Design Lab

Design Lab Skill

This skill implements a complete design exploration workflow: interview, generate variations, collect feedback, refine, preview, and finalize.

CRITICAL: Cleanup Behavior

All temporary files MUST be deleted when the process ends, whether by:

• User confirms final design → cleanup, then generate plan
• User aborts/cancels → cleanup immediately, no plan generated

Never leave .claude-design/ or __design_lab routes behind. If the user says "cancel", "abort", "stop", or "nevermind" at any point, confirm and then delete all temporary artifacts.

Phase 0: Preflight Detection

Before starting the interview, automatically detect:

Package Manager

Check for lock files in the project root:

• pnpm-lock.yaml → use pnpm
• yarn.lock → use yarn
• package-lock.json → use npm
• bun.lockb → use bun

Framework Detection

Check for config files:

• next.config.js or next.config.mjs or next.config.ts → Next.js
  • Check for app/ directory → App Router
  • Check for pages/ directory → Pages Router
• vite.config.js or vite.config.ts → Vite
• remix.config.js → Remix
• nuxt.config.js or nuxt.config.ts → Nuxt
• astro.config.mjs → Astro

Styling System Detection

Check package.json dependencies and config files:

• tailwind.config.js or tailwind.config.ts → Tailwind CSS
• @mui/material in dependencies → Material UI
• @chakra-ui/react in dependencies → Chakra UI
• antd in dependencies → Ant Design
• styled-components in dependencies → styled-components
• @emotion/react in dependencies → Emotion
• .css or .module.css files → CSS Modules

Design Memory Check

Look for existing Design Memory file:

• docs/design-memory.md
• DESIGN_MEMORY.md
• .claude-design/design-memory.md

If found, read it and use to prefill defaults and skip redundant questions.

Visual Style Inference (CRITICAL)

DO NOT use generic/predefined styles. Extract visual language from the project:

If Tailwind detected, read tailwind.config.js or tailwind.config.ts:

// Extract and use:
theme.colors      // Color palette
theme.spacing     // Spacing scale
theme.borderRadius // Radius values
theme.fontFamily  // Typography
theme.boxShadow   // Elevation system

If CSS Variables exist, read globals.css, variables.css, or :root definitions:

:root {
  --color-*     /* Color tokens */
  --spacing-*   /* Spacing tokens */
  --font-*      /* Typography tokens */
  --radius-*    /* Border radius tokens */
}

If UI library detected (MUI, Chakra, Ant), read the theme configuration:

• MUI: theme.ts or createTheme() call
• Chakra: theme/index.ts or extendTheme() call
• Ant: ConfigProvider theme prop

Always scan existing components to understand patterns:

• Find 2-3 existing buttons → note their styling patterns
• Find 2-3 existing cards → note padding, borders, shadows
• Find existing forms → note input styles, label placement
• Find existing typography → note heading sizes, body text

Store inferred styles in the Design Brief for consistent use across all variants.

Phase 1: Interview

Use the AskUserQuestion tool for all interview steps. Adapt questions based on Design Memory if it exists.

Step 1.1: Scope & Target

Ask these questions (can combine into single AskUserQuestion with multiple questions):

Question 1: Scope

• Header: "Scope"
• Question: "Are we designing a single component or a full page?"
• Options:
  • "Component" - A reusable UI element (button, card, form, modal, etc.)
  • "Page" - A complete page or screen layout

Question 2: New or Redesign

• Header: "Type"
• Question: "Is this a new design or a redesign of something existing?"
• Options:
  • "New" - Creating something from scratch
  • "Redesign" - Improving an existing component/page

If "Redesign" selected, ask: Question 3: Existing Path

• Header: "Location"
• Question: "What is the file path or route of the existing UI?"
• Options: (let user provide via "Other")

If target is unclear, propose a name based on repo patterns and confirm.

