D.E.A.R.R. Diaries (Discipline, Experience, Architecture, Reflection + Revolution)

Key Insights

• •

  Entering Civic design with fresh eyes allows designers to both see systemic issues and bring prior experience to inform change.

• •

  Self-reflection questions like who you design for and who you serve reveal hidden power dynamics and potential saviorism.

• •

  Power in design is situational and fluid; one can have power in some contexts and not others, requiring continuous reflection.

• •

  Gatekeeping in design happens at individual, organizational, and practice levels, often through credentials, jargon, and hierarchy.

• •

  Centricity of connection and relationships with users and colleagues is more impactful than pure technical skill or methods.

• •

  The heroic designer narrative is limiting; Civic design requires collaborative, communal approaches without a single hero.

• •

  Design researchers can shift from improving service delivery to influencing policy and early-stage government innovation.

• •

  Long-term, relational engagement with communities is essential to address power imbalances and rebuild trust in Civic design.

• •

  Climate impact is a critical emerging concern for designers, with digital consumption contributing to significant emissions.

• •

  Design operations in government can reduce team friction, enabling focus on human-centered design and community impact rather than processes alone.

Notable Quotes