Design system (professional)
Use platform Human Interface Guidelines and Material Design (or your chosen baseline) as references for native-feeling patterns; this skill encodes token-driven consistency, accessible baselines, and product-level visual discipline — not a replacement for brand designers or user research. Confirm brand constraints, platforms (web, iOS/Android, desktop), and primary use case (marketing site vs data-heavy app).
Related skills (this repo)
| Skill |
When to combine with design-system-pro |
react-pro / nextjs-pro |
Implementing components, CSS/Tailwind, App Router layouts |
mobile-design-pro |
Touch targets, safe areas, mobile navigation, iOS vs Material — before pixel-pushing in code |
react-native-pro / flutter-pro |
RN/Flutter APIs, navigation implementation, lists, performance |
electron-pro / tauri-pro |
Desktop windowing, shortcuts, dense layouts |
testing-pro |
Visual regression, a11y checks in CI |
seo-pro |
Content hierarchy and heading structure for marketing pages |
Boundary: design-system-pro = what should look and behave like at the UX/UI layer; framework skills = how to code it.
When to use
- Defining or evolving a design system (tokens, primitives, documentation).
- Setting baseline: type scale, spacing, color roles, WCAG targets, data density.
- Web vs app vs desktop — adapting patterns without cloning the wrong platform.
- Themes (light/dark), visual direction, and trend evaluation (fit vs fad).
- Consistency audits, handoff rules, governance anti-patterns.
- Trigger keywords:
design tokens, WCAG, dashboard, theme, Figma, UI kit, consistency, …
Workflow
- Confirm brand/platform scope, data density (marketing vs analytics), and which implementation skill applies.
- Apply the principles and topic summaries below; open
references/ when you need depth; defer framework code to react-pro / nextjs-pro / … when the task is implementation-only.
- Respond using Suggested response format; note accessibility residual risk and consistency maintenance cost.
Operating principles
- Tokens before pixels — Name and reuse; exceptions are documented.
- Accessibility is not optional — Baseline AA contrast and keyboard/focus as default product quality.
- Data honesty — Charts and metrics readable; no decorative distortion of scales.
- One product voice — Components and microcopy follow the same guidelines.
- Trends serve users — Adopt visual fashion only when it does not harm clarity or a11y.
- Platform-appropriate — Respect mouse vs touch vs window conventions per surface.
Foundations, baseline, and data UI (summary)
- Typography, spacing, color roles, elevation; WCAG baseline; tables and dashboards — alignment, density, chart honesty.
Details: references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md
Accessibility, responsive web, and font loading (summary)
- WCAG AA contrast targets;
prefers-reduced-motion; breakpoint discipline and a minimal @media pattern; font-display: swap and fallbacks — web responsive layer (not native mobile — see mobile-design-pro).
Details: references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md
Web performance basics (summary)
- Layout thrash avoidance,
will-change discipline, lazy images, CLS awareness — not a full Core Web Vitals audit (pair with seo-pro for CWV in search context).
Details: references/web-performance-basics.md
Design system guidelines and consistency (summary)
- Tokens, primitives, documentation, governance, design ↔ code naming; fighting inconsistency.
Details: references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md
Platforms: web, app, desktop (summary)
- Responsive web, native mobile patterns, desktop shells; cross-platform product strategy.
Details: references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md
Trends, themes, and visual language (summary)
- Dark/light overview, brand beyond primary color, motion purpose; trends table with judgment-first caveats.
Details: references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md
Dark mode & semantic theming (deep dive) (summary)
- Primitive → semantic → component token layers; dark surfaces (not inverted light); borders/elevation on dark; WCAG on real pairs; system vs user theme; OLED vs gray-black; Figma variable modes.
Details: references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md
AI & copilot UI (deep dive) (summary)
- Side dock / inline / modal layouts; streaming without layout thrash; citations and trust; tool-use states; input (Enter vs newline), context chips; a11y live regions; stop/regenerate/feedback patterns.
Details: references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md
Tips and tricks (summary)
- Handoff, loading/empty states, one primary action, UI critique habits.
