Design for Democracy: Ballot and Election Design (Hardcover)

by Marcia Lausen (Author)
Key Phrases: voting supply carrier, recruiting registrants, polling place signs, Cook County, General Election, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Design is all too often concerned with an audience of consumers, but Design for Democracy fully recognizes its audience as citizens. A thoughtful demonstration of how the practice of design can productively engage the public, this book is urgently necessary."-Geoff Kaplan, designer, General Working Group (Geoff Kaplan, designer, General Working Group 20071007)

"An elegant examination of how to improve the utility of our nation''s varied-and, in some cases, shockingly bad-voter materials. . . . A refreshing use of aesthetics for a common good, and a probable classic for the bookshelves of the visually inclined."-Rolf Ebeling, Newsweek (Rolf Ebeling Newsweek 20071108)

"Lausen argues in Design for Democracy that election redesign is about ensuring that the full range of printed and visual materials with which citizens interact communicates effectively. The project is motivated by a belief that increased efficiency and transparency will improve confidence levels and increase trust between citizens and their government, thus invigorating democracy."-Ryan Biggee, Toronto Star (Ryan Bigge Toronto Star 20071227)

"An invaluable guide for voter advocates."-Bill Breen, Fast Company (Bill Breen Fast Company 20071216)

"If graphic designer Marcia Lausen had started revamping ballots just a few years earlier, George W. Bush might not be our President. . . . Any town, city or state can refer to Design for Democracy for sound advice on how to ensure no chad is left behind." (Lauren Weinberg Time Out Chicago )

"The thinky gift book for a political wonk." (Philadelphia Inquirer )

"Good information design is rooted in sticking to simple rules. Obvious though many of these rules may seem, the U.S. electoral debacle of 2000 illustrates the peril of ignoring them, while Lausen''s book shows how effective they can be." (Alice Rawsthorn International Herald Tribune )

"A notable and noble achievement, applying the craft of graphic design in the service of the public interest."-Edward Tufte, author of Beautiful Evidence (Edward Tufte )

Product Description

In November 2000, when the now-infamous "butterfly ballot" confused crucial Florida voters during a hotly contested presidential race, the importance of well-designed ballots to a functioning democracy caught the nation's attention. Recognizing that our entire voting process—from registering to vote to following instructions at the polling place—can be almost as confusing as the Florida ballot, Design for Democracy builds on the lessons of 2000 by presenting innovative steps for redesigning elections in the service of citizens.

Handsomely designed itself, this volume showcases adaptable design models that can improve almost every part of the election process by maximizing the clarity and usability of ballots, registration forms, posters and signs, informational brochures and guides, and even administrative materials for poll workers. Design for Democracy also lays out specific guidelines—covering issues of color palette, typography, and image use—that anchor the comprehensive election design system devised by the group of design specialists from whose name the book takes its title. Part of a major AIGA strategic program, this group's prototypes and recommendations have already been used successfully in major Illinois and Oregon elections and, collected here, are likely to spread across the country as more people become aware of the myriad benefits and broad applicability of improved election design.
An essential tool for designers and election officials, lawmakers and citizens, Design for Democracy harnesses the power of design to increase voter confidence, promote government transparency, and, perhaps most important, create an informed electorate.

(20071109)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; illustrated edition edition (October 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226470466
• ISBN-13: 978-0226470467
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent first-step in making democracy actually work in this country, December 2, 2007

By	R. P. Kamath "carbon-based life form" (Bloomington, IN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In recent years, the United States, this supposed bastion of democracy, has been failing in one of the most fundamental aspects of a functioning democratic system: making ballots and election materials that can be easily read, understood, and which ensure that the desires of the voting populace are committed in the way they intend, and count the way they should. This excellent design book showcases the way that information relating to voting should be made so that all confusion is eliminated in the voting booth, and credibility can be restored to the voting process in this country. Given the way this country has been going lately, I hope it happens sooner rather than later. This book is a great first step.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear winner - and mandatory reading for anyone involved in running elections, November 4, 2008

By	B. Bederson (College Park, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The title says it all. This book is clear, full of both specific case studies and design examples, as well as general principles and guidelines to apply these lessons to your own situation. If you are involved in an election, please buy this book.