Improving Our Nation Through Better Design
Establishes the 'America by Design' initiative and a new National Design Studio within the White House to modernize the visual design and usability of federal digital and physical services for the public.
Requires all agency heads to consult with a newly created Chief Design Officer and deliver initial redesign results by July 4, 2026, targeting websites and physical sites that most affect Americans' daily lives.
What this order does
What it orders
The order establishes the "America by Design" initiative to improve the visual presentation and usability of federal services in both digital and physical spaces. It creates the National Design Studio (NDS) within the White House Office of the Executive Office of the President, led by an Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff. Within the NDS, it creates a new Chief Design Officer position. The order also establishes a temporary internal organization under the NDS, set to terminate three years from signing, to help advance the initiative. Agency heads are directed to consult with the Chief Design Officer, prioritize high-impact websites and physical sites, update the United States Web Design System, and ensure compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act.
The order directs agencies to use all available hiring authorities — including Intergovernmental Personnel Act provisions — to recruit designers from the private sector. The Chief Design Officer is also required to consult with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as appropriate. The order does not create enforceable rights and is subject to available appropriations.
Who it affects
All federal agency heads and their staff who manage public-facing websites and physical facilities. Members of the public who interact with federal digital services. Private-sector designers and research firms the Chief Design Officer may recruit to serve in government roles.
Why it matters
Americans who use federal government websites or visit federal facilities may see modernized, more usable digital and physical experiences. Agencies will be required to coordinate design decisions through a central office, potentially reducing duplicative costs and standardizing how government services look and function.
What must happen and when
How the order is supposed to work
The NDS Administrator reports to the White House Chief of Staff and oversees both the Chief Design Officer and a temporary internal organization that sunsets after three years. Agency heads must consult with the Chief Design Officer and show initial results by July 4, 2026. The General Services Administration updates the U.S. Web Design System in coordination with the Chief Design Officer. OMB is a required consulting partner. There are no enforcement penalties specified — compliance depends on agency cooperation and OMB budget oversight.
Actions and deadlines
- Agency heads consult with the Chief Design Officer and produce initial design improvement results
- Administrator of General Services consults with Chief Design Officer to update the United States Web Design System
- Agency heads ensure government-wide compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act in coordination with Chief Design Officer
- Chief Design Officer recruits designers and experts from the private sector using available hiring authorities
- Temporary NDS internal organization terminates three years from signing