ui-ux-pro-max

UI/UX Pro Max - Design Intelligence

Comprehensive design guide for web and mobile applications. Contains 50+ styles, 161 color palettes, 57 font pairings, 161 product types with reasoning rules, 99 UX guidelines, and 25 chart types across 10 technology stacks. Searchable database with priority-based recommendations.

When to Apply

This Skill should be used when the task involves UI structure, visual design decisions, interaction patterns, or user experience quality control.

Must Use

This Skill must be invoked in the following situations:

• Designing new pages (Landing Page, Dashboard, Admin, SaaS, Mobile App)
• Creating or refactoring UI components (buttons, modals, forms, tables, charts, etc.)
• Choosing color schemes, typography systems, spacing standards, or layout systems
• Reviewing UI code for user experience, accessibility, or visual consistency
• Implementing navigation structures, animations, or responsive behavior
• Making product-level design decisions (style, information hierarchy, brand expression)
• Improving perceived quality, clarity, or usability of interfaces

Recommended

This Skill is recommended in the following situations:

• UI looks "not professional enough" but the reason is unclear
• Receiving feedback on usability or experience
• Pre-launch UI quality optimization
• Aligning cross-platform design (Web / iOS / Android)
• Building design systems or reusable component libraries

Skip

This Skill is not needed in the following situations:

• Pure backend logic development
• Only involving API or database design
• Performance optimization unrelated to the interface
• Infrastructure or DevOps work
• Non-visual scripts or automation tasks

Decision criteria: If the task will change how a feature looks, feels, moves, or is interacted with, this Skill should be used.

Rule Categories by Priority

For human/AI reference: follow priority 1→10 to decide which rule category to focus on first; use --domain <Domain> to query details when needed. Scripts do not read this table.

Quick Reference

1. Accessibility (CRITICAL)

• color-contrast - Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text (large text 3:1); Material Design
• focus-states - Visible focus rings on interactive elements (2–4px; Apple HIG, MD)
• alt-text - Descriptive alt text for meaningful images
• aria-labels - aria-label for icon-only buttons; accessibilityLabel in native (Apple HIG)
• keyboard-nav - Tab order matches visual order; full keyboard support (Apple HIG)
• form-labels - Use label with for attribute
• skip-links - Skip to main content for keyboard users
• heading-hierarchy - Sequential h1→h6, no level skip
• color-not-only - Don't convey info by color alone (add icon/text)
• dynamic-type - Support system text scaling; avoid truncation as text grows (Apple Dynamic Type, MD)
• reduced-motion - Respect prefers-reduced-motion; reduce/disable animations when requested (Apple Reduced Motion API, MD)
• voiceover-sr - Meaningful accessibilityLabel/accessibilityHint; logical reading order for VoiceOver/screen readers (Apple HIG, MD)
• escape-routes - Provide cancel/back in modals and multi-step flows (Apple HIG)
• keyboard-shortcuts - Preserve system and a11y shortcuts; offer keyboard alternatives for drag-and-drop (Apple HIG)

2. Touch & Interaction (CRITICAL)

• touch-target-size - Min 44×44pt (Apple) / 48×48dp (Material); extend hit area beyond visual bounds if needed
• touch-spacing - Minimum 8px/8dp gap between touch targets (Apple HIG, MD)
• hover-vs-tap - Use click/tap for primary interactions; don't rely on hover alone
• loading-buttons - Disable button during async operations; show spinner or progress
• error-feedback - Clear error messages near problem
• cursor-pointer - Add cursor-pointer to clickable elements (Web)
• gesture-conflicts - Avoid horizontal swipe on main content; prefer vertical scroll
• tap-delay - Use touch-action: manipulation to reduce 300ms delay (Web)
• standard-gestures - Use platform standard gestures consistently; don't redefine (e.g. swipe-back, pinch-zoom) (Apple HIG)
• system-gestures - Don't block system gestures (Control Center, back swipe, etc.) (Apple HIG)
• press-feedback - Visual feedback on press (ripple/highlight; MD state layers)
• haptic-feedback - Use haptic for confirmations and important actions; avoid overuse (Apple HIG)
• gesture-alternative - Don't rely on gesture-only interactions; always provide visible controls for critical actions
• safe-area-awareness - Keep primary touch targets away from notch, Dynamic Island, gesture bar and screen edges
• no-precision-required - Avoid requiring pixel-perfect taps on small icons or thin edges
• swipe-clarity - Swipe actions must show clear affordance or hint (chevron, label, tutorial)
• drag-threshold - Use a movement threshold before starting drag to avoid accidental drags

