Improving Our Nation Through Better Design

8/21/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose and Policy: Launch the “America by Design” initiative to modernize and enhance the usability, aesthetics, and efficiency of Federal digital and physical service interfaces.
National Design Studio: Establishment of the National Design Studio within the White House Office, including the creation of the new Chief Design Officer position to lead design improvements and recruit top creative talent.
Agency Implementation: Mandatory consultations between agency heads and the Chief Design Officer to improve key websites and physical sites, with initial results required by July 4, 2026.
Standards and Compliance: Update of the United States Web Design System in accordance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act and efforts to standardize design across agencies.
Collaboration and Recruitment: Engagement with design experts and thought leaders to ensure best practices, including leveraging various hiring authorities to attract top talent.
General Provisions: Affirmation that the order does not infringe on existing agency authority or budgetary processes, with the initiative subject to applicable law and appropriations.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to modernize the design and usability of federal services, which could lead to increased demand for design and technology expertise. This may create opportunities for collaboration with educational institutions like Vanderbilt University, particularly in fields related to design, technology, and public policy.
There is a potential risk that the focus on design and usability could divert resources from other critical areas of government services, potentially impacting the overall effectiveness of federal programs.
The initiative may require significant investment in technology and design resources, which could impact federal funding allocations. This could have downstream effects on grants and funding available to universities and research institutions.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in federal service design could affect its partnerships with government agencies, particularly in terms of research collaborations and funding opportunities.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration in areas related to digital design and usability, particularly in partnership with federal agencies.
The Department of Computer Science could benefit from increased demand for expertise in user experience design and digital transformation, potentially leading to new research and educational opportunities.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might explore new avenues for research and collaboration in educational technology and design, particularly in relation to government services.
The Office of Federal Relations at Vanderbilt may need to engage with federal agencies to understand the implications of the America by Design initiative on existing and future partnerships.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards design and usability initiatives could impact the funding landscape for research and development, potentially affecting grant opportunities for universities.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize design and usability improvements. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in digital design and usability, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and the National Design Studio.
As the focus on design and usability becomes more prevalent, there could be a shift in the types of research and expertise that are in demand, potentially affecting funding allocations and research priorities at Vanderbilt.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential changes in funding priorities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Information Technology Department should explore partnerships with the National Design Studio to enhance the usability and aesthetics of its digital platforms. By aligning with the “America by Design” initiative, Vanderbilt can improve its digital presence and potentially influence federal design standards.
The Department of Computer Science could collaborate with the Chief Design Officer to contribute research and innovative solutions for improving government digital services. This collaboration could provide valuable insights and opportunities for students and faculty to engage in impactful projects.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in the implementation of the America by Design initiative to identify potential funding opportunities or partnerships that could benefit the university’s digital transformation efforts.
The School of Engineering should consider developing programs or courses focused on digital design and usability, leveraging the national focus on improving government services to attract students interested in this growing field.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Design and Art Departments to engage with the National Design Studio, offering expertise and potentially influencing the aesthetic direction of federal digital services.
By participating in the America by Design initiative, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in digital design and innovation, enhancing its reputation and attracting top talent in the field.
The focus on improving digital experiences aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to innovation and technology, providing a platform to showcase its capabilities and contribute to national efforts in digital transformation.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with national digital design initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

Initial results by July 4, 2026 – Heads of agencies must produce initial results for the America by Design initiative by this date.
Termination of the temporary organization by August 21, 2028 – The temporary organization within the National Design Studio is set to terminate 3 years from the order date.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

White House Office of the Executive Office of the President: Establishes the National Design Studio and the position of Chief Design Officer charged with leading the design overhaul effort.
General Services Administration (GSA): Directed to collaborate with the Chief Design Officer to update the United States Web Design System in accordance with the new design policies.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Required to be consulted by the Chief Design Officer in ensuring that implementation is aligned with budgetary and administrative requirements.
All Federal Agencies: Heads of agencies are mandated to consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the design improvements across both digital and physical public interfaces.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies across the entire federal government, impacting multiple key agencies and departments.)

Responsible Officials

Chief Design Officer – Tasked with recruiting top creative talent, coordinating with executive departments and agencies to implement the America by Design initiative, and consulting with thought leaders to devise innovative design solutions.
National Design Studio (NDS) Administrator – Responsible for leading the National Design Studio within the White House Office of the Executive Office of the President, and for managing the temporary organization dedicated to advancing the initiative.
Heads of Agencies – Required to consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the initiative at their respective agencies, prioritize improvements to digital and physical interfaces, and facilitate expert recruitment using relevant hiring authorities.
Administrator of General Services – Mandated to consult with the Chief Design Officer to update the United States Web Design System.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Expected to be consulted by the Chief Design Officer as needed in carrying out the obligations under this order.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives directly affect agency heads and senior officials across multiple agencies.)