Manchester expert helps shape groundbreaking review on public design
An expert from The University of Manchester has contributed to a major new government review which suggests that public design - an approach that brings citizens and designers into policymaking - could help to ensure that public services consistently achieve their goals.
The is the most comprehensive exploration yet of how design thinking can transform public services. Spearheaded by the Cabinet Office and drawing on expertise across government and academia, it brings together global case studies, academic insights and frontline government perspectives. It invites policy professionals to reimagine how we create value through more human-centred, collaborative public services.
Professor Liz Richardson, from the Department of Politics at The University of Manchester, played a key role in the landmark project. She co-authored two of the PDER青瓜视频檚 core reports, which examine the promise and potential of public design in modern governance.
One of her reports reviewed evidence on whether public design truly delivers public value - finding promising signs that, when done well, it can deepen collaboration, uncover fresh insights into how people experience services, and stimulate innovation by involving diverse voices in co-creation.
Professor Richardson also contributed to a major academic commentary in the review, setting out the current research landscape and future priorities for both academics and policymakers.
Reflecting on the work, she said: 青瓜视频淒esign could offer a fresh portfolio of ways to design and deliver high-performing public policies. Public design is part of a rich landscape of policy innovation. We are heartened by growing academic and policy interest in a family of 青瓜视频榩ositive青瓜视频� approaches to public policy (PoPP), including public design.青瓜视频�
PoPP means academic researchers working closely with policymakers to learn from both success and failure. We believe in the capacity of collective action to address urgent societal challenges in a time where public administration is increasingly under threat.
The PDER was coordinated by the Policy Profession Unit, prepared for publication in the Department for Work and Pensions, and launched by the Cabinet Office with support from the University of the Arts London.
The report represents a true cross-sector effort to rethink how government can better serve the public. Professor Richardson青瓜视频檚 involvement highlights how academic research can directly shape public services, and help to build more responsive, trusted and inclusive government.