3. Performance (HIGH)

• image-optimization - Use WebP/AVIF, responsive images (srcset/sizes), lazy load non-critical assets
• image-dimension - Declare width/height or use aspect-ratio to prevent layout shift (Core Web Vitals: CLS)
• font-loading - Use font-display: swap/optional to avoid invisible text (FOIT); reserve space to reduce layout shift (MD)
• font-preload - Preload only critical fonts; avoid overusing preload on every variant
• critical-css - Prioritize above-the-fold CSS (inline critical CSS or early-loaded stylesheet)
• lazy-loading - Lazy load non-hero components via dynamic import / route-level splitting
• bundle-splitting - Split code by route/feature (React Suspense / Next.js dynamic) to reduce initial load and TTI
• third-party-scripts - Load third-party scripts async/defer; audit and remove unnecessary ones (MD)
• reduce-reflows - Avoid frequent layout reads/writes; batch DOM reads then writes
• content-jumping - Reserve space for async content to avoid layout jumps (Core Web Vitals: CLS)
• lazy-load-below-fold - Use loading="lazy" for below-the-fold images and heavy media
• virtualize-lists - Virtualize lists with 50+ items to improve memory efficiency and scroll performance
• main-thread-budget - Keep per-frame work under ~16ms for 60fps; move heavy tasks off main thread (HIG, MD)
• progressive-loading - Use skeleton screens / shimmer instead of long blocking spinners for >1s operations (Apple HIG)
• input-latency - Keep input latency under ~100ms for taps/scrolls (Material responsiveness standard)
• tap-feedback-speed - Provide visual feedback within 100ms of tap (Apple HIG)
• debounce-throttle - Use debounce/throttle for high-frequency events (scroll, resize, input)
• offline-support - Provide offline state messaging and basic fallback (PWA / mobile)
• network-fallback - Offer degraded modes for slow networks (lower-res images, fewer animations)

4. Style Selection (HIGH)

• style-match - Match style to product type (use --design-system for recommendations)
• consistency - Use same style across all pages
• no-emoji-icons - Use SVG icons (Heroicons, Lucide), not emojis
• color-palette-from-product - Choose palette from product/industry (search --domain color)
• effects-match-style - Shadows, blur, radius aligned with chosen style (glass / flat / clay etc.)
• platform-adaptive - Respect platform idioms (iOS HIG vs Material): navigation, controls, typography, motion
• state-clarity - Make hover/pressed/disabled states visually distinct while staying on-style (Material state layers)
• elevation-consistent - Use a consistent elevation/shadow scale for cards, sheets, modals; avoid random shadow values
• dark-mode-pairing - Design light/dark variants together to keep brand, contrast, and style consistent
• icon-style-consistent - Use one icon set/visual language (stroke width, corner radius) across the product
• system-controls - Prefer native/system controls over fully custom ones; only customize when branding requires it (Apple HIG)
• blur-purpose - Use blur to indicate background dismissal (modals, sheets), not as decoration (Apple HIG)
• primary-action - Each screen should have only one primary CTA; secondary actions visually subordinate (Apple HIG)

