How to make the act of voting accessible to all, whilst enhancing the overall voting experience? This is a challenge Norway has met through the design of new polling equipment. Access for all through universal design strengthens democratic principles.
The opportunity to vote is a fundamental democratic right. It is at the polling station that the process of government becomes tangible to the public. Norsk Form, the Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development initiated the competition ’Design and Democracy’, putting design at the very heart of the democratic process. The aim was the development of a comprehensive, accessible and attractive setting for voting.
A National Solution for Polling Equipment
The winning design by Blueroom, Innovativoli and Kadabra, features a voting booth, ballot box, and signage. The solutions developed show how consideration for all users from the start gives added value to the final product rather than being added as an afterthought.
Visually, the scheme emphasises a universal design that will simplify the business of voting for everybody. The use of pictogram symbols, the colour orange as a highlight, Braille text on the ballot slip holders, strong contrasts and a highly legible, versatile typeface ensure access for the visually impaired. Even the ballot paper is designed in such a way that the voter intuitively understands how it should be folded. The ballot paper is safely guided into the ballot box due to its funnel shaped top.
The Design for All Process
The new polling equipment in Norway. Foto: Norsk Form and the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional DevelopmentDuring the initial phases of the design process, lead users were brought in to inspire new solutions. Wheelchair voters, blind voters, and polling station riggers all challenged the voting process in their own way. These insights inspired the form and dimensions of the voting booth, ensured a collapsible and light booth as well as improved access to the ballot box and a clear content and design of all signage.
Later in the process, these lead users were brought in again to test and react to the proposed solution and propose iterative improvements. The designers also worked closely with the resource group with representatives from the Ministry, local municipalities, Norsk Form, as well as the Delta Centre and interest groups for the blind and disabled.
Read more about the project in Norwegian.
Award Winning Design
The polling equipment has received several nominations and awards: the Design for All Award, the Award for Design Excellence in Industrial Design, the Award for Design Excellence in Visual Communication. Furthermore, it has been nominated for the Brit Insurance Design Award in 2010, and for the Design Award Technoport in Norway. The graphic profile and signage is a runner-up for the Norwegian Innovation Award for Universal Design.
The polling equipment is being exhibited as part of the Nordic-Baltic Designer Events, which will last until 27 November 2011.