This chapter explores the two sides of bending regulations and following orders, highlighting the need for a different conception of the law. It discusses the impact of the Paperwork Reduction Act on product development and user research in the federal government, and the consequences of a maximalist interpretation of a law on technology development. The speaker emphasizes the need for stakeholders to communicate that certain processes are not required and the importance of collaboration between implementers, lawmakers, and leaders.
Jennifer Pahlka, founder of the Code for America and former Deputy CTO, talks with me about improving digital governmental capacity, working from her new book, Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Era and How We Can Do Better.