In Service: Notes from the Field
Tactical insights and thoughtful dispatches from inside the work.
Explore by topic
We write regularly about the ideas, tools, and practices shaping better public systems. View all blog posts or browse posts by theme to dig deeper into the topics that matter most to you.
Who owns the user?
Government teams care deeply about the people they serve—but unclear roles can lead to confusion, duplicated effort, and missed opportunities. This post explores how product and design teams can clarify responsibility for user needs, strengthen collaboration, and build practices rooted in shared stewardship.
Building alignment after an election
Post-election periods can create pressure to act fast, but urgency alone rarely leads to better outcomes. What public-sector teams need most in this moment is alignment—clarity on priorities, roles, workflows, and the public experience they aim to protect. This piece explores how governments can move from reaction to coordinated, people-centered action in the early months after an election.
When private tech meets public service
Private-sector tech brings speed, scale, and efficiency—but in government, those priorities can clash with democratic values like accountability and inclusion. Leaders must navigate these contradictions with care, designing systems that deliver innovation without compromising trust.
PDM meets HCD
Learn how government teams can break down silos between product management and design. This post explores common friction points and offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and driving better outcomes in public service.
Boundary spanning
Discover why boundary spanning—connecting people, ideas, and systems—is essential for solving complex public service challenges and leading across silos.