MCPInstall

visual designer

by daffy0208Frontend & Design

Design beautiful, consistent user interfaces with proper color theory, typography, spacing, and visual hierarchy. Use when creating design systems, choosing colors and fonts, or establishing visual direction. Covers color theory, typography scales, spacing systems, and design principles.

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Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/daffy0208/ai-dev-standards --skill visual-designer
  1. 01

    Install

    Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.

  2. 02

    Describe the task

    Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads visual designer automatically when relevant.

  3. 03

    Review the result

    The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.

SKILL.md

The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.

Visual Designer

Great design is invisible - users notice when it's bad, not when it's good.

Core Principle

Consistency over creativity.

Visual design serves the user experience. Every color, font, and spacing decision should have a purpose.

Phase 1: Color Systems

Color Theory Basics

Color Wheel:

  • Complementary: Opposite colors (blue + orange) - high contrast
  • Analogous: Adjacent colors (blue + green + teal) - harmonious
  • Triadic: Three evenly spaced colors - balanced
  • Monochromatic: Shades of one color - safe, minimal

Creating a Color Palette

60-30-10 Rule:

  • 60% Primary color (dominant)
  • 30% Secondary color (supporting)
  • 10% Accent color (call-to-action)

Example Palette:

/* Primary (60%) - Backgrounds, large areas */
--color-primary-50: #eff6ff;
--color-primary-100: #dbeafe;
--color-primary-200: #bfdbfe;
--color-primary-500: #3b82f6; /* Main brand color */
--color-primary-600: #2563eb;
--color-primary-900: #1e3a8a;

/* Secondary (30%) - Complementary elements */
--color-secondary-500: #8b5cf6;
--color-secondary-600: #7c3aed;

/* Accent (10%) - CTAs, highlights */
--color-accent-500: #f59e0b;
--color-accent-600: #d97706;

/* Neutrals - Text, borders */
--color-gray-50: #f9fafb;
--color-gray-100: #f3f4f6;
--color-gray-300: #d1d5db;
--color-gray-500: #6b7280;
--color-gray-700: #374151;
--color-gray-900: #111827;

/* Semantic colors */
--color-success: #10b981;
--color-warning: #f59e0b;
--color-error: #ef4444;
--color-info: #3b82f6;

Accessible Color Contrast

WCAG Requirements:

  • Normal text (< 18pt): 4.5:1 contrast ratio
  • Large text (≥ 18pt or 14pt bold): 3:1 contrast ratio
  • UI components: 3:1 contrast ratio
/* ✅ Good: Sufficient contrast (8:1) */
.text {
  color: #111827; /* gray-900 */
  background: #ffffff;
}

/* ❌ Bad: Insufficient contrast (2.1:1) */
.text-bad {
  color: #d1d5db; /* gray-300 */
  background: #ffffff;
}

Tools:

Dark Mode Strategy

:root {
  --bg-primary: #ffffff;
  --bg-secondary: #f9fafb;
  --text-primary: #111827;
  --text-secondary: #6b7280;
}

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --bg-primary: #111827;
    --bg-secondary: #1f2937;
    --text-primary: #f9fafb;
    --text-secondary: #9ca3af;
  }
}

Dark Mode Checklist:

  • Reduce pure white (#fff) → use off-white (#f9fafb)
  • Reduce pure black (#000) → use dark gray (#111827)
  • Increase contrast on dark backgrounds
  • Test with actual dark mode users
  • Support system preference

Phase 2: Typography

Font Pairing Principles

Golden Rule: Maximum 2 fonts

  • Heading font: Distinctive, attention-grabbing
  • Body font: Readable, neutral

Popular Pairings:

/* Modern & Clean */
--font-heading: 'Inter', sans-serif;
--font-body: 'Inter', sans-serif;

/* Classic & Professional */
--font-heading: 'Playfair Display', serif;
--font-body: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif;

/* Tech & Minimal */
--font-heading: 'Space Grotesk', sans-serif;
--font-body: 'IBM Plex Sans', sans-serif;

/* Creative & Friendly */
--font-heading: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
--font-body: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;

Type Scale (Modular Scale)

Base size: 16px (1rem) Scale ratio: 1.25 (Major Third)

--text-xs: 0.64rem; /* 10.24px */
--text-sm: 0.8rem; /* 12.8px */
--text-base: 1rem; /* 16px */
--text-lg: 1.25rem; /* 20px */
--text-xl: 1.563rem; /* 25px */
--text-2xl: 1.953rem; /* 31.25px */
--text-3xl: 2.441rem; /* 39px */
--text-4xl: 3.052rem; /* 48.83px */
--text-5xl: 3.815rem; /* 61px */