Details: references/tips-and-tricks.md
Edge cases (summary)
- i18n/RTL, color-only status, custom controls, theme image assets, third-party embeds.
Details: references/edge-cases.md
Decision flow and anti-patterns (summary)
- Marketing vs data density; dark semantic surfaces; token vs one-off; web-on-native mistakes.
Details: references/decision-tree.md · references/anti-patterns.md
Cross-skill handoffs (summary)
mobile-design-pro, react-pro / nextjs-pro, RN/Flutter, desktop, testing-pro, seo-pro, ai-integration-pro.
Details: references/integration-map.md
Versions (summary)
- WCAG edition, HIG/Material year, browser baseline, Figma variables API.
Details: references/versions.md
Suggested response format (implement / review)
- Issue or goal — Screen type, platform, or system-level decision (token, pattern, theme).
- Recommendation — Guideline + rationale; cite Related skill for code work.
- Code — Token naming sketch, checklist, or layout rules — not a full component library implementation unless paired with
react-pro.
- Residual risks — a11y gaps, inconsistency debt, trend aging, engineering cost of tokens.
Resources in this skill
references/ — foundations, system guidelines, platforms, trends, two hot-topic deep dives (dark semantic theme, AI/copilot UI), tips, edge cases.
| Topic |
File |
| Foundations & data UI |
references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md |
| A11y, responsive web, fonts |
references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md |
| Web performance (basics) |
references/web-performance-basics.md |
| Guidelines & consistency |
references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md |
| Web / app / desktop |
references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md |
| Trends & themes (overview) |
references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md |
| Dark mode & semantic theming (deep dive) |
references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md |
| AI & copilot UI (deep dive) |
references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md |
| Tips and patterns |
references/tips-and-tricks.md |
| Edge cases |
references/edge-cases.md |
| Decision tree |
references/decision-tree.md |
| Anti-patterns |
references/anti-patterns.md |
| Integration map |
references/integration-map.md |
| Versions |
references/versions.md |
Quick examples
Input (simple): Dashboard uses seven different grays and three border radii on one page.
Expected output: Propose token set for border, surface, radius; migration path; single density preset; defer CSS variable implementation to nextjs-pro / react-pro.
Input (tricky): Shipping dark mode — body text looks fine in Figma but fails contrast on real surfaces.
Expected output: Walk semantic mapping per theme; border/elevation on dark; verify pairs on raised surfaces; cite references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md.
Input (cross-skill): “Copilot panel in Next.js app — layout and trust UI.”
Expected output: This skill for streaming, citations, tool states, live regions (references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md); nextjs-pro / ai-integration-pro for data fetching and SSE; testing-pro for a11y + visual regression.
Checklist before calling the skill done
Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
1---2name: truongnat-skills-design-system-pro3description: Design system (professional)4---56# Design system (professional)78Use platform **Human Interface Guidelines** and **Material Design** (or your chosen baseline) as references for native-feeling patterns; this skill encodes **token-driven consistency**, **accessible baselines**, and **product-level** visual discipline — not a replacement for brand designers or user research. Confirm **brand constraints**, **platforms** (web, iOS/Android, desktop), and **primary use case** (marketing site vs **data-heavy** app).910## Related skills (this repo)1112| Skill | When to combine with `design-system-pro` |13|-------|----------------------------------------|14| **`react-pro`** / **`nextjs-pro`** | Implementing components, CSS/Tailwind, App Router layouts |15| **`mobile-design-pro`** | Touch targets, safe areas, mobile navigation, iOS vs Material — **before** pixel-pushing in code |16| **`react-native-pro`** / **`flutter-pro`** | RN/Flutter APIs, navigation implementation, lists, performance |17| **`electron-pro`** / **`tauri-pro`** | Desktop windowing, shortcuts, dense layouts |18| **`testing-pro`** | Visual regression, a11y checks in CI |19| **`seo-pro`** | Content hierarchy and heading structure for marketing pages |2021**Boundary:** **`design-system-pro`** = **what** should look and behave like at the UX/UI layer; framework skills = **how** to code it.2223## When to use2425- Defining or evolving a **design system** (tokens, primitives, documentation).26- Setting **baseline**: type scale, spacing, color