Progression on thesis Presentation. “Battling Bureaucracy”

1. “Using Design Activism to
eradicate bureaucratic friction for
civic agencies.”
Elisabetta DiStefano | Professor Tom Klinkowstein | Thesis 1 | Spring 2012 | Pratt Institute : Graduate Communication Design

2. This thesis presents the hypothesis of Urban Cities falling victim to the
bureaucratic friction endemic imposed on civic agencies, which
causes confusion and a decrease in civic engagement.
Our role as communication designers is using visual and systems thinking in
design to remove confusion, increase transparency and promote tangible
progressive action. In contrast to other methods that have been used for
participatory decision making, this newly proposed methodology can help
eradicate bureaucratic systems by establishing a sustainable infrastructure
utilized for civic agencies and communities.
As a result, this will help facilitate civic engagement while simultaneously
build bridges for these complex relations.

3. “Bureaucracy is the
death of all sound work”
—Albert Einstein

4. Citizen / Individual
Anarchism Theocracy Feudalism
Power / Authority
Political Systems
What are the Aristocracy Monarchy Communism
differences?
Fascism Republic Democracy

5. What is a Democracy?
Do we live in one?

6. There is 3 branches
of government.

7. Can you name these any of these
15 Executive Department Seals

8. We don’t know who’s who sometimes
… so how do we reach out?

9. Independent Agencies and
Government Corporations

10. Boards, Commissions, and
Committees (excluding Federal Advisory Committees)

14. This thesis presents the hypothesis of Urban Cities
falling victim to the bureaucratic friction endemic
imposed on civic agencies, which causes confusion
and a decrease in civic engagement.

15. Our role as communication designers is using visual and
systems thinking in design to remove confusion, increase
transparency and promote tangible progressive action.

16. In contrast to other methods that have been used for
participatory decision making, this newly proposed
methodology can help eradicate bureaucratic systems
by establishing a sustainable infrastructure utilized for
civic agencies and communities.
NOW 1930s

17. As a result, this will help facilitate civic engagement while
simultaneously build bridges for these complex relations.