Design and Democracy: A Case Study of a Project for the European Parliament

Abstract

Democracy refers to the condition where citizens can exercise self-determination, thereby allowing for the realization of their aspirations beyond the mere formal right to vote. Design for democracy primarily involves improving the mechanisms of participation in politics, such as through the interpretation of the needs of social groups or the creation of artifacts. We present a case study of EU4ALL, an initiative developed by a Portuguese social NGO, co-founded by the European Parliament (EP). EU4ALL's principal aim was to develop communication strategies that make the ten democratic values highlighted by the EP more attainable to communities in situations of information vulnerability, particularly inmates and those living in social housing. To achieve this, the Double Diamond design model was used, which involved a bibliographic search on democratic values, synthesizing of research, validation sessions with Portuguese Euro Deputies (MEPs), development of communication materials, testing with users, and finally, the delivery of materials and awareness sessions with vulnerable groups. Based on the conducted process, it is evident that design holds immense value in its potential to bolster democracy by creating inclusive and accessible communication materials and promoting transparency and accountability through the visual representation of data and information.