/frontend-design

name: frontend-design
description: Design and implement distinctive, production-ready frontend interfaces with strong aesthetic direction. Use when asked to create or restyle web pages, components, or applications (HTML/CSS/JS, React, Vue, etc.).

Frontend Design Skill

Design and implement memorable frontend interfaces with a clear, intentional aesthetic. The output must be real, working code — not just mood boards. This skill is about **design thinking + execution**: every visual choice should be rooted in purpose and context.

When to Use

Use this skill when the user wants to:

• Create a new web page, landing page, dashboard, or app UI
• Design or redesign frontend components or screens
• Improve typography, layout, color, motion, or overall visual polish
• Convert a concept or brief into a high‑fidelity, coded interface

Inputs to Gather (or Assume)

Before coding, identify:

• **Purpose & audience**: What problem does this UI solve? Who uses it?
• **Brand/voice**: Any reference brands, tone, or visual inspiration?
• **Technical constraints**: Framework, library, CSS strategy, accessibility, performance
• **Content constraints**: Required copy, assets, data, features

If the user did not provide this, ask **2–4 targeted questions**, or state reasonable assumptions in a short preface.

Design Thinking (Required)

Commit to a **single, bold aesthetic direction**. Name it and execute it consistently. Examples:

• Brutalist / raw / utilitarian
• Editorial / magazine / typographic
• Luxury / refined / minimal
• Retro‑futuristic / cyber / neon
• Art‑deco / geometric / ornamental
• Handcrafted / organic / textured

**Avoid generic AI aesthetics.** No “default” fonts, color schemes, or stock layouts.

Before writing code, define the system: 1. **Visual direction** — one sentence that describes the vibe 2. **Differentiator** — what should be memorable about this UI? 3. **Typography system** — display + body fonts, scale, weight, casing 4. **Color system** — dominant, accent, neutral; define as CSS variables 5. **Layout strategy** — grid rhythm, spacing scale, hierarchy plan 6. **Motion strategy** — 1–2 meaningful interaction moments

If the user wants code only, skip the explanation but still follow this internally.

Implementation Principles

• **Working code**: HTML/CSS/JS or framework code that runs as‑is
• **Semantic & accessible**: headings, labels, focus states, keyboard nav
• **Responsive**: fluid layouts, breakpoints, responsive typography
• **Tokenized styling**: CSS variables for colors, spacing, radii, shadows
• **Modern layout**: prefer CSS Grid/Flex, avoid brittle positioning hacks

Aesthetic Guidelines

Typography

• Typography should define the voice of the design
• Avoid default fonts (Inter, Roboto, Arial, system stacks)
• Use a **distinct display font** + a **refined body font**
• Implement a clear hierarchy (size, weight, spacing, casing)

Color & Theme

• Commit to a palette with a strong point‑of‑view
• Avoid timid, overused gradients (e.g., purple‑to‑pink on white)
• Use contrast intentionally and check legibility

Composition & Layout

• Encourage asymmetry, scale contrast, overlap, or grid breaks
• Use negative space deliberately (or controlled density if maximalist)
• Create visual rhythm and hierarchy through spacing and alignment

Detail & Atmosphere

• Add texture or depth when appropriate (noise, grain, subtle patterns)
• Use shadows/glows only when they serve the concept
• Consider unique borders, masks, or clip‑paths for distinct shapes

Motion & Interaction

• Use motion sparingly but meaningfully
• Favor one standout interaction over many tiny ones
• Honor `prefers-reduced-motion`

Avoid

• Cookie‑cutter hero + 3 card layouts
• Generic gradients and default font choices
• Unmotivated decorative elements
• Overly flat, characterless component libraries

Deliverables

• Provide full code with file names or component boundaries
• Make customization easy with CSS variables or config objects
• If assets are needed, provide inline SVGs or generative CSS patterns

Quality Checklist (Self‑validate)

• Aesthetic direction is unmistakable
• Typography feels intentional and expressive
• Layout and spacing are consistent and purposeful
• Color palette feels cohesive and legible
• Interactions enhance the experience without clutter
• Code runs as provided and is production‑ready

**Remember:** a design is only as strong as its commitment. Choose a direction and execute it relentlessly.