Claude Writer's Aid MCP

# Design Guidelines This appendix covers UI/UX design principles for web applications. ## Design Principles ### Consistency Maintain consistent design patterns throughout your application. Users should feel comfortable navigating different sections because they recognize familiar patterns and interactions. <!-- Long sentence for testing --> ### Simplicity Keep interfaces simple and intuitive: * Clear navigation - Minimal cognitive load * Obvious actions - Consistent feedback * Progressive disclosure ## Color Theory ### Color Schemes Choose appropriate color palettes: 1. Monochromatic 2. Complementary 3. Analogous 4. Triadic 5. Split-complementary ### Accessibility Ensure sufficient color contrast: * Text: 4.5:1 minimum - Large text: 3:1 minimum * UI components: 3:1 - Don't rely solely on color ## Typography ### Font Selection Choose readable fonts: * Sans-serif for body text - Serif for traditional feel * Monospace for code - Display fonts sparingly <!-- Mixed list markers --> ### Hierarchy Establish clear visual hierarchy: ```css h1 { font-size: 2.5rem; } h2 { font-size: 2rem; } h3 { font-size: 1.5rem; } body { font-size: 1rem; } small { font-size: 0.875rem; } ``` ## Layout ### Grid Systems Use grid-based layouts: * 12-column grid - 16-column grid * Flexible grids - CSS Grid * Flexbox ### Whitespace Don't fear whitespace. It improves: 1. Readability 2. Focus 3. Visual hierarchy 4. Professional appearance 5. User comfort <!-- TODO: Add examples of effective whitespace usage --> ## Responsive Design ### Breakpoints Common breakpoints: ```css /* Mobile */ @media (max-width: 576px) { } /* Tablet */ @media (min-width: 768px) { } /* Desktop */ @media (min-width: 1024px) { } /* Large Desktop */ @media (min-width: 1440px) { } ``` ### Mobile-First Design for mobile first, then enhance for larger screens. This ensures better performance and user experience on mobile devices. ## User Experience ### Navigation Make navigation intuitive: * Clear menu structure - Breadcrumbs for context * Search functionality - Consistent placement * Mobile hamburger menu ### Feedback Provide clear feedback: 1. Loading states 2. Success messages 3. Error messages 4. Progress indicators 5. Hover states <!-- FIXME: Add animated examples of feedback patterns --> ## Forms ### Form Design Design user-friendly forms: * Clear labels - Helpful placeholders * Validation feedback - Logical grouping * Progress indicators ### Best Practices 1. One column layout 2. Clear button hierarchy 3. Inline validation 4. Auto-focus first field 5. Remember user data ## Accessibility ### WCAG Guidelines Follow WCAG 2.1 standards: * Perceivable - Operable * Understandable - Robust ### Implementation * Semantic HTML - ARIA labels * Keyboard navigation - Screen reader support * Focus indicators <!-- TODO: Add more accessibility examples --> ## Performance ### Optimization Optimize for performance: 1. Lazy load images 2. Use WebP format 3. Minimize HTTP requests 4. Compress assets 5. Use CDN ### Perceived Performance Make things feel fast: * Skeleton screens - Optimistic UI * Instant feedback - Progressive enhancement * Smooth animations ## Design Systems ### Component Libraries Build reusable components: 1. Buttons 2. Forms 3. Cards 4. Modals 5. Navigation ### Documentation Document your design system: * Component usage - Code examples * Design tokens - Accessibility notes * Best practices <!-- TODO: Create comprehensive design system documentation --> ## Tools ### Design Tools * Figma - Adobe XD * Sketch - InVision * Framer ### Prototyping Create interactive prototypes to test ideas before development. ## Resources For more design information: * [Material Design](https://material.io/design) - [Apple Human Interface Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/design/) * [Nielsen Norman Group](https://www.nngroup.com/) - [A List Apart](https://alistapart.com/) * [Smashing Magazine](https://www.smashingmagazine.com/) --- **Back to:** [Main Content](../chapters/04-css.md)