Executive Order 14338

Improving Our Nation Through Better Design

Signed August 21, 2025, printed at 90 FR 41759. 3 sections of substance, 927 words.

In plain English

This order is about how federal work is designed. It calls for clearer forms and better tools.

Sec. 1. Purpose and Policy

America has long led the world in innovation, technological advancement, and design. But with a sprawling ecosystem of digital services offered to Americans, the Government has lagged behind in usability and aesthetics. There is a high financial cost to maintaining legacy systems, to say nothing of the cost in time lost by the American public trying to navigate them. It is time to fill the digital potholes across our Nation. With this order, I am announcing ``America by Design,'' a national initiative to improve experiences for Americans, starting by breathing new life into the design of sites where people interface with their Government. It is time to update the Government's design language to be both usable and beautiful. This effort will be facilitated by a new National Design Studio and by a new Chief Design Officer. The Chief Design Officer will help recruit top creative talent,

In plain English

This states the aim. It says the country has led in design. It says government sites have fallen behind. Old systems cost money to keep. They cost people time as well. The order starts a plan called America by Design. It aims to make those sites work well and look good. A new design studio will run it. A design chief will lead.

Sec. 2. Establishing America by Design and the National Design Studio

(a) There is established a national initiative, America by Design, to improve comprehensively the visual presentation and usability of Federal services provided to the public in both digital and physical spaces, creating first-class online and offline experiences for Americans. (b) To help facilitate the America by Design initiative, there is established within the White House Office of the Executive Office of the President the National Design Studio (NDS) and, within the NDS, a new position entitled the Chief Design Officer. The NDS shall be led by an Administrator, who shall report to the Office of the White House Chief of Staff. There is further established within the NDS, in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, a temporary organization headed by the NDS Administrator and dedicated to helping advance the America by Design initiative. The temporary organization

In plain English

This sets up the plan and the studio. America by Design covers how services look and work. It covers online and in person alike. The studio sits in the White House office. It holds a new post, the chief design officer. An administrator leads it. That person reports to the chief of staff. A temporary unit sits inside it too.

Sec. 3. Implementing America by Design

(a) Heads of agencies shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to implement the America by Design initiative at their respective agencies and shall produce initial results by July 4, 2026. (i) Heads of agencies shall prioritize improving websites and physical sites that have a major impact on Americans' everyday lives. (ii) The Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to update the United States Web Design System consistent with the policies set forth in this order. [[Page 41760]] (iii) Heads of agencies shall consult with the Chief Design Officer to ensure Government-wide compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, Public Law 115-336. (b) The Chief Design Officer shall consult with thought leaders and research and design firms on how best to implement the America by Design initiative. In order to employ the most talented

In plain English

This says how agencies act. Each head works with the design chief. First results are due July 4, 2026. Sites that touch daily life come first. That covers web sites and real places. The buildings agency must update the federal web design system. Agencies must also meet a 2018 digital law. The design chief may consult outside experts.

Sec. 4. General Provisions

Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, August 21, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-16396 Filed 8-25-25; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>

In plain English

This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.

How this order is quoted

Each section is quoted as the order prints it, under its own number and heading. Executive orders are United States government works and are not under copyright. Long sections are cut at a sentence and the whole order is a click away.