Design in Government “Impact for All” & Design Principles for Government in Ireland.

Friday, 28th of October, will hopefully go down as a big day for the people-centered design of public services in Ireland.

‘Design in Government — Impact for All’ a conference supported by Creative Ireland, delivered by Institute of Designers in Ireland, and in partnership with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, marked the launch of “Designing Our Public Services” — Design Principles for Government in Ireland.

For the design community, including colleagues, friends, and mentors I’ve known for years, this was a moment long awaited — when the Irish public service would recognise, and commit to design and the huge potential that it offers. A means by which to tangibly innovate, improve, and deliver public services.

Minister Catherine Martin, TD — “Better design provides a means by which we can offer improved public services. Placing people at the centre of our approach, prototyping ideas before they are launched or finalised.”

The day began with an address from Catherine Martin, T.D., and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The Minister’s department, through the Creative Ireland programme is a huge force in advancing design, a creative industry, as part of public policy.

Lou Downe — “Good Services are Designed”