How do I install the Focus Attention Design skill?

Run npx skillmds@latest add owl-listener/focus-attention-design in your terminal (requires Node.js), paste this page's agent-chat prompt into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-connected agent, or download the SKILL.md file and copy it into your agent's skills directory.

Is Focus Attention Design safe to use?

This skill has not completed SkillMD's automated safety review yet. SkillMD never runs a skill's scripts for you; review the SKILL.md before installing.

Which AI agents work with Focus Attention Design?

This skill is tagged as working with Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex. SKILL.md is an open format, so most agents that read a skills directory can load it too.

Is Focus Attention Design free to use?

Yes. Installing skills from SkillMD is free, and the skill stays under its author's original license.

Who published Focus Attention Design?

Owl Listener (@owl-listener) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.

Focus Attention Design by owl-listener

Name: Focus Attention Design
Author: Owl Listener

Focus Attention Design

Design interfaces that support sustained focus and reduce distractions. Use when designing for users with ADHD, attention difficulties, anxiety, or any context where focus matters — dashboards, reading experiences, task flows, forms, learning interfaces. Triggers on: focus, distraction, ADHD, attention, too busy, cluttered, visual noise, autoplay, notifications, pop-ups, interruptions.

Owl Listener cb6b327 2.7 KB Updated Sep 17, 2026 1.7k repo stars

File contents

Focus and Attention Design

Design interfaces that help people maintain focus on their task by removing unnecessary distractions and giving users control over their attention environment.

Core Principle

Every element on screen should serve the user's current task. If it exists for the business but not for the user, it is a distraction.

Design Patterns

Single Purpose

One primary action per screen or section
Secondary actions visually de-emphasised (smaller, muted colour, text link)
Remove decorative elements that don't serve the task
Hide advanced options behind "Show more" or "Advanced"
Present choices sequentially, not simultaneously, when possible

Interruption Control

No autoplay audio or video
No pop-ups that aren't triggered by user action
Allow users to dismiss or defer notifications
Save state before showing any modal — closing it must not lose work
Never remove content from the screen without user action
If a banner or alert is needed, make it dismissable and non-blocking

Visual Calm

Generous whitespace between sections
Limited colour palette (3–4 colours for UI elements)
Subtle borders and dividers, not heavy lines
No flashing, blinking, or rapidly changing content
Animation only for functional feedback (loading, transitions)
Always respect prefers-reduced-motion

Time Sensitivity

Avoid time limits unless absolutely essential
If time limits exist, warn well before expiry
Provide easy extension (one click, not multi-step)
Allow at least 20 seconds per required decision
Save progress automatically in timed contexts
For session timeouts: save state and allow seamless return

Assessment Questions

For each screen, ask:

What is the ONE thing the user should do here?
Is that one thing the most visually prominent element?
What on this screen competes for attention? Can it be removed or muted?
Can the user control interruptions (notifications, modals, autoplay)?
Is there artificial urgency that doesn't serve the user?

Anti-Patterns to Flag

Countdown timers on non-time-sensitive actions
"Only 2 left!" urgency messaging
Autoplay video or audio
Multiple competing calls to action
Chat widgets that pop up unsolicited
Moving or animated advertisements near task areas
Layout shifts that redirect attention

---name: focus-attention-designdescription: Design interfaces that support sustained focus and reduce distractions. Use when designing for users with ADHD, attention difficulties, anxiety, or any context where focus matters — dashboards, reading experiences, task flows, forms, learning interfaces. Triggers on: focus, distraction, ADHD, attention, too busy, cluttered, visual noise, autoplay, notifications, pop-ups, interruptions.---# Focus and Attention DesignDesign interfaces that help people maintain focus on their task byremoving unnecessary distractions and giving users control over theirattention environment.## Core PrincipleEvery element on screen should serve the user's current task.If it exists for the business but not for the user, it is a distraction.## Design Patterns### Single Purpose- One primary action per screen or section- Secondary actions visually de-emphasised (smaller, muted colour, text link)- Remove decorative elements that don't serve the task- Hide advanced options behind "Show more" or "Advanced"- Present choices sequentially, not simultaneously, when possible### Interruption Control- No autoplay audio or video- No pop-ups that aren't triggered by user action- Allow users to dismiss or defer notifications- Save state before showing any modal — closing it must not lose work- Never remove content from the screen without user action- If a banner or alert is needed, make it dismissable and non-blocking### Visual Calm- Generous whitespace between sections- Limited colour palette (3–4 colours for UI elements)- Subtle borders and dividers, not heavy lines- No flashing, blinking, or rapidly changing content- Animation only for functional feedback (loading, transitions)- Always respect prefers-reduced-motion### Time Sensitivity- Avoid time limits unless absolutely essential- If time limits exist, warn well before expiry- Provide easy extension (one click, not multi-step)- Allow at least 20 seconds per required decision- Save progress automatically in timed contexts- For session timeouts: save state and allow seamless return## Assessment QuestionsFor each screen, ask:1. What is the ONE thing the user should do here?2. Is that one thing the most visually prominent element?3. What on this screen competes for attention? Can it be removed or muted?4. Can the user control interruptions (notifications, modals, autoplay)?5. Is there artificial urgency that doesn't serve the user?## Anti-Patterns to Flag- Countdown timers on non-time-sensitive actions- "Only 2 left!" urgency messaging- Autoplay video or audio- Multiple competing calls to action- Chat widgets that pop up unsolicited- Moving or animated advertisements near task areas- Layout shifts that redirect attention

Frequently asked questions