Design constraints

Working within government rules and limits requires specific design approaches. These constraints shape how design solutions work in the public sector.

Key constraints in government design include:

• Legal requirements: Privacy laws and accessibility standards
• Security protocols: Data protection and system safety rules
• Technology limits: Legacy systems and approved tools
• Delivery paths: Methods to delivery service interventions with in-house teams or vendors
• Budget cycles: Fiscal year planning and spending rules
• Approval stages: Multi-level review process from different departments

Start by listing all constraints for your project. Group them into "must-follow" rules and "can-change" limits. This helps find areas where design can be flexible while staying within core requirements.

Map each constraint to the specific design decisions it affects. For example, security rules might limit certain user interactions, while accessibility standards shape interface choices. Understanding these connections helps create realistic solutions.