Usability in Civic Life

Public Advocacy

As new technologies revolutionize the way citizens interact with government, and usability is more important than ever.

Advocacy - speaking out for the value of usability and improved user experiences - is part of UPA's mission.

UPA issues public comments on issues, participates in developing regulations and standards, and supports projects that work to improve government services and anywhere usability intersects with civic life

• The UPA 2008 International Conference (June 16-20 in Baltimore, MD) includes a one-day special track on e-government.
• World Usability Day, held annually in November, is celebrated with events around the world.
• Government and Industry Day, 1998 brought together leaders and usability advocates in Washington DC

What UPA has said about...

• Plain Language
• Discrimination in Air Travel
• Consideration of Voting System Usability
• Palm Beach Ballot Design Problems
• See all public statements

• Articles on voting and usability in UPA publications

Get involved

Join the e-gov discussion group. Anyone in UPA with an interest in these issues is invited to participate.

Write to your local and national representatives and let them know how important design and usability is to the strength of a democracy.