On Display – The design magazine accompanying the ​​Design Display exhibition series

Authors: Friedrich von Borries, Till Briegleb, Elizabeth B.-N. Sanders, Verena Dauerer and Marianne Kneuer 

Photographer: Nicolas Polli

Illustrator: Jochen Schievink

 

Democracy

Electronic democracy’s primary idea is getting more citizens involved in democratic processes via the Internet. Until now, security concerns have been an obstacle. Now, blockchain enables new encryption technology that makes online communication and information storage more secure. Finding meaningful uses for new technologies is one of design’s tasks.

Local Participation: What’s the Secret to Success?

Locals often don’t have much influence on city planning. PlanBude Hamburg has designed participatory processes for the Esso buildings in the city’s St. Pauli neighborhood that show how creative forms of participation can enable local democracy. They successfully negotiated the interests of everyone involved and developed unexpected solutions. On Display introduces PlanBude and the group’s approach to democratic city planning.

How Does E-democracy Work?

Electronic democracy’s primary idea is getting more citizens involved in democratic processes via the Internet. Until now, security concerns have been an obstacle. Now, blockchain enables new encryption technology that makes online communication and information storage more secure. Finding meaningful uses for new technologies is one of design’s tasks. On Display introduces five completely different applications, all of which can change our democracy from the ground up.