/* Font weights */
--font-normal: 400;
--font-medium: 500;
--font-semibold: 600;
--font-bold: 700;

Line Height & Spacing

/* Headings: Tighter line-height */
h1,
h2,
h3 {
  line-height: 1.2;
}

/* Body text: Comfortable reading */
p {
  line-height: 1.6;
  max-width: 65ch; /* 65 characters max for readability */
}

/* Small text: More line-height */
.text-sm {
  line-height: 1.8;
}

/* Letter spacing */
.heading {
  letter-spacing: -0.02em; /* Tighter */
}

.uppercase {
  letter-spacing: 0.05em; /* Wider for all-caps */
}

Responsive Typography

/* Fluid typography */
h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
}

/* Or breakpoint-based */
h1 {
  font-size: 2rem;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
  h1 {
    font-size: 3rem;
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  h1 {
    font-size: 3.5rem;
  }
}

Phase 3: Spacing System

8pt Grid System

Why 8pt?

  • Most screens are divisible by 8
  • Creates visual rhythm
  • Easier to maintain consistency
--space-1: 0.25rem; /* 4px */
--space-2: 0.5rem; /* 8px */
--space-3: 0.75rem; /* 12px */
--space-4: 1rem; /* 16px */
--space-5: 1.25rem; /* 20px */
--space-6: 1.5rem; /* 24px */
--space-8: 2rem; /* 32px */
--space-10: 2.5rem; /* 40px */
--space-12: 3rem; /* 48px */
--space-16: 4rem; /* 64px */
--space-20: 5rem; /* 80px */
--space-24: 6rem; /* 96px */

Usage:

/* Component padding */
.button {
  padding: var(--space-3) var(--space-6); /* 12px 24px */
}

/* Section spacing */
.section {
  padding: var(--space-16) 0; /* 64px top/bottom */
}

/* Element margins */
.heading {
  margin-bottom: var(--space-4); /* 16px */
}

.paragraph {
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6); /* 24px */
}

Vertical Rhythm

/* Consistent vertical spacing */
* + * {
  margin-top: var(--space-4);
}

/* Specific overrides */
h1 + p {
  margin-top: var(--space-6);
}

p + p {
  margin-top: var(--space-4);
}

Phase 4: Layout & Composition

Visual Hierarchy

Establish importance through:

  1. Size: Larger = more important
  2. Weight: Bolder = more important
  3. Color: Brighter = more important
  4. Spacing: More space = more important
/* Primary heading */
h1 {
  font-size: var(--text-4xl);
  font-weight: var(--font-bold);
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-8);
}

/* Secondary heading */
h2 {
  font-size: var(--text-2xl);
  font-weight: var(--font-semibold);
  color: var(--text-primary);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-4);
}

/* Body text */
p {
  font-size: var(--text-base);
  font-weight: var(--font-normal);
  color: var(--text-secondary);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-4);
}

/* Supporting text */
.caption {
  font-size: var(--text-sm);
  color: var(--text-tertiary);
}

Grid Systems

12-Column Grid:

.container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr);
  gap: var(--space-4);
}

/* Full width */
.col-12 {
  grid-column: span 12;
}

/* Half width */
.col-6 {
  grid-column: span 6;
}

/* Third width */
.col-4 {
  grid-column: span 4;
}

/* Responsive */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .col-6 {
    grid-column: span 12; /* Stack on mobile */
  }
}

Whitespace (Negative Space)

/* ❌ Cramped */
.card-bad {
  padding: 8px;
}

/* ✅ Breathing room */
.card-good {
  padding: var(--space-8); /* 32px */
}

/* Content spacing */
.content {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 var(--space-4); /* Side padding */
}

Responsive Breakpoints

/* Mobile first */
:root {
  --breakpoint-sm: 640px; /* Small devices */
  --breakpoint-md: 768px; /* Tablets */
  --breakpoint-lg: 1024px; /* Laptops */
  --breakpoint-xl: 1280px; /* Desktops */
  --breakpoint-2xl: 1536px; /* Large screens */
}

/* Usage */
@media (min-width: 768px) {
  .container {
    padding: var(--space-8);
  }
}

Phase 5: Visual Polish

Shadows & Elevation

/* Elevation levels */
--shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
--shadow-md: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
--shadow-lg: 0 10px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
--shadow-xl: 0 20px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);

