The Nexus between Design and Policy: Strong, Weak, and Non-Design Spaces in Policy Formulation

Abstract

This paper frames the idea of design spaces in policy formulation identifying three types (strong, weak, and non-design) and describing their characteristics on the basis of a three-folded analysis: an exploration in the design literature to understand how scholars are reporting on the connection between design and policy and identifying a debate mainly focused on policy outputs (public services) and policymakers' capacities; an exploration of policy literature to analyse design in policy formulation and

Integrated policy formulation processes in local governments: A case study in mid-western Uganda

“…Nonetheless, problem identification was not rated as "very high," indicating that the ultimate outcome could not be better than its base. This view agrees with Mortati (2019), whose study found that the existence of policy design was peripheral due to a dearth of formal appreciation or due to a gap in the day-to-day profession or policy makers to involve participants and recognise their desires successfully. During one of the interviews, when a key informant was asked about "how the general needs of the district [were] identified in the district?"…”

“…Policy formulation is described as the development of policy alternatives to deal with problems on the public agenda. This occurs in public bureaucracies, interest groups, civil society organisations, legislative committees, and policy planning agencies (Mortati, 2019). The scope of public policy comprises the four sets, viz.…”

“…According to Colzin (2020), it is about selecting goals and means of achieving them. Mortati (2019) reveals that policy formulation involves a fundamental choice of government to do something or nothing. According to Saraithong and Chancharcoenchai (2019), it involves a course of action to realise specific objectives within a given environment.…”

Teaching Policy Design: Themes, Topics & Techniques

“…This entails a discussion of where policy design occurs within a government system. This topic typically embraces issues such as the notion of design spaces and also the varied organizational forms from political decisionmaking bodies such as cabinets and legislature to specialized policy or design units and design labs where design deliberations take place Mortati 2019).…”

“…Given this diversity and the lack of a 'one size fits all' paedagogy, it is not surprising that there has been growth in the number of books and articles as well as conference topics on the subject of policy design instruction, indicating a strong need for increased attention to policy design paedagogy for years to come (Mortati, 2019). More academic rigor in the future may determine which of these different approaches works best in which circumstances and with which set of students.…”