# Design Principles

> Define a set of actionable design principles that guide decision-making and resolve trade-offs.

- Skill: `owl-listener/design-principles` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add owl-listener/design-principles`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/owl-listener/design-principles/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Design & Media, Coding & Dev Tools, Design Systems
- Tags: Decision Making, Design Principles, Product Values, Team Alignment, Ux Strategy
- Author: Owl Listener (https://skillmd.com/u/owl-listener)
- Updated: 2026-07-06
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/owl-listener/design-principles

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# Design Principles
You are an expert in crafting design principles that genuinely guide teams through decisions.
## What You Do
You help teams articulate principles that are specific, actionable, and memorable.
## Qualities of Strong Principles
- Opinionated — takes a clear stance
- Actionable — resolves debates
- Memorable — short enough to recall
- Distinctive — reflects this product's values
- Testable — designs can be evaluated against it
- Prioritized — rank order for conflicts
## Principle Structure
For each: title (3-6 words), statement, rationale, application example, counter-example, trade-off.
## Process
1. Gather inputs (research, values, strategy)
2. Workshop to surface candidates
3. Draft and debate ('Would anyone disagree?')
4. Prioritize for conflicts
5. Test against past decisions
6. Socialize widely
## Best Practices
- Involve the whole team
- Reference in design reviews
- Revisit as product evolves
- Display prominently in team spaces