The time that we are in now is often compared to the Great Depression. Also links are made between the New Deal, WPA and other programs with the Stimulus Package, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other associated programs. I’m not in the position or carry any real expertise to compare and contrast the economics and effectiveness of the programs. However, I’ve been having a thought pattern flowing regarding a direct comparison of the design of those.

While, I wasn’t alive during that time, it seems clear the WPA was visible in communities making things happening and getting people to work. It’s evident in Fresno from the concrete stamped with WPA in the Tower District to the Chandler Airport.

There also seemed to be a concentrated effort to leverage design for education and raising moral. I’ve always been a fan of the depression era WPA posters. And frankly there are allot of them. Good design makes a world of difference.

My point here is the current Stimulus and ERRA do not seem as well branded as the New Deal and WPA. To me it seems that there should be more educational graphic content on the street. Perhaps that is why many in this country struggle to understand exactly what the program is doing and how it effects us.

Compare these two signs. The one on the left uses 1 icon, 2 logos and 13 words to convey it’s message. The one on the right clearly conveys is message with only 2 words and 2 acronyms which is also its logo. Please share your thoughts on this topic.