roles, **WCAG** targets, **data** density.27- **Web vs app vs desktop** — adapting patterns without cloning the wrong platform.28- **Themes** (light/dark), **visual direction**, and **trend** evaluation (fit vs fad).29- **Consistency** audits, handoff rules, governance anti-patterns.30- Trigger keywords: `design tokens`, `WCAG`, `dashboard`, `theme`, `Figma`, `UI kit`, `consistency`, …3132## Workflow33341. Confirm brand/platform scope, **data density** (marketing vs analytics), and which **implementation skill** applies.352. Apply the principles and topic summaries below; open `references/` when you need depth; defer **framework code** to **`react-pro`** / **`nextjs-pro`** / … when the task is implementation-only.363. Respond using **Suggested response format**; note accessibility residual risk and **consistency** maintenance cost.3738### Operating principles39401. **Tokens before pixels** — Name and reuse; exceptions are documented.412. **Accessibility is not optional** — Baseline **AA** contrast and keyboard/focus as default product quality.423. **Data honesty** — Charts and metrics **readable**; no decorative distortion of scales.434. **One product voice** — Components and microcopy follow the same guidelines.445. **Trends serve users** — Adopt visual fashion only when it **does not** harm clarity or a11y.456. **Platform-appropriate** — Respect mouse vs touch vs **window** conventions per surface.4647### Foundations, baseline, and data UI (summary)4849- Typography, spacing, color **roles**, elevation; **WCAG** baseline; **tables and dashboards** — alignment, density, chart honesty.5051Details: [references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md](references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md)5253### Accessibility, responsive web, and font loading (summary)5455- **WCAG AA** contrast targets; **`prefers-reduced-motion`**; **breakpoint** discipline and a minimal **`@media`** pattern; **`font-display: swap`** and fallbacks — web **responsive** layer (not native mobile — see **`mobile-design-pro`**).5657Details: [references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md](references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md)5859### Web performance basics (summary)6061- **Layout** thrash avoidance, **`will-change`** discipline, **lazy** images, **CLS** awareness — not a full **Core Web Vitals** audit (pair with **`seo-pro`** for CWV in search context).6263Details: [references/web-performance-basics.md](references/web-performance-basics.md)6465### Design system guidelines and consistency (summary)6667- Tokens, primitives, **documentation**, governance, **design ↔ code** naming; fighting inconsistency.6869Details: [references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md](references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md)7071### Platforms: web, app, desktop (summary)7273- Responsive web, **native** mobile patterns, **desktop** shells; cross-platform product strategy.7475Details: [references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md](references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md)7677### Trends, themes, and visual language (summary)7879- Dark/light overview, brand beyond primary color, **motion** purpose; trends table with **judgment-first** caveats.8081Details: [references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md](references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md)8283### Dark mode & semantic theming (deep dive) (summary)8485- **Primitive → semantic → component** token layers; dark **surfaces** (not inverted light); **borders/elevation** on dark; WCAG on real pairs; system vs user theme; OLED vs gray-black; Figma variable **modes**.8687Details: [references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md](references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md)8889### AI & copilot UI (deep dive) (summary)9091- **Side dock / inline / modal** layouts; **streaming** without layout thrash; **citations** and trust; **tool-use** states; input (**Enter** vs newline), **context chips**; a11y **live regions**; stop/regenerate/feedback patterns.9293Details: [references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md](references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md)9495### Tips and tricks (summary)9697- Handoff, loading/empty states, **one primary action**, UI critique habits.9899Details: [references/tips-and-tricks.md](references/tips-and-tricks.md)100101### Edge cases (summary)102103- i18n/RTL, color-only status, custom controls, theme image assets, third-party embeds.104105Details: [references/edge-cases.md](references/edge-cases.md)106107### Decision flow and anti-patterns (summary)108109- Marketing vs data density; dark semantic surfaces; token vs one-off; web-on-native mistakes.110111Details: [references/decision-tree.md](references/decision-tree.md) · [references/anti-patterns.md](references/anti-patterns.md)112113### Cross-skill