UI UX Discuss First
Overview
Enforce a discuss-first workflow for UI work. Extract project context, present multiple style directions with tradeoffs, iterate with the user, and block implementation until explicit approval.
Workflow
Step 1: Build Project Context Before Asking Style Questions
- Read
README.mdanddocs/*if present. - Inspect existing frontend code for:
- Current color tokens and typography tokens.
- Existing component style language.
- Constraints from framework/design system.
- Summarize context in 5-8 bullets before proposing any visual direction.
- Use this summary to tailor questions; do not ask generic style questions without project grounding.
Use references/project-discovery-questions.md for question batches.
Step 2: Run Discovery Dialog in Rounds
- Ask concise batches (3-5 questions per round), not a single giant questionnaire.
- Focus on:
- Product goal and business outcome.
- Target audience and tone.
- Brand references and anti-references.
- Color direction and contrast expectations.
- Motion density and accessibility requirements.
- Keep asking follow-up questions until enough detail exists to produce confident options.
Step 3: Generate Option Pack With UI Pro Max
- Generate one baseline design system:
python .codex/skills/ui-ux-pro-max/scripts/search.py "<product_type> <industry> <style_keywords>" --design-system -p "<Project Name>"
- Generate supporting evidence:
python .codex/skills/ui-ux-pro-max/scripts/search.py "<keyword>" --domain style
python .codex/skills/ui-ux-pro-max/scripts/search.py "<keyword>" --domain color
python .codex/skills/ui-ux-pro-max/scripts/search.py "<keyword>" --domain typography
python .codex/skills/ui-ux-pro-max/scripts/search.py "<keyword>" --domain ux
- Present 2-4 concrete options using
references/style-option-template.md. - For each option, include:
- Style name and product fit.
- Primary/secondary/background/text/CTA colors.
- Typography pairing.
- Interaction and motion profile.
- Risks, anti-patterns, and why this option may fail.
Step 4: Discussion and Convergence (Mandatory)
- Ask user to choose:
- Option A, B, C, or a hybrid.
- If hybrid, restate exact merged rules (colors, typography, motion, layout).
- Repeat until explicit approval exists.
- Do not implement code before approval.
Use references/approval-gate.md to verify readiness.
Step 5: Implement Only After Explicit Approval
- Freeze final brief in chat:
- Chosen style direction.
- Color palette and type scale.
- Accessibility and motion constraints.
- Components/pages in scope.
- Load
frontend-designfor visual execution quality. - Load
frontend-developmentfor code architecture/pattern compliance. - Implement strictly within approved scope.
Hard Rules
- Do not skip discussion and jump to coding.
- Do not provide only one option unless user explicitly asks for one.
- Do not lock colors/typography without user confirmation.
- Do not broaden scope beyond requested pages/components.
- Keep every recommendation tied to project context discovered in Step 1.
Quick Trigger Examples
- "Design this landing page, but discuss style options first."
- "Help me choose visual direction before coding UI."
- "I want to explore 3 color and typography directions for this product."
- "Do not implement yet; first debate the design approach."
References
references/project-discovery-questions.mdreferences/style-option-template.mdreferences/approval-gate.md