How Do We Design Media That Makes The World Better?
By: Rebecca Michelson
Tags: Civic Engagement, Boston, Civic Media, Human Centered Design, Data Visualization

How often do academics, community organizations, media-makers, and government agencies convene to learn from each other? Those who contribute to the Boston Civic Media network believe the answer is “not frequently enough,” and, the feedback from the Design, Technology, and Social Impact event confirms the need for a plurality of voices to shape civic media and technology. Over 200 attendees had over 30 lightning talks to choose from about civic media in Boston, ranging in topic from the user-centered redesign process of Boston.gov to a citizen science art project case study about thermal fishing bobs via Public Lab. The hands-on workshops provided opportunities to play with data analysis tools, practice design-thinking skills, and learn how to adapt programs and tools for accessibility.

All of these conversations converged on a single question:

How do we design media that makes Boston a better place for the most people?

Starting with the Why

Boston City Councillor Ayanna Pressley was our keynote speaker

The keynote speaker, Boston City Councillor Ayanna Pressley, set the tone by emphasizing equity and inclusion in civic projects. She reminded the audience that inclusion is not a buzzword, it is about shared power. If our designed projects and products do not reflect a participatory process, or at least one geared to the best interests of those in the margins, then we are not acting in the service of the public. According to Councilor Pressley :

“(It’s) not just about everyone getting a fair share of the pie, but everyone getting a chance at baking the damn thing.”

When reflecting on integrating media and technology into the public sphere, we should be wary of mistaking the means for the ends. Councilor Pressley reminded us that relying on social media for public input is merely one piece of the puzzle, since it can result in a shallow, polarized perception of constituents. Further, relying primarily on social media for community engagement can give politicians an out by fostering a culture of immediate responses and not necessarily the long-term action in the form of policy change to back it up. Civic media designers and technologists should consider creating products that enable meaningful, reflective, and lasting relationships and dialogues. Policy suffers when there isn’t space for public officials to be thoughtful with their constituents.

Graphic Recording by Tamra Carhart

Design for the Margins: An Imperative not a Suggestion

Designing for existing systems runs the risk of perpetuating existing inequalities within them. Ceasar McDowell (Interaction Institute for Social Change) explained the need to design for the margins to ensure that participants can exercise their agency. When more of us can participate in any given process or product, we are stronger as a society. Ceasar reminded us that this is analogous to staking a net farther at the margins to provide more stability. Beyond the benefits of a healthier society, designing for the margins enables participation. Echoing Councilor Pressley’s words,

“if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”.

We cannot always rely on groups like designers, technologists, and politicians to speak on our behalf, and approaches of co-design and participatory democracy aid in bringing more voices to the table. Several of the conference workshops focused on designing for the margins, including the Accessibility First! Workshop and the panel on inclusive design.