diff --git a/design-consultation/sections/proposal-and-preview.md.tmpl b/design-consultation/sections/proposal-and-preview.md.tmpl
index 61c22429e..e511a0610 100644
--- a/design-consultation/sections/proposal-and-preview.md.tmpl
+++ b/design-consultation/sections/proposal-and-preview.md.tmpl
@@ -326,10 +326,9 @@ Use real token values, no placeholders; omit invented `components` entries and u
 
 ```markdown
 ## Design System
-Always read DESIGN.md before making any visual or UI decisions.
-All font choices, colors, spacing, and aesthetic direction are defined there.
-Do not deviate without explicit user approval.
-In QA mode, flag any code that doesn't match DESIGN.md.
+Read DESIGN.md before visual or UI work: it defines the fonts, colors, spacing, and
+aesthetic direction. Ask the user before departing from it. When reviewing or QA-ing
+UI, flag code that doesn't match DESIGN.md.
 ```
 
 After shipping DESIGN.md, if the session produced screen-level mockups or page layouts