5. Layout & Responsive (HIGH)

• viewport-meta - width=device-width initial-scale=1 (never disable zoom)
• mobile-first - Design mobile-first, then scale up to tablet and desktop
• breakpoint-consistency - Use systematic breakpoints (e.g. 375 / 768 / 1024 / 1440)
• readable-font-size - Minimum 16px body text on mobile (avoids iOS auto-zoom)
• line-length-control - Mobile 35–60 chars per line; desktop 60–75 chars
• horizontal-scroll - No horizontal scroll on mobile; ensure content fits viewport width
• spacing-scale - Use 4pt/8dp incremental spacing system (Material Design)
• touch-density - Keep component spacing comfortable for touch: not cramped, not causing mis-taps
• container-width - Consistent max-width on desktop (max-w-6xl / 7xl)
• z-index-management - Define layered z-index scale (e.g. 0 / 10 / 20 / 40 / 100 / 1000)
• fixed-element-offset - Fixed navbar/bottom bar must reserve safe padding for underlying content
• scroll-behavior - Avoid nested scroll regions that interfere with the main scroll experience
• viewport-units - Prefer min-h-dvh over 100vh on mobile
• orientation-support - Keep layout readable and operable in landscape mode
• content-priority - Show core content first on mobile; fold or hide secondary content
• visual-hierarchy - Establish hierarchy via size, spacing, contrast — not color alone

6. Typography & Color (MEDIUM)

• line-height - Use 1.5-1.75 for body text
• line-length - Limit to 65-75 characters per line
• font-pairing - Match heading/body font personalities
• font-scale - Consistent type scale (e.g. 12 14 16 18 24 32)
• contrast-readability - Darker text on light backgrounds (e.g. slate-900 on white)
• text-styles-system - Use platform type system: iOS 11 Dynamic Type styles / Material 5 type roles (display, headline, title, body, label) (HIG, MD)
• weight-hierarchy - Use font-weight to reinforce hierarchy: Bold headings (600–700), Regular body (400), Medium labels (500) (MD)
• color-semantic - Define semantic color tokens (primary, secondary, error, surface, on-surface) not raw hex in components (Material color system)
• color-dark-mode - Dark mode uses desaturated / lighter tonal variants, not inverted colors; test contrast separately (HIG, MD)
• color-accessible-pairs - Foreground/background pairs must meet 4.5:1 (AA) or 7:1 (AAA); use tools to verify (WCAG, MD)
• color-not-decorative-only - Functional color (error red, success green) must include icon/text; avoid color-only meaning (HIG, MD)
• truncation-strategy - Prefer wrapping over truncation; when truncating use ellipsis and provide full text via tooltip/expand (Apple HIG)
• letter-spacing - Respect default letter-spacing per platform; avoid tight tracking on body text (HIG, MD)
• number-tabular - Use tabular/monospaced figures for data columns, prices, and timers to prevent layout shift
• whitespace-balance - Use whitespace intentionally to group related items and separate sections; avoid visual clutter (Apple HIG)

7. Animation (MEDIUM)

• duration-timing - Use 150–300ms for micro-interactions; complex transitions ≤400ms; avoid >500ms (MD)
• transform-performance - Use transform/opacity only; avoid animating width/height/top/left
• loading-states - Show skeleton or progress indicator when loading exceeds 300ms
• excessive-motion - Animate 1-2 key elements per view max
• easing - Use ease-out for entering, ease-in for exiting; avoid linear for UI transitions
• motion-meaning - Every animation must express a cause-effect relationship, not just be decorative (Apple HIG)
• state-transition - State changes (hover / active / expanded / collapsed / modal) should animate smoothly, not snap
• continuity - Page/screen transitions should maintain spatial continuity (shared element, directional slide) (Apple HIG)
• parallax-subtle - Use parallax sparingly; must respect reduced-motion and not cause disorientation (Apple HIG)
• spring-physics - Prefer spring/physics-based curves over linear or cubic-bezier for natural feel (Apple HIG fluid animations)
• exit-faster-than-enter - Exit animations shorter than enter (~60–70% of enter duration) to feel responsive (MD motion)
• stagger-sequence - Stagger list/grid item entrance by 30–50ms per item; avoid all-at-once or too-slow reveals (MD)
• shared-element-transition - Use shared element / hero transitions for visual continuity between screens (MD, HIG)
• interruptible - Animations must be interruptible; user tap/gesture cancels in-progress animation immediately (Apple HIG)
• no-blocking-animation - Never block user input during an animation; UI must stay interactive (Apple HIG)
• fade-crossfade - Use crossfade for content replacement within the same container (MD)
• scale-feedback - Subtle scale (0.95–1.05) on press for tappable cards/buttons; restore on release (HIG, MD)
• gesture-feedback - Drag, swipe, and pinch must provide real-time visual response tracking the finger (MD Motion)
• hierarchy-motion - Use translate/scale direction to express hierarchy: enter from below = deeper, exit upward = back (MD)
• motion-consistency - Unify duration/easing tokens globally; all animations share the same rhythm and feel
• opacity-threshold - Fading elements should not linger below opacity 0.2; either fade fully or remain visible
• modal-motion - Modals/sheets should animate from their trigger source (scale+fade or slide-in) for spatial context (HIG, MD)
• navigation-direction - Forward navigation animates left/up; backward animates right/down — keep direction logically consistent (HIG)
• layout-shift-avoid - Animations must not cause layout reflow or CLS; use transform for position changes

