Summary
In this talk, the speaker discusses the evolution of civic design over the past decade, noting significant milestones such as the UK launch of civic design, the formation of the US Digital Service, and the establishment of digital agencies in Japan and Cyprus. Drawing from personal experience as a civil servant at the UK Government Digital Service, the speaker emphasizes the cyclical nature of ideas in public service, the importance of legislative support for civic design, and the ongoing collaboration with international designers. The talk also addresses the need for reflection on past work to inform future directions in civic design, while focusing on themes of power, ethics, and the necessity for designers to adapt their practices. The session aims to foster discussions on these critical elements, with engagement from participants on Slack expected.
Key Insights
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Civic design has seen significant milestones over the past decade with international collaborations.
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The partnerships formed in civic design are essential for shared learning and progress.
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Legislation plays a crucial role in advancing civic design initiatives.
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Reflection on past experiences is vital for shaping future practices in design.
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The evolution of civic design is cyclic and requires strategic leadership to flourish.
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Ethics and power dynamics are critical considerations for designers in government.
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Collaborative work with international counterparts enriches local civic design practices.
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Engaging with legislative frameworks can drive trust in government services.
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Storytelling and sharing experiences are pivotal to the growth of civic design.
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Designers must adapt their roles to meet the changing needs of society and governance.
Notable Quotes
"Hello from London."
"We're looking at the past 10 years and the next 10."
"So many important things have happened in the past 10 years."
"In the US, we've really seen an ecosystem of organizations working towards similar aims."
"We have to learn from those who have done this work before us."
"Legislation has been helping us in our work."
"Today's talk is a lot about reflection."
"Learning from history is essential for transforming our work."
"The roles of designers are changing and need to change."
"I'm excited to see the discussions on Slack."















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