Transparency by Design: Building public trust in the GCC

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), national strategies and public expectations are landing on a common goal: transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. While governments regularly release information on performance data, budgets, and policy updates, these materials are often too dense and technical for the average citizen. This results in a gap between information availability and genuine transparency. The solution lies in principled information design that simplifies content into clear and accessible communications that foster understanding and trust.

The link between transparency and public trust

Transparent and inclusive communication is essential for building public trust, promoting accountability, and fostering a thriving society. When governments communicate clearly and openly, they reduce suspicion, demonstrate accountability, empower citizens, and invite participation. However, when the information released is not understood, it can undermine trust, as it may be perceived as muddling rather than genuine openness.

Information design principles for building public trust

Incorporating information design principles transforms governmental communications from mere presentations into foundational practices for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. Prioritizing how information is structured and presented empowers citizens and cultivates trust.

• Clarity & Simplicity: Make information easy to grasp by using plain language, logical structure, and clean design. Translating complexity shows respect, reduces suspicion, and builds foundational trust.
• Accessibility: Ensure everyone, including those with disabilities or differing literacy/language needs, can access information through standards like WCAG and alternative formats. This commitment to inclusivity is vital for trust.
• Data Visualization: Transform complex data (budgets, performance metrics) into understandable visuals (charts, maps). This empowers citizens to see trends and hold institutions accountable transparently.
• Hierarchy & Navigation: Make information easy to find through clear structure, headings, and search functions. Effortless navigation signals competence and respect for the user’s time, reinforcing trust.
• Contextualization: Provide necessary background and explanation to prevent misinterpretation of data. Answering the “so what?” demonstrates a commitment to genuine understanding, not just data dumping.
• Consistency: Maintain a unified visual identity and voice across all communications. This displays professionalism, builds recognition, and reinforces the credibility and reliability of government information.

By embedding these principles, governments can create communications that not only inform but also actively build a stronger, more trusting relationship with the public they serve.

Where can you apply transparency design principles in government outputs?

Implementing a design-focused approach to government communications is proving to be effective globally. For instance, in the GCC, governments are pairing digital transformation efforts with clear information design, using tools like public dashboards to enhance transparency, improve service delivery, and bolster their international standing. Design-driven approaches can be found across many mediums, including: 

Annual reports/performance data

Instead of dense tables, design transforms annual reports using interactive online dashboards. These allow citizens to scan over performance data and trends. Clear narrative summaries can also highlight key achievements and challenges in plain language, making complex performance information truly accessible.

Budget summaries

Design makes complex government budgets understandable. Engaging infographics can visually break down revenue sources and spending categories using charts and icons. Simple, readable guides explain financial information in everyday terms, debunking misunderstandings about finance and allowing for informed discussion.

Policy explainers

Design clarifies new laws or government initiatives that might otherwise be confusing. Simple flowcharts can illustrate new processes, FAQs can directly answer common questions, and visual summaries provide quick, easy-to-grasp overviews of a policy’s key points and impacts.

Public service information

Applying design principles to public services focuses on the user experience. This means creating clear, step-by-step instructions, simplifying application forms (both digital and print), and ensuring government websites have intuitive navigation to help citizens easily find information and access essential services.

Designing trust in action — MOHAP’s “Back to Work” campaign

An example of transparency being used in design can be found in our collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).

When COVID-19 restrictions eased and workplaces were preparing to reopen, MOHAP faced a major communication challenge:

How do you clearly explain evolving health protocols to a diverse, multilingual public quickly and effectively?

Prezlab partnered with MOHAP to bridge this gap through strategic information design. Instead of overwhelming citizens with complex policy documents, we created:

• Visual explainer videos summarizing key safety steps
• Simplified, step-by-step guides for employees and employers
• Bilingual content (Arabic and English) adapted to the UAE’s audience
• Accessible, mobile-friendly layouts for wide digital dissemination
  

The impact:
Clear design helped citizens and businesses easily understand new workplace rules, improving compliance, reducing confusion, and strengthening public trust in the government’s pandemic response.

This project is a strong reminder that transparency isn’t just about publishing information—it’s about designing it for real-world understanding and action.

👉 View the full case study.

The tangible returns of clear communication

Strategic information design delivers measurable benefits beyond building trust, impacting both government operations and citizen interaction.

When complex topics are made accessible, it boosts citizen engagement and allows them to participate in more informed ways. Clear instructions and simplified processes remove barriers and make public services easier (and more widely) used. At the same time, professional communication demonstrates credibility, showcases transparency, and builds trust with the public. When information is easy to understand, it encourages productive public discourse. Most importantly, it also eases pressure on support staff by reducing confusion. Ultimately, clarity in public communication optimizes how the government functions for a smoother, more efficient way of serving people. 

Designing for clarity is designing for trust. Principled information design is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for modern, transparent governance in the GCC. As governments strive to meet rising expectations for openness and accountability, clear communication must be at the heart of their approach.

What about you? Is your public communication building trust? Learn more about how Prezlab helps government agencies design for transparency by getting in touch. You can also explore our portfolio of projects focused on creating accessible public-sector communication.