8. Forms & Feedback (MEDIUM)

• input-labels - Visible label per input (not placeholder-only)
• error-placement - Show error below the related field
• submit-feedback - Loading then success/error state on submit
• required-indicators - Mark required fields (e.g. asterisk)
• empty-states - Helpful message and action when no content
• toast-dismiss - Auto-dismiss toasts in 3-5s
• confirmation-dialogs - Confirm before destructive actions
• input-helper-text - Provide persistent helper text below complex inputs, not just placeholder (Material Design)
• disabled-states - Disabled elements use reduced opacity (0.38–0.5) + cursor change + semantic attribute (MD)
• progressive-disclosure - Reveal complex options progressively; don't overwhelm users upfront (Apple HIG)
• inline-validation - Validate on blur (not keystroke); show error only after user finishes input (MD)
• input-type-keyboard - Use semantic input types (email, tel, number) to trigger the correct mobile keyboard (HIG, MD)
• password-toggle - Provide show/hide toggle for password fields (MD)
• autofill-support - Use autocomplete / textContentType attributes so the system can autofill (HIG, MD)
• undo-support - Allow undo for destructive or bulk actions (e.g. "Undo delete" toast) (Apple HIG)
• success-feedback - Confirm completed actions with brief visual feedback (checkmark, toast, color flash) (MD)
• error-recovery - Error messages must include a clear recovery path (retry, edit, help link) (HIG, MD)
• multi-step-progress - Multi-step flows show step indicator or progress bar; allow back navigation (MD)
• form-autosave - Long forms should auto-save drafts to prevent data loss on accidental dismissal (Apple HIG)
• sheet-dismiss-confirm - Confirm before dismissing a sheet/modal with unsaved changes (Apple HIG)
• error-clarity - Error messages must state cause + how to fix (not just "Invalid input") (HIG, MD)
• field-grouping - Group related fields logically (fieldset/legend or visual grouping) (MD)
• read-only-distinction - Read-only state should be visually and semantically different from disabled (MD)
• focus-management - After submit error, auto-focus the first invalid field (WCAG, MD)
• error-summary - For multiple errors, show summary at top with anchor links to each field (WCAG)
• touch-friendly-input - Mobile input height ≥44px to meet touch target requirements (Apple HIG)
• destructive-emphasis - Destructive actions use semantic danger color (red) and are visually separated from primary actions (HIG, MD)
• toast-accessibility - Toasts must not steal focus; use aria-live="polite" for screen reader announcement (WCAG)
• aria-live-errors - Form errors use aria-live region or role="alert" to notify screen readers (WCAG)
• contrast-feedback - Error and success state colors must meet 4.5:1 contrast ratio (WCAG, MD)
• timeout-feedback - Request timeout must show clear feedback with retry option (MD)

