Institutional transparency is not just about releasing information. It is about designing systems of openness that allow people to understand how decisions are made, how power is exercised, and how public value is created. This Civic Glossary entry explores what transparency really means in government and nonprofit institutions—and why it is foundational to public trust.

When crisis becomes the operating condition, design reveals what our public systems truly value. This essay reflects on how public-centered design can support prevention, response, and recovery—especially for those who cannot afford failure.

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.

Emerging creatives have an essential role to play in shaping public systems. Public Servants’ Spring 2026 creative and civic practice internship is a paid, part-time, remote contract role offering space for early-career creatives to contribute to real projects in design, storytelling, and public-interest work. Applications are now open.

Service Experience (SX) focuses on whether a public service works end-to-end—from eligibility and application through fulfillment and follow-up. In civic contexts, SX is the proof of whether a system can actually deliver on its promises. When designed well, SX reduces burdens, prevents duplication, and ensures services work as intended for both residents and staff.

From clinic entries to ballot design, great service design has always gone beyond the screen. Here’s why blending digital and physical touchpoints—whether rethinking an entire service or improving just one part—creates lasting impact.

Learn how government teams can break down silos between product management and design. This post explores common friction points and offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and driving better outcomes in public service.

Service design helps teams make sense of complexity—connecting the dots between people, policies, and processes to deliver thoughtful, effective public services. In this post, we unpack what service design is, why it matters, and how it supports real-world change.