Data visualization magnate Tufte will be part of an advisory board that oversees Recovery funds and keeps the public informed of how those funds are or aren’t being used.

I’m doing this because I like accountability and transparency, and I believe in public service. And it is the complete opposite of everything else I do. Maybe I’ll learn something. The practical consequence is that I will probably go to Washington several days each month, in addition to whatever homework and phone meetings are necessary.

Good to see that the administration is putting such a high priority in ensuring that this kind of work has some real design thinking behind it.