President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at improving the design and usability of US government services. This initiative, dubbed ‘America by Design,’ seeks to create ‘first-class online and offline experiences for Americans,’ according to the order itself. The plan involves the establishment of a National Design Studio, tasked with updating the government’s visual language to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Reportedly, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia is being considered to lead this new studio as chief design officer. Gebbia’s previous work with the Trump administration, notably his involvement in overhauling the federal retirement process, suggests a focus on digital modernization. However, given Trump’s well-documented penchant for opulent and often gaudy aesthetics, there’s considerable speculation about the direction Gebbia’s designs might take. Will the new initiative result in a cohesive and user-friendly government experience, or will it reflect Trump’s more flamboyant design preferences?
The executive order highlights the administration’s focus on improving the public’s interaction with federal services, both online and in person. This initiative could significantly impact how citizens access government information and resources. However, the potential for design choices to be influenced by the President’s personal style raises questions about the ultimate success and public reception of ‘America by Design.’ Only time will tell if this initiative results in a truly improved user experience or a visually striking, but potentially impractical, overhaul.
The potential for conflict between functionality and aesthetics is a key concern. While improving the usability of government websites and services is undeniably beneficial, the pursuit of beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of practicality. It remains to be seen whether the National Design Studio can successfully balance these competing priorities. The success of this initiative will depend on Gebbia’s ability to navigate this delicate balance and deliver a design solution that is both visually appealing and user-friendly. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether this bold initiative lives up to its promises.
