Designing the future, one vote at a time
It’s been six months in a global pandemic during which we’ve also experienced civil unrest, the all-too-real effects of climate change, and an unprecedented economic downturn. Living through this time period has understandably left many feeling like their lives are completely out of control. So let’s talk about something that IS within our control.
As designers, engineers, UX professionals, and product team members, we have the power to use our skillsets to change the world right from our living rooms. Right now, at this very moment, people across the nation are deciding who to vote for in November’s election. This is not just a U.S. citizen-focused event. Regardless of who is elected, the person who lives in the White House for the next four years will have a massive impact globally, not just domestically.
If you’re interested in my political leanings, feel free to shoot me a message -I’m happy to discuss them with you. But this post isn’t about my views on politics. This post is about how we, as an industry, can affect change. And because today is National Voter Registration Day, it’s the right time to talk about it.
You don’t need to be employed by a candidate to use your skillset to make a difference. Design a poster, work with an organization that is creating more open opportunities for people who typically have a tough time getting to the polls, design an email that instructs people on how to vote by mail, or design a shareable social media graphic that contains a link to register to vote — the options are endless.
To be completely honest, on several occasions I have found myself sitting at home, overwhelmed by the world’s condition, feeling insignificant and like there is nothing I can do to help improve the state of the world. But there are tons of things I can do. Every action ripples. The key is taking the initiative to take that first small step. You don’t need to create an entire organization to make change. Every action, no matter how small, creates a reaction and can impact the actions of those around you. If every member of the product community reached out to five people to help them register and get to the polls or ballot drop off, the impact would be staggering.
If you’d prefer to jump in to help an initiative that’s up and running, there are some incredible non-partisan organizations out there looking for participants and volunteers.
The first is Civic Alliance, a group of businesses banding together to increase voter access to the polls. Companies like Github, CapitalOne, Microsoft, Spotify, InVision (where I work), PayPal, and Target, just to name a few, are participating along with over 150+ brands. Millions of employees are part of the movement.
There are also voter registration sites designed to remove barriers, and make voting available to more citizens. One of the largest such non-partisan sites is Vote.org. In a matter of seconds you can register to vote, check your voting status, or find your polling place.
Some organizations are really creative in the ways that they assist voters. Headcount.org, is an example. They’re a group that partners with music artists, and attends concert venues to help register attendees to vote.
But you don’t need to be part of a giant organization to make change.
You can drive friends, family members, or neighbors (wearing masks of course) to polling places or drop boxes. Volunteer at your local polling place. Donate disinfectant supplies. Give voters snacks and give them drinks while they wait in line, or pass out umbrellas if it’s raining. There are SO MANY ways we can help out.
InVision is fully distributed, and I have teammates all over the world. I feel fortunate to work alongside so many people who are focused on the global community — even employees in other countries are supporting and encouraging U.S. citizens to vote with our Shape the Future illustration campaign. This election won’t just affect U.S. citizens — it’s going to impact people all over the world. It’s not just our civic duty, it’s our duty as global citizens to get out there and advocate, promote, design and develop resources, and vote like our lives and livelihoods depend on it. Because they do.
So design those posters, create those social media graphics, send gorgeous emails, create a website filled with resources, use your skills in any way you can to design a better future not just for me and you, but for the next generation of global citizens.
And of course, get out there and vote.
