Government policies establish mandatory requirements and legal frameworks that determine how public services must be designed, delivered, and maintained. These regulations ensure services meet essential standards for accessibility, security, and public good while protecting citizen rights.
Key policy types affecting design include:
- Accessibility policies: Like Section 508 in the US requiring digital services to work for users with disabilities[1]
- Privacy policies: Such as GDPR in Europe affecting how user data is collected and displayed[2]
- Language policies: Like Canada's Official Languages Act requiring bilingual service delivery[3]
- Digital standards: Such as Australia's Digital Service Standard mandating user-centered design approaches[4]
These policies create a framework for design decisions in government projects. Understanding them helps create services that are both legally compliant and user-friendly.
Pro Tip: Check which policies apply to your specific government level: federal, state/provincial, or local.
