mcouthon/agents/research

Research Decision Record: Design Skill

Summary

A Claude Code skill that enforces precise, minimal design principles for enterprise UIs, SaaS dashboards, and admin interfaces. Inspired by Linear, Notion, and Stripe aesthetics—Jony Ive-level precision with intentional personality.

Key Concepts

Decision

Adopted: Full skill with adaptations for AGENTS philosophy

Adaptations made:

1. Added YAML frontmatter with trigger keywords following AGENTS skill description pattern
2. Maintained core principles (4px grid, depth strategy, typography hierarchy)
3. Kept under 500 lines (source was 237 lines, well within limit)
4. Adjusted description to focus on symptoms/triggers, not workflow summary
5. Added context about when to use (dashboards, admin interfaces, etc.)

Rationale: This is a high-quality, opinionated design skill that fills a gap in AGENTS—there's no current skill for UI/UX design guidance. The principles are concrete, actionable, and based on proven patterns from best-in-class products. The skill is already appropriately sized (<500 lines) and focused on a single domain.

Comparison to Current Framework

Gap filled: AGENTS has skills for debugging, architecture, tech-debt, mentoring, and criticism, but nothing for design/UI. This complements the existing set.

Philosophy alignment:

• ✅ Clear trigger conditions (dashboards, UI, design system, admin interface)
• ✅ Actionable guidance with specific values (4px, 8px, 12px...)
• ✅ Anti-patterns clearly stated
• ✅ Progressive disclosure (main concepts up front, details follow)
• ✅ Under 500 lines

No conflicts with existing skills.