Technology, Trust, & Governance

Technology, Trust, & Governance

Technology, Trust, & Governance is an Open Project Studio Report from the Spring 2023 semester at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design based on the open project studio taught by Eric Gordon and Helena Rong. 

This Open Project collaboration concentrated on the transformation of democratic institutions and the novel mechanisms of trust building that governments are exploring to address the problem of distrust. Models of governance where institutions respond to a singular public are no longer sufficient as diverse constituents or publics increasingly demand from institutions individualized responsiveness and the explicit articulation of shared values. As a response, democratic institutions are seeking better ways (often through technology) to deeply listen and to respond to the needs of multiple publics, especially those who have been historically excluded.

Students examined trends in technology augmented listening and decision-making, including “web3” technologies such as blockchain, as well as novel data practices, and artificial intelligence. Students

imagined designs for governance that are inclusive, creative, functional, and sustainable. Research Trajectories included Governance as Medium, Design for Institutional Trust, Activism in Digital Culture, Responsive Media, Play and Experience Design.

Series Design by Zak Jensen and Laura Grey
Report design by Ethica Burt.

80 pages, 17 x 24.5 cm