Operational truth first
Start with what people actually do, not the process diagram everyone wishes they followed.
Systems approach
Control the work around the technology.
A system is not trustworthy because it looks advanced. It is trustworthy when people can tell what happened, what was allowed, what failed, and who or what had authority.
Apply this to a real problemBoundaries before features
Define what the system may read, change, send, approve, and execute before adding power.
Evidence by default
Important actions should leave understandable records that support review, diagnosis, and recovery.
Use existing tools honestly
Configure and integrate established products when they fit. Do not manufacture a custom backend to justify development.
Human understanding is a system requirement
The interface must tell the truth about state, consequence, authority, and the next available action.
AI contributes; the system authorizes
A model output is information until explicit software or human authority permits an action.