-friendly, efficient, and effective services. A well-designed system can reduce errors and enable staff to work more efficiently, resulting in significant cost savings.
The Benefits of Design Integration
A better-designed system can also help streamline processes, improve communication, and increase transparency between government and citizens. For example, a well-designed website or mobile application can help citizens navigate complex government programs and services with ease, reducing the burden of navigating the bureaucratic system. Design also empowers designers to create products and websites that are accessible to all people, regardless of their level of ability.
In order to fully embrace design methodologies and practices, the Federal government must develop a culture of design thinking. This culture is built on the principle of user-first thinking, where the needs of the public are placed at the forefront of design projects. The government needs to invest in research to understand its users better to create systems that respond better to their needs and provide better flow. While the process of adopting modern design approaches will take time, its potential benefits for both government and citizens are significant.
In conclusion, design in the Federal domain is a long-overdue embrace. The benefits of adopting design principles are numerous, including improving efficiency, reducing costs, increasing transparency, and enhancing the customer experience. We hope to see more government agencies adopt a more design-driven approach and invest in design principles to better serve both government workers and everyday citizens.
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