Step 1.2: Pain Points & Inspiration

Question 1: Pain Points

• Header: "Problems"
• Question: "What are the top pain points with the current design (or what should this new design avoid)?"
• Options:
  • "Too cluttered/dense" - Information overload, hard to scan
  • "Unclear hierarchy" - Primary actions aren't obvious
  • "Poor mobile experience" - Doesn't work well on small screens
  • "Outdated look" - Feels old or inconsistent with brand
• multiSelect: true

Question 2: Visual Inspiration

• Header: "Visual style"
• Question: "What products or brands should I reference for visual inspiration?"
• Options:
  • "Stripe" - Clean, minimal, trustworthy
  • "Linear" - Dense, keyboard-first, developer-focused
  • "Notion" - Flexible, content-focused, playful
  • "Apple" - Premium, spacious, refined
• multiSelect: true

Question 3: Functional Inspiration

• Header: "Interactions"
• Question: "What interaction patterns should I emulate?"
• Options:
  • "Inline editing" - Edit in place without modals
  • "Progressive disclosure" - Show more as needed
  • "Optimistic updates" - Instant feedback, sync in background
  • "Keyboard shortcuts" - Power user efficiency

Step 1.3: Brand & Style Direction

Question 1: Brand Adjectives

• Header: "Brand tone"
• Question: "What 3-5 adjectives describe the desired brand feel?"
• Options:
  • "Minimal" - Clean, simple, uncluttered
  • "Premium" - High-end, polished, refined
  • "Playful" - Fun, friendly, approachable
  • "Utilitarian" - Functional, efficient, no-nonsense
• multiSelect: true

Question 2: Density

• Header: "Density"
• Question: "What information density do you prefer?"
• Options:
  • "Compact" - More information visible, tighter spacing
  • "Comfortable" - Balanced spacing, easy scanning
  • "Spacious" - Generous whitespace, focused attention

Question 3: Dark Mode

• Header: "Dark mode"
• Question: "Is dark mode required?"
• Options:
  • "Yes" - Must support dark mode
  • "No" - Light mode only
  • "Nice to have" - Support if easy, not required

Step 1.4: Persona & Jobs-to-be-Done

Question 1: Primary User

• Header: "User"
• Question: "Who is the primary end user?"
• Options:
  • "Developer" - Technical, keyboard-oriented
  • "Designer" - Visual, detail-oriented
  • "Business user" - Efficiency-focused, less technical
  • "End consumer" - General public, varied technical ability

Question 2: Context

• Header: "Context"
• Question: "What's the primary usage context?"
• Options:
  • "Desktop-first" - Primarily used on larger screens
  • "Mobile-first" - Primarily used on phones
  • "Both equally" - Must work well on all devices

Question 3: Key Tasks

• Header: "Key tasks"
• Question: "What are the top 3 tasks users must complete?"
• (Let user provide via "Other" - this is open-ended)

Step 1.5: Constraints

Question 1: Must-Keep Elements

• Header: "Keep"
• Question: "Are there elements that must be preserved?"
• Options:
  • "Existing copy/labels" - Keep current text
  • "Current fields/inputs" - Keep form structure
  • "Navigation structure" - Keep current nav
  • "None" - Free to change everything

Question 2: Technical Constraints

• Header: "Constraints"
• Question: "Any technical constraints?"
• Options:
  • "No new dependencies" - Use existing libraries only
  • "Use existing components" - Build on current design system
  • "Must be accessible (WCAG)" - Strict accessibility requirements
  • "None" - No special constraints
• multiSelect: true

Phase 2: Generate Design Brief

After the interview, create a structured Design Brief as JSON and save to .claude-design/design-brief.json:

{
  "scope": "component|page",
  "isRedesign": true|false,
  "targetPath": "src/components/Example.tsx",
  "targetName": "Example",
  "painPoints": ["Too dense", "Primary action unclear"],
  "inspiration": {
    "visual": ["Stripe", "Linear"],
    "functional": ["Inline validation"]
  },
  "brand": {
    "adjectives": ["minimal", "trustworthy"],
    "density": "comfortable",
    "darkMode": true
  },
  "persona": {
    "primary": "Developer",
    "context": "desktop-first",
    "keyTasks": ["Complete checkout", "Review order", "Apply discount"]
  },
  "constraints": {
    "mustKeep": ["existing fields"],
    "technical": ["no new dependencies", "WCAG accessible"]
  },
  "framework": "nextjs-app",
  "packageManager": "pnpm",
  "stylingSystem": "tailwind"
}

Display a summary to the user before proceeding.