9. Navigation Patterns (HIGH)

• bottom-nav-limit - Bottom navigation max 5 items; use labels with icons (Material Design)
• drawer-usage - Use drawer/sidebar for secondary navigation, not primary actions (Material Design)
• back-behavior - Back navigation must be predictable and consistent; preserve scroll/state (Apple HIG, MD)
• deep-linking - All key screens must be reachable via deep link / URL for sharing and notifications (Apple HIG, MD)
• tab-bar-ios - iOS: use bottom Tab Bar for top-level navigation (Apple HIG)
• top-app-bar-android - Android: use Top App Bar with navigation icon for primary structure (Material Design)
• nav-label-icon - Navigation items must have both icon and text label; icon-only nav harms discoverability (MD)
• nav-state-active - Current location must be visually highlighted (color, weight, indicator) in navigation (HIG, MD)
• nav-hierarchy - Primary nav (tabs/bottom bar) vs secondary nav (drawer/settings) must be clearly separated (MD)
• modal-escape - Modals and sheets must offer a clear close/dismiss affordance; swipe-down to dismiss on mobile (Apple HIG)
• search-accessible - Search must be easily reachable (top bar or tab); provide recent/suggested queries (MD)
• breadcrumb-web - Web: use breadcrumbs for 3+ level deep hierarchies to aid orientation (MD)
• state-preservation - Navigating back must restore previous scroll position, filter state, and input (HIG, MD)
• gesture-nav-support - Support system gesture navigation (iOS swipe-back, Android predictive back) without conflict (HIG, MD)
• tab-badge - Use badges on nav items sparingly to indicate unread/pending; clear after user visits (HIG, MD)
• overflow-menu - When actions exceed available space, use overflow/more menu instead of cramming (MD)
• bottom-nav-top-level - Bottom nav is for top-level screens only; never nest sub-navigation inside it (MD)
• adaptive-navigation - Large screens (≥1024px) prefer sidebar; small screens use bottom/top nav (Material Adaptive)
• back-stack-integrity - Never silently reset the navigation stack or unexpectedly jump to home (HIG, MD)
• navigation-consistency - Navigation placement must stay the same across all pages; don't change by page type
• avoid-mixed-patterns - Don't mix Tab + Sidebar + Bottom Nav at the same hierarchy level
• modal-vs-navigation - Modals must not be used for primary navigation flows; they break the user's path (HIG)
• focus-on-route-change - After page transition, move focus to main content region for screen reader users (WCAG)
• persistent-nav - Core navigation must remain reachable from deep pages; don't hide it entirely in sub-flows (HIG, MD)
• destructive-nav-separation - Dangerous actions (delete account, logout) must be visually and spatially separated from normal nav items (HIG, MD)
• empty-nav-state - When a nav destination is unavailable, explain why instead of silently hiding it (MD)

10. Charts & Data (LOW)

• chart-type - Match chart type to data type (trend → line, comparison → bar, proportion → pie/donut)
• color-guidance - Use accessible color palettes; avoid red/green only pairs for colorblind users (WCAG, MD)
• data-table - Provide table alternative for accessibility; charts alone are not screen-reader friendly (WCAG)
• pattern-texture - Supplement color with patterns, textures, or shapes so data is distinguishable without color (WCAG, MD)
• legend-visible - Always show legend; position near the chart, not detached below a scroll fold (MD)
• tooltip-on-interact - Provide tooltips/data labels on hover (Web) or tap (mobile) showing exact values (HIG, MD)
• axis-labels - Label axes with units and readable scale; avoid truncated or rotated labels on mobile
• responsive-chart - Charts must reflow or simplify on small screens (e.g. horizontal bar instead of vertical, fewer ticks)
• empty-data-state - Show meaningful empty state when no data exists ("No data yet" + guidance), not a blank chart (MD)
• loading-chart - Use skeleton or shimmer placeholder while chart data loads; don't show an empty axis frame
• animation-optional - Chart entrance animations must respect prefers-reduced-motion; data should be readable immediately (HIG)
• large-dataset - For 1000+ data points, aggregate or sample; provide drill-down for detail instead of rendering all (MD)
• number-formatting - Use locale-aware formatting for numbers, dates, currencies on axes and labels (HIG, MD)
• touch-target-chart - Interactive chart elements (points, segments) must have ≥44pt tap area or expand on touch (Apple HIG)
• no-pie-overuse - Avoid pie/donut for >5 categories; switch to bar chart for clarity
• contrast-data - Data lines/bars vs background ≥3:1; data text labels ≥4.5:1 (WCAG)
• legend-interactive - Legends should be clickable to toggle series visibility (MD)
• direct-labeling - For small datasets, label values directly on the chart to reduce eye travel
• tooltip-keyboard - Tooltip content must be keyboard-reachable and not rely on hover alone (WCAG)
• sortable-table - Data tables must support sorting with aria-sort indicating current sort state (WCAG)
• axis-readability - Axis ticks must not be cramped; maintain readable spacing, auto-skip on small screens
• data-density - Limit information density per chart to avoid cognitive overload; split into multiple charts if needed
• trend-emphasis - Emphasize data trends over decoration; avoid heavy gradients/shadows that obscure the data
• gridline-subtle - Grid lines should be low-contrast (e.g. gray-200) so they don't compete with data
• focusable-elements - Interactive chart elements (points, bars, slices) must be keyboard-navigable (WCAG)
• screen-reader-summary - Provide a text summary or aria-label describing the chart's key insight for screen readers (WCAG)
• error-state-chart - Data load failure must show error message with retry action, not a broken/empty chart
• export-option - For data-heavy products, offer CSV/image export of chart data
• drill-down-consistency - Drill-down interactions must maintain a clear back-path and hierarchy breadcrumb
• time-scale-clarity - Time series charts must clearly label time granularity (day/week/month) and allow switching

