Launching a New Era of Federal Design
President Donald J. Trump has taken a significant step toward modernizing federal services with the signing of an Executive Order on August 21, launching the 'America by Design' initiative. This ambitious program aims to enhance the usability and aesthetics of both digital and physical federal services, addressing long-standing issues with government interfaces that have frustrated Americans for years. The initiative establishes a National Design Studio and introduces the role of a Chief Design Officer to oversee these improvements.
According to a fact sheet released by the White House, legacy government systems are costly to maintain and notoriously difficult to navigate, often wasting time and resources. The order prioritizes websites and physical sites that 'have a major impact on Americans’ everyday lives,' ensuring that high-impact federal service providers receive immediate attention. This move is seen as a direct response to public demand for more efficient and user-friendly government interactions.
Addressing Critical Shortcomings in Digital Services
One of the core issues highlighted by the 'America by Design' initiative is the poor performance of federal websites. Data indicates that only 6% of an estimated 26,000 federal websites are rated 'good' for mobile performance, while a staggering 45% are not mobile-friendly at all. Additionally, less than 20% of these websites utilize code from the United States Web Design System (USWDS), maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), leading to inconsistent user experiences across platforms.
The executive order mandates agencies to consult with the newly appointed design official to ensure compliance with the bipartisan 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA), passed in 2018. This law already requires agencies to modernize websites, digitize services, and improve customer experience, but implementation has been uneven. The Trump administration's renewed focus aims to streamline these efforts, reducing duplicative costs and enhancing accessibility for all Americans.
Building Trust Through Better Design
Poorly designed digital and physical interfaces have long undermined public trust in federal service providers, a concern the administration seeks to address head-on. The White House fact sheet notes that the current ecosystem of federal services lacks the usability and aesthetic quality expected by the public. By prioritizing innovation and efficiency, President Trump intends to restore confidence in these critical systems.
Examples of past successes under Trump's leadership are cited as evidence of potential impact, such as a more than 37% reduction in the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits during his previous term. The 'America by Design' initiative builds on this legacy, promising a comprehensive overhaul that could redefine how Americans interact with their government. As this program unfolds, it will be closely watched for its ability to deliver tangible improvements in everyday federal services.