Phase 3: Generate Design Lab

Directory Structure

Create all files under .claude-design/:

.claude-design/
├── lab/
│   ├── page.tsx                 # Main lab page (framework-specific)
│   ├── variants/
│   │   ├── VariantA.tsx
│   │   ├── VariantB.tsx
│   │   ├── VariantC.tsx
│   │   ├── VariantD.tsx
│   │   └── VariantE.tsx
│   ├── components/
│   │   └── LabShell.tsx         # Lab layout wrapper
│   └── data/
│       └── fixtures.ts          # Shared mock data
├── design-brief.json
└── run-log.md

Route Integration

Next.js App Router: Create app/__design_lab/page.tsx that imports from .claude-design/lab/

Next.js Pages Router: Create pages/__design_lab.tsx that imports from .claude-design/lab/

Vite React:

• If React Router exists: add route to /__design_lab
• If no router: create a conditional render in App.tsx based on ?design_lab=true query param

Other frameworks: Create the most appropriate temporary route for the detected framework.

Variant Generation Guidelines

IMPORTANT: Read DESIGN_PRINCIPLES.md for UX, interaction, and motion best practices. But DO NOT use predefined visual styles—infer them from the project.

Apply universal principles (from DESIGN_PRINCIPLES.md):

• UX: Nielsen's heuristics, cognitive load reduction, progressive disclosure
• Component behavior: Button states, form anatomy, card structure
• Interaction: Feedback patterns, state handling, optimistic updates
• Motion: Timing (150-300ms), easing (ease-out entrances, ease-in exits)
• Accessibility: Focus states, ARIA patterns, touch targets (44px min)

Infer visual styles from the project:

• Colors → from Tailwind config, CSS variables, or existing components
• Typography → from existing headings, body text in the codebase
• Spacing → from the project's spacing scale or existing patterns
• Border radius → from existing cards, buttons, inputs
• Shadows → from existing elevated components

Each variant MUST explore a different design axis. Do not create minor variations—make them meaningfully distinct. Use the project's existing visual language for all variants.

Variant A: Information Hierarchy Focus

• Restructure content hierarchy (what's most important?)
• Apply Gestalt proximity—group related items closer
• One primary action per view
• Use existing typography scale to create clear levels

Variant B: Layout Model Exploration

• Try a different layout approach (card vs list vs table vs split-pane)
• Apply card anatomy or table behavior patterns from DESIGN_PRINCIPLES
• Consider responsive behavior at each breakpoint
• Use the project's existing grid/layout system

Variant C: Density Variation

• If brief says "comfortable", try a more compact version
• If brief says "compact", try a more spacious version
• Use the project's existing spacing tokens—just apply them differently
• Show the tradeoffs: more visible data vs easier scanning

Variant D: Interaction Model

• Different interaction pattern (modal vs inline vs panel vs drawer)
• Apply feedback patterns: immediate → progress → completion
• Implement all required states (loading, error, empty, disabled)
• Consider optimistic updates for non-destructive actions

Variant E: Expressive Direction

• Push the brand direction the user described in the interview
• Explore different uses of the project's existing design tokens
• More or less use of shadows, borders, background colors
• Apply motion where it adds meaning (hover, focus, transitions)

Lab Page Requirements

The Design Lab page must include:

1. Header with:

   • Design Brief summary (target, scope, key requirements)
   • Instructions for reviewing

2. Variant Grid with:

   • Clear labels (A, B, C, D, E)
   • Brief rationale for each variant ("Why this exists")
   • The actual rendered variant
   • Notes highlighting key differences

