Back in 2012, a Kickstarter launched to create a series of ‘Field Guides for Voter Intent’, some little books to help election officials to create better ballots.
Ever since the 2000 ‘Butterfly Ballot’ controversy, this has been a cause I supported so it was easy for me to send a modest sum along to help the Guides to get started. I wasn’t alone, and not long after the first few guides came out: beautifully designed, very clear, and full of straightforward advice. I was proud to have helped.
Not long after, I was even prouder when the Center for Civic Design asked me to help them with a guide: Creating forms that help voters take action.
Now the whole series has been recognised for the quality of the information, usefulness, and design in an exhibition: ‘By the People: Designing a Better America‘ at The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.
The Museum conducted more than two years of field research to identify the best examples of socially responsible design widening public access to services. Its exhibition opened on 30 September 2016.
The credit for the guides goes to the Center for Civic Design, of course, but I’m delighted to have been able to contribute in a small way.
You can view and download the guides free of charge. The same page has details of how to obtain a printed set of guides.
#forms #designtoread