I think a lot of us like to think we can dissect design like it’s our job (and for a lot of you, it probably is!) But I was pretty thrilled to see it being well used to actually make information more clear and accessible to those who aren’t usually it’s main demo.  Enter Making Policy Public, a series of fold-out posters that use graphic design to explore and explain public policy.

It’s the work of the Center for Urban Pedagogy

CUP makes educational projects about places and how they change. Our projects bring together art and design professionals – artists, graphic designers, architects, urban planners – with community-based advocates and researchers – organizers, government officials, academics, service-providers and policymakers. These partners work with CUP staff to create projects ranging from high school curricula to educational exhibitions.

Our work grows from a belief that the power of imagination is central to the practice of democracy, and that the work of governing must engage the dreams and visions of citizens.

Their most recent collaboration — a visual, multi-lingual fold-out poster in collaboration with The Street Vendor Project that communicates the maze of legality (and $1,000 fines) for such infractions as not showing their badge prominently enough. The project’s designer Candy Chang’s has a great write-up for documenting the process. Now to redesign the actual policy!

via: Social Design Notes