3. Responsive behavior:

   • Desktop: side-by-side grid (2-3 columns)
   • Mobile: horizontal scroll or tabs

4. Shared Data:

   • All variants use the same fixture data from data/fixtures.ts
   • Ensures fair comparison

Code Quality

Conventions:

• Follow the project's existing code conventions (file naming, imports, etc.)
• Use the detected styling system (Tailwind, CSS modules, etc.)
• Use existing components from the project where appropriate

Accessibility (from DESIGN_PRINCIPLES):

• Semantic HTML: <button> not <div onclick>, <nav>, <main>, <section>
• Keyboard navigation: all interactive elements focusable and operable
• Focus states: visible :focus-visible with 2px ring and offset
• Color contrast: 4.5:1 for text, 3:1 for UI elements
• Touch targets: minimum 44x44px
• ARIA only when HTML semantics aren't enough

States (every component needs):

• Default, Hover, Focus, Active, Disabled, Loading, Error, Empty
• See DESIGN_PRINCIPLES "State Handling" section

Motion:

• Use appropriate timing: 150-200ms for micro-interactions, 200-300ms for transitions
• Use ease-out for entrances, ease-in for exits
• Respect prefers-reduced-motion

Phase 4: Present Design Lab to User

After generating the lab files, immediately present the lab to the user. Do NOT attempt to:

• Start the dev server yourself (it runs forever and will block)
• Check if ports are open
• Open a browser
• Wait for any server response

What to Do

1. Output the lab location and URL:

   ✅ Design Lab created!
   
   I've generated 5 design variants in `.claude-design/lab/`
   
   To view them:
   1. Make sure your dev server is running (run `pnpm dev` if not)
   2. Open: http://localhost:3000/__design_lab
   
   Take your time reviewing the variants side-by-side, then come back and tell me:
   - Which variant wins (A-E)
   - What you like about it
   - What should change
   

2. Immediately proceed to Phase 5 - ask for feedback. Do NOT wait for the user to say they've opened the browser. Just present the feedback questions right away so they're ready when the user returns.

Why Not Start the Server

Running pnpm dev or npm run dev starts a long-running process that never exits. If you run it, you'll wait forever. The user likely already has their dev server running, or can start it themselves in another terminal.

Phase 5: Collect Feedback

After presenting the lab URL, collect feedback in two stages:

Stage 1: Check for a Winner

Question 1: Ready to pick?

• Header: "Decision"
• Question: "Is there one variant you like as is?"
• Options:
  • "Yes - I found one I like" - Ready to select a winner and refine
  • "No - I like parts of different ones" - Need to synthesize a new variant

Stage 2A: If User Found a Winner

If user said "Yes", ask:

Question 2a: Which one?

• Header: "Winner"
• Question: "Which variant do you want to go with?"
• Options:
  • "Variant A" - [brief description of A]
  • "Variant B" - [brief description of B]
  • "Variant C" - [brief description of C]
  • "Variant D" - [brief description of D]
  • "Variant E" - [brief description of E]

Question 3a: Any tweaks?

• Header: "Tweaks"
• Question: "Any small changes needed, or is it good as is?"
• Options:
  • "Good as is" - No changes needed, proceed to final preview
  • "Minor tweaks needed" - I'll describe what to adjust

If "Minor tweaks needed", ask user to describe changes via text input.

Then proceed to Phase 7: Final Preview.

Stage 2B: If User Wants to Synthesize

If user said "No - I like parts of different ones", ask:

Question 2b: What do you like about each?

• Header: "Feedback"
• Question: "What do you like about each variant? (mention specific elements from A, B, C, D, E)"
• (Let user provide detailed feedback via "Other" text input)

Example response format to guide user:

- A: Love the card layout and spacing
- B: The color scheme feels right
- C: The interaction on hover is great
- D: Nothing stands out
- E: The typography hierarchy is clearest

Then proceed to Phase 6: Synthesize New Variant.

