This paper develops an analytical framework based on the usability principles of Jacob Nielsen and Ben Shneiderman to examine how federal systems approach online service design standards. Focusing on Australia and Canada, the paper explores the interplay between federal and regional-level design standards and manuals, highlighting the challenges and complementarities in achieving consistency across government levels. Being the only country with design standards uniformly applied across all levels of government, Denmark is referred to in the analysis. The paper finds that while most approaches align with Nielsen’s and Shneiderman’s recommendations, they differ in their implementation, compliance mechanisms, and inter-governmental coordination. The paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations for federal contexts.