Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better
by Jennifer Pahlka
View on GoodreadsGovernment technology doesn't fail because the people in it are stupid or evil, or for lack of money. Jennifer Pahlka, who founded Code for America, argues it fails because the system splits making policy from delivering it and rewards following process over getting results. You see it in a food-stamp application with 212 questions.
Core ideas
- Rules at the deadline: Healthcare.gov's program rules weren't finalized until the launch deadline, and a VA form worked only on certain computers with specific software.
- Beyond waterfall: Government contracting should trade rigid waterfall management for agile, iterative work built on research with actual users.
- Built for people: Agencies need in-house technologists and simpler policy before digitizing, since software and government, in her words, "are made by and for people."
Published2023
Pages336
ISBN9781250266774
ReadNov 2023