Phase 6: Synthesize New Variant

Based on the user's feedback about what they liked from each variant:

1. Create a new hybrid variant (Variant F) that combines:

   • The specific elements the user called out from each
   • The best structural decisions across all variants
   • Any patterns that appeared in multiple variants

2. Replace the Design Lab with a comparison view:

   • Show the new synthesized Variant F prominently
   • Keep 1-2 of the original variants that were closest for comparison
   • Remove variants that had nothing the user liked

3. Update the /__design_lab route to show the new arrangement

4. Ask for feedback again:

Question: How's the new variant?

• Header: "Review"
• Question: "How does the synthesized variant (F) look?"
• Options:
  • "This is it!" - Proceed to final preview
  • "Getting closer" - Need another iteration
  • "Went the wrong direction" - Let me clarify what I want

If "Getting closer" or "Went the wrong direction", gather more specific feedback and iterate. Support multiple synthesis passes until user is satisfied.

Then proceed to Phase 7: Final Preview.

Phase 7: Final Preview

Once user is satisfied:

1. Create .claude-design/preview/ directory:

   .claude-design/preview/
   ├── page.tsx                    # Preview page
   └── FinalDesign.tsx             # The winning design
   

2. Create route at /__design_preview

3. For redesigns, include before/after comparison:

   • Toggle switch or split view
   • Show original alongside proposed

4. Ask for final confirmation:

Question: Confirm final design?

• Header: "Confirm"
• Question: "Ready to finalize this design?"
• Options:
  • "Yes, finalize it" - Proceed to cleanup and generate implementation plan
  • "No, needs changes" - Tell me what to adjust
  • "Abort - cancel everything" - Delete all temp files, no plan generated

If "No, needs changes": gather feedback and iterate. If "Abort": proceed to Abort Handling below.

Abort Handling

If the user wants to cancel/abort at ANY point during the process (not just final confirmation), they may say things like:

• "cancel"
• "abort"
• "stop"
• "nevermind"
• "forget it"
• "I changed my mind"

When abort is detected:

1. Confirm the abort:

   • "Are you sure you want to cancel? This will delete all the design lab files I created."

2. If confirmed, clean up immediately:

   • Delete .claude-design/ directory entirely
   • Delete temporary route files (app/__design_lab/, etc.)
   • Do NOT generate any implementation plan
   • Do NOT update Design Memory

3. Acknowledge:

   • "Design exploration cancelled. All temporary files have been cleaned up. Let me know if you want to start fresh later."

Phase 8: Finalize

When user confirms (selected "Yes, finalize it"):

8.1: Cleanup

Delete all temporary files:

• Remove .claude-design/ directory entirely
• Remove temporary route files:
  • app/__design_lab/ (Next.js App Router)
  • pages/__design_lab.tsx (Next.js Pages Router)
  • app/__design_preview/
  • pages/__design_preview.tsx
  • Revert any App.tsx modifications (Vite)

Safety rules:

• ONLY delete files inside .claude-design/
• ONLY delete route files that the plugin created
• NEVER delete user-authored files
• Verify file paths before deletion

8.2: Generate Implementation Plan

Create DESIGN_PLAN.md in the project root:

# Design Implementation Plan: [TargetName]

## Summary
- **Scope:** [component/page]
- **Target:** [file path]
- **Winner variant:** [A-E]
- **Key improvements:** [from feedback]

## Files to Change
- [ ] `src/components/Example.tsx` - Main component refactor
- [ ] `src/styles/example.css` - Style updates
- [ ] ... (list all affected files)

## Implementation Steps
1. [Specific step with code guidance]
2. [Next step]
3. ...

## Component API
- **Props:**
  - `prop1: type` - description
  - ...
- **State:**
  - Internal state requirements
- **Events:**
  - Callbacks and handlers

## Required UI States
- **Loading:** [description]
- **Empty:** [description]
- **Error:** [description]
- **Disabled:** [description]
- **Validation:** [description]

