Overview

• An executive order establishes the National Design Studio inside the White House and a Chief Design Officer role to coordinate upgrades across digital and physical federal touchpoints.
• The studio’s administrator reports to the White House Chief of Staff, and a temporary organization supporting the effort is set to end three years from the order’s date.
• Agencies must prioritize high-impact websites and facilities, consult the new design leadership, update use of the U.S. Web Design System with GSA, and ensure compliance with the 21st Century IDEA.
• The White House cites an estimated 26,000 federal websites, only about 6% rated good on mobile, and less than 20% using USWDS code as reasons for the overhaul.
• Multiple outlets report that Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia is expected to be named Chief Design Officer, though the White House has not formally announced an appointment.