How to Use

Search specific domains using the CLI tool below.

Bundled note: In this launch-mcp bundle the Python CLI and CSV database are not shipped. Apply the Quick Reference, Common Rules, and Pre-Delivery Checklists above directly. The --design-system / --domain commands below describe the upstream skill's optional tooling and are kept for reference only.

Prerequisites

Check if Python is installed:

python3 --version || python --version

If Python is not installed, install it based on user's OS.

How to Use This Skill

Use this skill when the user requests any of the following:

Step 1: Analyze User Requirements

Extract key information from user request:

• Product type: content/tool/productivity/e-commerce/SaaS/portfolio/etc.
• Target audience: age group, usage context (commute, leisure, work)
• Style keywords: playful, vibrant, minimal, dark mode, content-first, immersive, etc.
• Stack: the project's target stack (here: single-file HTML/CSS/JS)

Step 2: Choose a Design System

Pick a coherent pattern, style, color palette, typography pairing, and effect system that matches the product type. Keep it consistent across all sections. Note anti-patterns to avoid (mixing styles, emoji icons, low-contrast text, random spacing).

Step 3: Apply Detailed Rules

Deep-dive whichever dimension you're unsure about using the Quick Reference sections above (style, color, typography, chart, ux, landing structure).

Common Rules for Professional UI

These are frequently overlooked issues that make UI look unprofessional:

Icons & Visual Elements

Light/Dark Mode Contrast

Layout & Spacing

Pre-Delivery Checklist

Before delivering UI code, verify these items:

Visual Quality

• No emojis used as structural icons (use SVG instead)
• All icons come from a consistent icon family and style
• Official brand assets are used with correct proportions and clear space
• Pressed-state visuals do not shift layout bounds or cause jitter
• Semantic theme tokens are used consistently (no ad-hoc per-screen hardcoded colors)

Interaction

• All clickable elements provide clear pressed/hover feedback
• Touch targets meet minimum size (>=44×44px)
• Micro-interaction timing stays in the 150-300ms range with natural easing
• Disabled states are visually clear and non-interactive
• Screen reader focus order matches visual order, and interactive labels are descriptive
• cursor: pointer on clickable elements

Light/Dark Mode

• Primary text contrast >=4.5:1 in both light and dark mode
• Secondary text contrast >=3:1 in both light and dark mode
• Dividers/borders and interaction states are distinguishable in both modes
• Modal/drawer scrim opacity is strong enough to preserve foreground legibility (40-60% black)
• Both themes are tested before delivery (not inferred from a single theme)

Layout

• Scroll content is not hidden behind fixed/sticky bars
• Verified at 375px (small phone) and desktop widths, portrait + landscape
• Horizontal insets/gutters adapt correctly by device size
• 4/8px spacing rhythm is maintained across component, section, and page levels
• Long-form text measure remains readable on larger devices (no edge-to-edge paragraphs)

Accessibility

• All meaningful images/icons have accessibility labels / alt text
• Form fields have labels, hints, and clear error messages
• Color is not the only indicator
• Reduced motion and dynamic text size are supported without layout breakage
• Accessibility roles/states (selected, disabled, expanded) are announced correctly