Our principles
At the Center for Civic Design, we believe that democracy is a design problem. That using — and teaching — design practices and processes to understand problem spaces is what will make every interaction between the public and government efficient, effective, and pleasant.
These are the principles that guide our work.
1
We use design to make government work better.
Look beyond the immediate problem.
Try things out. Don’t just talk.
Redefine risk.
2
We do research to solve real world problems.
Understand why, not just what.
Ask basic, bigger questions.
Listen to people who are carrying the heaviest burden.
Conduct research in the field, not in the lab.
3
We raise the design IQ of our partners.
Get everyone involved.
Do projects with our partners not for them.
Teach our partners, their friends, and everyone else.
4
We do our work in the open.
Expose the process, don’t just do the project.
Make the right thing the easiest thing.
Share best practices.
Recognize and celebrate success.