Unlike commercial projects, where you might start with rapid prototyping or user research, government service design requires a different first step. Understanding policies prevents designing solutions that can't be implemented, no matter how well they might serve users. Start by digging into the policies that will shape your design. Meet with service owners and team members who know these policies well. Their insights help reveal which requirements are firm and where there's room for creative solutions. This foundation prevents wasted effort and builds trust with stakeholders. Turn policy requirements into practical design guidelines by understanding what each means for your service. Security policies might affect how users log in, while accessibility rules shape your color choices and navigation patterns. This helps spot challenges and opportunities early.