system-design
Use when designing system architecture, APIs, components, or data models - provides a structured design workflow with validation and documentation outputs.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/nickcrew/claude-cortex --skill system-design- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads system-design automatically when relevant.
- 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.
System Design
Overview
Create clear system, API, component, or data model designs with explicit requirements, constraints, and validation steps.
When to Use
- Designing system architecture or components
- Specifying APIs or data models
- Producing design docs or diagrams
Avoid when:
- You only need implementation tasks (use implementation-workflow)
Quick Reference
| Task | Load reference |
|---|---|
| System design workflow | skills/system-design/references/system.md |
Workflow
- Gather requirements and constraints.
- Load the system design reference.
- Define structure, interfaces, and data flows.
- Validate against constraints and best practices.
- Deliver spec/diagram/code artifacts.
Output
- Design spec or diagram
- Validation notes and follow-ups
Common Mistakes
- Designing without constraints
- Mixing implementation details with spec scope
FAQ
What does the system-design skill do?
Use when designing system architecture, APIs, components, or data models - provides a structured design workflow with validation and documentation outputs.
How do I install system-design?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/nickcrew/claude-cortex --skill system-design 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/system-design/ (personal) or .claude/skills/system-design/ (project).
Which AI agents can use system-design?
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 system-design 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 system-design?
It is published by nickcrew in nickcrew/claude-cortex. It has 86 recorded installs.
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