Summary
Most people become researchers, designers, and writers in order to make an impact. And there is no setting more impactful than the public sector, where your work can literally change the lives of millions: veterans, taxpayers, students, refugees, policy makers, and more. Interested in making the move into the public sector? You'll find a rich, diverse, and at times confusing landscape of government agencies at all levels, where such terms as "user experience," "customer experience," and "human centered design" are still relatively foreign. To get hired there and to get things done, you'll need to understand the civic landscape and the unique constraints it places on designing products and services. Join us for a discussion with three civic design practitioners who will answer your questions and help you decode what's involved in understanding the landscape of design in the public sector.
Key Insights
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The public sector presents unique complexities that require patience and understanding.
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Navigating bureaucratic language and acronyms is a significant challenge for newcomers.
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Stakeholder relationships and trust are crucial for effective design in government projects.
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The cultural shift from private sector profit motives to public sector service delivery requires adaptation.
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Onboarding in public agencies often lacks structure, relying on self-driven learning and community support.
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Pacing oneself is important to avoid burnout when dealing with the slow nature of government change.
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Success in civic tech often requires collaborative relationships with various stakeholders across agencies.
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Emotional resilience is essential for managing the stresses of public sector work.
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Trust-building is a more relevant goal than customer satisfaction or delight in government services.
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The ability to navigate a 'jungle gym' of career paths is beneficial in civic tech.
Notable Quotes
"I wish I'd understood just how complex civic tech design is."
"You only you can set the pace; it will be your choice."
"My advice? Pace yourself; it's not as fast as you think it is."
"I appreciate that the drivers in public design are about reaching everybody."
"Don't feel like you need to come in and have domain knowledge right at the gate."
"Pacing and bracing yourself is vital in this work."
"Some projects don't translate well from private to public—let go of delight."
"Trust is paramount when designing for government services."
"The complexities require so much more conversation and trust-building."
"Ask questions, understand your space, and don't be afraid to reach out to others."
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