## Accessibility Checklist
- [ ] Keyboard navigation works
- [ ] Focus states visible
- [ ] Labels and aria-* attributes correct
- [ ] Color contrast meets WCAG AA
- [ ] Screen reader tested

## Testing Checklist
- [ ] Unit tests for logic
- [ ] Component tests for rendering
- [ ] Visual regression tests (if applicable)
- [ ] E2E smoke test (if applicable)

## Design Tokens
- [Any new tokens to add]
- [Existing tokens to use]

---

*Generated by Design Variations plugin*

8.3: Update Design Memory

Create or update DESIGN_MEMORY.md:

If new file:

# Design Memory

## Brand Tone
- **Adjectives:** [from interview]
- **Avoid:** [anti-patterns discovered]

## Layout & Spacing
- **Density:** [preference]
- **Grid:** [if established]
- **Corner radius:** [if consistent]
- **Shadows:** [if consistent]

## Typography
- **Headings:** [font, weights used]
- **Body:** [font, size]
- **Emphasis:** [patterns]

## Color
- **Primary:** [color tokens]
- **Secondary:** [color tokens]
- **Neutral strategy:** [approach]
- **Semantic colors:** [error, success, warning]

## Interaction Patterns
- **Forms:** [validation approach, layout]
- **Modals/Drawers:** [when to use which]
- **Tables/Lists:** [preferred patterns]
- **Feedback:** [toast, inline, etc.]

## Accessibility Rules
- **Focus:** [visible focus approach]
- **Labels:** [labeling conventions]
- **Motion:** [reduced motion support]

## Repo Conventions
- **Component structure:** [file organization]
- **Styling approach:** [Tailwind classes, CSS modules, etc.]
- **Existing primitives:** [Button, Input, Card, etc.]

---

*Updated by Design Variations plugin*

If updating existing file:

• Append new patterns discovered
• Update any conflicting guidance with latest decisions
• Keep file concise and actionable

Error Handling

Framework Not Detected

If framework cannot be determined:

• Ask user: "I couldn't detect your framework. What are you using?"
• Provide common options: Next.js, Vite, Create React App, Vue, etc.

Dev Server Fails

If dev server won't start:

• Check for port conflicts
• Provide manual instructions
• Suggest user starts server themselves

Route Integration Fails

If can't create temporary route:

• Fall back to creating standalone HTML file
• Provide instructions for manual preview

Cleanup Interrupted

If cleanup is interrupted:

• Log what was deleted vs remaining
• Provide manual cleanup instructions
• Never leave partial state without informing user

Configuration Options

The plugin supports these optional configurations (via environment or project config):

• DESIGN_AUTO_IMPLEMENT: If true, implement the plan immediately after confirmation
• DESIGN_KEEP_LAB: If true, don't delete lab until explicit cleanup command
• DESIGN_MEMORY_PATH: Custom path for Design Memory file

Example Session Flow

1. User: /design-variations:design CheckoutSummary
2. Plugin detects: Next.js App Router, Tailwind, pnpm
3. Plugin finds: No existing Design Memory
4. Plugin asks: Interview questions (5 steps)
5. Plugin generates: Design Brief summary
6. Plugin creates: .claude-design/lab/ with 5 variants
7. Plugin creates: app/__design_lab/page.tsx
8. Plugin starts: pnpm dev
9. Plugin outputs: "Open http://localhost:3000/__design_lab"
10. User reviews variants in browser
11. Plugin asks: "Which variant wins?"
12. User: "Variant C, but change X and Y"
13. Plugin refines: Updates Variant C
14. User: "Looks good"
15. Plugin creates: Final preview at /__design_preview
16. User: "Confirmed"
17. Plugin: Deletes all temp files
18. Plugin: Generates DESIGN_PLAN.md
19. Plugin: Creates DESIGN_MEMORY.md
20. Plugin: "Done! See DESIGN_PLAN.md for implementation steps"