TDS-394: Designing Democracy

Designing Democracy: The Future of Civic Engagement This research-led TDS will challenge students to explore the past, present, and future of democratic participation and civic engagement. Students will learn about how the landscape of US elections has changed over time, including the history of voting rights, civil rights, media representation and power. In partnership with Common Cause, a citizen lobbying group devoted to making government more ethical and accountable, students will participate in local canvassing activities and citizen ethnography. With knowledge partners from across the political spectrum, we will envision the role design can play in the election process and build frameworks and strategies for the future. Creative projects will invite public engagement in the political process through the creation of campaigns, collateral, systems, experiences, spaces (and more!) aimed at increasing voter participation in and beyond California.