handoffs (summary)114115- **`mobile-design-pro`**, **`react-pro`** / **`nextjs-pro`**, RN/Flutter, desktop, **`testing-pro`**, **`seo-pro`**, **`ai-integration-pro`**.116117Details: [references/integration-map.md](references/integration-map.md)118119### Versions (summary)120121- WCAG edition, HIG/Material year, browser baseline, Figma variables API.122123Details: [references/versions.md](references/versions.md)124125### Suggested response format (implement / review)1261271. **Issue or goal** — Screen type, platform, or system-level decision (token, pattern, theme).1282. **Recommendation** — Guideline + rationale; cite **Related skill** for code work.1293. **Code** — Token naming sketch, checklist, or layout **rules** — not a full component library implementation unless paired with **`react-pro`**.1304. **Residual risks** — a11y gaps, inconsistency debt, trend aging, engineering cost of tokens.131132## Resources in this skill133134- `references/` — foundations, system guidelines, platforms, trends, **two hot-topic deep dives** (dark semantic theme, AI/copilot UI), tips, edge cases.135136| Topic | File |137|-------|------|138| Foundations & data UI | [references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md](references/foundations-baseline-and-data-ui.md) |139| **A11y, responsive web, fonts** | [references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md](references/a11y-responsive-and-web-typography.md) |140| Web performance (basics) | [references/web-performance-basics.md](references/web-performance-basics.md) |141| Guidelines & consistency | [references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md](references/design-system-guidelines-and-consistency.md) |142| Web / app / desktop | [references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md](references/platforms-web-app-desktop.md) |143| Trends & themes (overview) | [references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md](references/trends-themes-and-visual-language.md) |144| **Dark mode & semantic theming (deep dive)** | [references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md](references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md) |145| **AI & copilot UI (deep dive)** | [references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md](references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md) |146| Tips and patterns | [references/tips-and-tricks.md](references/tips-and-tricks.md) |147| Edge cases | [references/edge-cases.md](references/edge-cases.md) |148| Decision tree | [references/decision-tree.md](references/decision-tree.md) |149| Anti-patterns | [references/anti-patterns.md](references/anti-patterns.md) |150| Integration map | [references/integration-map.md](references/integration-map.md) |151| Versions | [references/versions.md](references/versions.md) |152153## Quick examples154155**Input (simple):** Dashboard uses seven different grays and three border radii on one page. 156**Expected output:** Propose **token** set for `border`, `surface`, `radius`; migration path; single **density** preset; defer CSS variable implementation to **`nextjs-pro`** / **`react-pro`**.157158**Input (tricky):** Shipping dark mode — body text looks fine in Figma but fails contrast on real surfaces. 159**Expected output:** Walk **semantic** mapping per theme; **border/elevation** on dark; verify pairs on **raised** surfaces; cite [references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md](references/dark-mode-and-semantic-theming-deep-dive.md).160161**Input (cross-skill):** “Copilot panel in Next.js app — layout and trust UI.” 162**Expected output:** **This skill** for streaming, citations, tool states, live regions ([references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md](references/ai-copilot-ui-patterns-deep-dive.md)); **`nextjs-pro`** / **`ai-integration-pro`** for data fetching and SSE; **`testing-pro`** for a11y + visual regression.163164## Checklist before calling the skill done165166- [ ] **Baseline** (type, space, color roles) and **a11y** targets stated for the context.167- [ ] **Platform** (web / native / desktop) appropriate patterns — not one-size-fits-all.168- [ ] **Data** presentation rules (alignment, units, empty states) when relevant.169- [ ] **Consistency** mechanism (tokens, governance) — not only one-off screens.170- [ ] Pure **implementation** work pointed to the right **framework skill** when applicable.171- [ ] For **dark theme** or **AI assistant** UI: opened the matching **deep-dive** reference when detail is needed.172- [ ] **Motion** (`prefers-reduced-motion`) and **focus** visibility considered for interactive patterns.173174---175> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/truongnat) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.176<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-16 -->