/* Usage */
.card {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transition: box-shadow 0.2s;
}

.card:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
}

Border Radius

--radius-sm: 0.25rem; /* 4px - small elements */
--radius-md: 0.5rem; /* 8px - buttons, inputs */
--radius-lg: 0.75rem; /* 12px - cards */
--radius-xl: 1rem; /* 16px - modals */
--radius-full: 9999px; /* Fully rounded */

/* Usage */
.button {
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
}

.avatar {
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
}

Transitions & Animations

/* Transition timing */
--transition-fast: 150ms;
--transition-base: 200ms;
--transition-slow: 300ms;

/* Easing functions */
--ease-in: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 1, 1);
--ease-out: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.2, 1);
--ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);

/* Button hover */
.button {
  transition: all var(--transition-base) var(--ease-in-out);
}

.button:hover {
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
}

/* Fade in */
@keyframes fadeIn {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
  }
}

.fade-in {
  animation: fadeIn var(--transition-slow) var(--ease-out);
}

Design Principles

1. Contrast

Create clear distinction between elements

/* ✅ Good contrast */
.hero {
  background: var(--color-primary-600);
  color: white;
}

/* ❌ Poor contrast */
.hero-bad {
  background: #ddd;
  color: #aaa;
}

2. Alignment

Align elements to create order

/* ✅ Aligned */
.container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
}

3. Repetition

Repeat visual elements for consistency

/* Consistent button styles */
.button {
  padding: var(--space-3) var(--space-6);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  font-weight: var(--font-semibold);
}

4. Proximity

Group related elements

/* Form fields grouped */
.form-group {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--space-2);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6);
}

Component Design Patterns

Buttons

/* Primary button */
.btn-primary {
  background: var(--color-primary-600);
  color: white;
  padding: var(--space-3) var(--space-6);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  font-weight: var(--font-semibold);
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--transition-base);
}

.btn-primary:hover {
  background: var(--color-primary-700);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

/* Secondary button */
.btn-secondary {
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--color-primary-600);
  border: 2px solid var(--color-primary-600);
}

/* Ghost button */
.btn-ghost {
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--text-primary);
}

.btn-ghost:hover {
  background: var(--color-gray-100);
}

Cards

.card {
  background: white;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  padding: var(--space-6);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  transition: all var(--transition-base);
}

.card:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

Forms

.input {
  width: 100%;
  padding: var(--space-3) var(--space-4);
  border: 2px solid var(--color-gray-300);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  font-size: var(--text-base);
  transition: border-color var(--transition-base);
}

.input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--color-primary-500);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.1);
}

.input:invalid {
  border-color: var(--color-error);
}

Design Tools

Color Tools

Typography Tools

Design Systems

Visual Design Checklist

Colors

  • Primary, secondary, accent colors defined
  • Neutral grays (50-900) defined
  • Semantic colors (success, warning, error)
  • All text meets WCAG contrast requirements
  • Dark mode colors defined

Typography

  • 1-2 fonts maximum
  • Type scale defined (8-10 sizes)
  • Font weights specified
  • Line heights set appropriately
  • Max-width for readability (65ch)

Spacing

  • 8pt grid system used
  • Consistent spacing scale
  • Adequate whitespace
  • Vertical rhythm maintained

Components

  • Button styles consistent
  • Form inputs styled consistently
  • Cards have proper elevation
  • Hover states defined
  • Focus states visible

Responsive

  • Mobile-first approach
  • Breakpoints defined
  • Touch targets ≥ 44px
  • Text scales appropriately

Related Resources

Skills:

  • design-system-architect - Building design systems
  • ux-designer - User experience design
  • accessibility-engineer - Color contrast, readability

External:

Good design makes the product easy to use. Great design makes it disappear. 🎨

FAQ

What does the visual designer skill do?

Design beautiful, consistent user interfaces with proper color theory, typography, spacing, and visual hierarchy. Use when creating design systems, choosing colors and fonts, or establishing visual direction. Covers color theory, typography scales, spacing systems, and design principles.

How do I install visual designer?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/daffy0208/ai-dev-standards --skill visual-designer in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/visual-designer/ (personal) or .claude/skills/visual-designer/ (project).

Which AI agents can use visual designer?

Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.

Is visual designer safe to install?

No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.

Who maintains visual designer?

It is published by daffy0208 in daffy0208/ai-dev-standards. It has 263 recorded installs.

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