Applications
Recognize rule-making as high-leverage intervention point. If you can influence rules governing system, that's more impactful than playing by existing rules. This explains importance of policy, regulation, and governance. Get upstream to where rules are made rather than downstream where rules are followed.
Identify who controls rule-making and understand their incentives. Rule-makers shape systems benefiting themselves unless accountability mechanisms exist. Ask: who benefits from current rules? Who has power to change rules? What incentives do rule-makers face? This reveals whose interests system serves.
Design rule systems creating desired outcomes, not just prohibiting undesired ones. Positive framing often works better than negative. Instead of punishing bad behavior, reward good behavior. Make right thing easiest and most beneficial thing. Rules should guide naturally, not force constantly.
Watch for unintended consequences of rules through adversarial thinking. Before implementing rule, ask how you would exploit it. Find loopholes before others do and close them. Good rules are robust to gaming; bad rules create perverse incentives despite good intentions.