Summary
Day two of Civic Design 2021 builds on themes from the previous day, zeroing in on tactical approaches to Civic Design. The emphasis is on equipping participants with tools and mindsets necessary for design in civic contexts. Presenters will address how to effectively make the case for design, emphasizing trust-building with stakeholders and the importance of accessibility and equity. The agenda includes discussions on understanding systemic points of intervention and methods to empower communities through research practices. Additionally, the session covers the importance of inclusive design procurement processes, especially for governments seeking external design services. Attendees can expect to gain career insights and advice for aspiring Civic Designers, enriched by collaborative presentations and opportunities for questions.
Key Insights
-
•
Civic design requires practical tools and methodologies.
-
•
Building trust with stakeholders is critical for effective Civic Design.
-
•
Including community voices from the beginning is essential for equitable outcomes.
-
•
Understanding systems and points of intervention is vital for redirecting power.
-
•
Equitable research practices help embed inclusivity in design processes.
-
•
Design procurement must be inclusive for optimal outcomes.
-
•
Personal narratives enrich the understanding of Civic Design careers.
-
•
Collaboration and iteration among speakers enhance the learning experience.
-
•
Civic Design can bridge gaps between communities and government efforts.
-
•
Aspiring designers should actively seek resources and connect with the community.
Notable Quotes
"Today we'll roll up our sleeves and consider the needed tools and mindsets for Civic Design."
"We focused on the top things the community has asked for in our research."
"We need to explore tactics to shift our methodologies to center community."
"Many governments are needing to buy design services to augment internal capacities."
"Design procurement itself must be crafted for inclusive responses."
"You'll leave today with a wealth of new knowledge rich with resources."
"Inspiring career journeys will be shared for those seeking to work in Civic Design."
"Ask questions throughout the day to dig deeper on these tools and tactics."
"It’s critical to embed inclusivity from the start through equitable practices."
"So much of successful Civic Design hinges on personal connections and narratives."
More Videos
"You are not just trusting an LLM; they are not databases, they mess up in ways databases never would."
Noz UrbinaRapid AI-powered UX (RAUX): A framework for empowering human designers
May 1, 2025
"The success of the album is because of that spontaneity."
Jim KalbachJazz Improvisation as a Model for Team Collaboration
June 4, 2019
"I want you to take a little time out of your week and say, hey, what is it like working for me?"
Holly ColeUnderstanding Experiences: When you have to do more than work
November 8, 2018
"When we utilize merge we can fully solve this problem."
Jack BeharHow to Build Prototypes that Behave like an End-Product
December 6, 2022
"It is very important for us to keep the vibes positive and make sure you feel good about being here."
Bria AlexanderOpening Remarks
October 3, 2023
"The workshops emphasized understanding people and their workflows before jumping to tools."
Erika FlowersAI-Readiness: Preparing NASA for a Data-Driven, Agile Future
June 10, 2025
"The future of education lies in collaboration and adaptation."
Kristin SkinnerFive Years of DesignOps
September 29, 2021
"Our goal is to create a sound for you, the audience, and empathize with each other to do that."
Jim KalbachJazz Improvisation as a Model for Team Collaboration
November 6, 2017
"Diverse teams lead to better outcomes by forming teams of different experiences."
Surya VankaUnleashing Swarm Creativity to Solve Enterprise Challenges
June 10, 2021
