Advocating for human-centered design

Advocating for design changes in government services involves multiple levels of stakeholders. Design teams typically work with project managers, service owners, and department leads who ensure compliance with regulations and policies. Building support for human-centered design requires working through organizational layers. Start with immediate stakeholders: project managers and service owners who understand both policy requirements and day-to-day operations. Show them how design improvements align with their responsibilities for service quality and compliance. Frame design changes in terms of shared goals rather than just user needs. For example, connect simpler forms to reduced errors and support costs, or show how clearer information helps meet accessibility requirements. Use data and examples that matter at each organizational level.