Community engagement is a cornerstone of public trust. This glossary entry clarifies what it really means, why it matters across government and nonprofit work, and how to move beyond check-the-box approaches.

Public-centered design is the discipline of shaping public services, policies, and operations around the needs and lived experiences of the people they affect—while strengthening trust, equity, and long-term public value. This glossary entry defines the term, explains its benefits, and outlines how organizations can apply it to improve outcomes for communities and public servants alike.

Design research in government and nonprofits isn’t just about collecting data—it’s about showing care. By grounding our work in human-centered, trauma-informed, and community-engaged approaches, we can uncover deeper truths, minimize harm, and generate insights that drive meaningful change. This is research with a heart: rigorous, respectful, and designed for public good.