Friday 28th October 2022 was a significant day for design. The Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) delivered a conference for Creative Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and the Service Design Network to launch Design Principles into government. This is the first time public bodies have been actively encouraged to adopt a citizen-centric, user centred design approach to developing services for the people of Ireland. 

The day started with an opening address from Minister Catherine Martin, who outlined the benefits of user centred design and how creativity is essential to progress. She referenced the Roadmap for the Digital Creative Industries, due to be published in 2023, as part of the Programme for Government - a welcome step forward for design and its position from a central perspective. 

Guest speaker Lou Downe outlined the approach taken to embedding design into the UK government, reminding the audience that the government's website is considered a vital public service. Second international speaker Mari Nakano highlighted the impact of design in the New York City Mayor's office, demonstrating how they achieved measurable improvements.

We then heard from no less than 12 Irish speakers who highlighted change that has been made across a range of public services. From the HSE, to Courts Services, to An Garda Siochana, Local Authorities and more, we heard inspirational examples of improved services through a citizen-centric approach. 

Following a video address of support from Minister Michael McGrath, Trevor Vaugh brought the audience of senior policy makers and public servants through the prototype for the 10 principles for design in government. Minister Ossian Smyth closed the conference with words of support. 

This is the start of a process, and IDI is delighted to have been able to drive this forward and would like to thank board Director John Lynch in bringing the conference curation together. The principles will now go through consultation but serve to empower public servants to embrace a new way of working, acknowledging the power of design to deliver human-centric solutions at the forefront of service provision. 

Find out the photos of the event on our Facebook page