“Using Design Activism to eradicate bureaucratic friction for

civic agencies.”

Elisabetta DiStefano | Professor Tom Klinkowstein | Thesis 1 | Spring 2012 | Pratt Institute : Graduate Communication Design

This thesis presents the hypothesis of Urban Cities falling victim to the

bureaucratic friction endemic imposed on civic agencies, which

causes confusion and a decrease in civic engagement.

Our role as communication designers is using visual and systems thinking in

design to remove confusion, increase transparency and promote tangible

progressive action. In contrast to other methods that have been used for

participatory decision making, this newly proposed methodology can help

eradicate bureaucratic systems by establishing a sustainable infrastructure

utilized for civic agencies and communities.

As a result, this will help facilitate civic engagement while simultaneously

build bridges for these complex relations.

“Bureaucracy is the death of all sound work”

—Albert Einstein

FeudalismAnarchism Theocracy

Monarchy CommunismAristocracy

Fascism Republic

Citizen / Individual

Power / Authority

Democracy

Political Systems

What are the differences?

What is a Democracy?Do we live in one?

There is 3 branches of government.

Can you name these any of these 15 Executive Department Seals

We don’t know who’s who sometimes … so how do we reach out?

Independent Agencies and Government Corporations

Boards, Commissions, and Committees (excluding Federal Advisory Committees)

This thesis presents the hypothesis of Urban Cities

falling victim to the bureaucratic friction endemic

imposed on civic agencies, which causes confusion

and a decrease in civic engagement.

Our role as communication designers is using visual and

systems thinking in design to remove confusion, increase

transparency and promote tangible progressive action.

In contrast to other methods that have been used for

participatory decision making, this newly proposed

methodology can help eradicate bureaucratic systems

by establishing a sustainable infrastructure utilized for

civic agencies and communities.

1930sNOW

As a result, this will help facilitate civic engagement while

simultaneously build bridges for these complex relations.