The public sector is more than a design safety net

The public sector was described as attractive because it is ‘generally immune to the economic doldrums’.

On the contrary, the public sector does endure economic pressure, and that pressure is in many ways more pronounced because we always need to ensure that we make effective use of taxpayers’ money.

Also, far from simply providing a safety net for the

industry in lean times, the public sector is producing some of the most exciting and challenging briefs around – projects ranging from armed forces branding to designing logos that communicate healthy eating.

Design is a communications discipline that has often been underestimated or misunderstood by both public and private sectors.

However, this is beginning to change across Government as we see ever more creative and strategic briefs being written. Perhaps this is the real – and very positive – news that warrants attention.

Andrew Prince, Director of publications, Central Office of Information, London SE1