Law as Material: Designing for a Better Society

The core message is simple yet powerful: if we are to solve today's wicked societal challenges, we must stop viewing the law as a barrier and instead start seeing it as a material.

For nearly 25 years, Halogen has applied design methodology to solve complex problems. For a long time, however, we found that our solutions stalled when they met the legal system. The scenario was often the same: we arrived with finished solutions for lawyers to "check against the law." This frequently led to mutual frustration—we simply didn't speak the same language.

From Control to Co-creation

In recent years, we have explored how laws and regulations can function as a design material in public sector development, on par with any other component. Instead of seeking legal approval after the fact, we now invite lawyers in as creative partners early in the process. In this way, the collaboration becomes interdisciplinary including law, rather than interdisciplinary plus law.

Through projects for the Norwegian Tax Administration and the National Police Directorate, among others, we have seen what happens when we dare to ask: What is actually possible here? By using visualization and scenario testing as a common language, we have enabled lawyers, technologists, and designers to explore the room for maneuver together.

Our experience is that many lawyers are experts at interpreting existing legislation within defined fields, but rarely get the opportunity to participate in the actual development of new rules. This expertise is challenged when separate services must be made coherent and digital. It is reassuring that lawyers know their field, but what do we do when the field itself is changing?

A Better Conversation

About Regulatory Development One area where the need for change is acute is the "childhood and youth sector"—or what we often refer to as "the period where young people fall through the cracks." One of the most important points Adrian highlighted at D-box is our ongoing work for KS (The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities) on the feasibility study for a potential "Childhood and Youth Act." The challenge here is complex: more than 14 different sets of laws regulate these services, often resulting in a fragmented offering for the children who need it most.

To solve this, we employ a methodology we call "pre-NOU" (preliminary official report), developed in collaboration with Holth & Winge and Associate Professor Jon Christian Fløysvik Nordrum:

• Instead of locking ourselves into a single text early on, we design various prototypes of laws and regulations.

• We use visualization to see how a law will actually affect people’s daily lives before political decisions are made.

• We tap into the creative power of the law to ensure that services are both coherent and user-centered.

Law as a Tool, Not a Brake

As Adrian summarized from the stage: "Our motivation is about unleashing the creative power inherent in rebuilding society. We are facing major demographic changes, security pressures, and a demanding climate transition. This forces us to rethink how we organize our welfare system."

At Halogen, we view the law as a vital resource in this work. By approaching lawyers and legislation with curiosity rather than fear, we can create solutions that are not only legal but also create real value for the people they serve.

Want to learn more about how we work with legal prototyping in public sector development? Get in touch with Adrian.