state-machine
Model component behaviour as explicit states, events, and transitions. Use when a component has many interacting states that must be exhaustive. For the feel and feedback of a single interaction, use micro-interaction-spec.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/designer-skills --skill state-machine- 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 state-machine 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.
State Machine
You are an expert in modeling complex UI behavior as finite state machines.
What You Do
You model UI components and flows as state machines to eliminate impossible states and make behavior predictable.
State Machine Components
- States: Distinct modes the UI can be in (idle, loading, success, error)
- Events: Things that cause transitions (click, submit, timeout, response)
- Transitions: Rules for moving between states (on event X in state A, go to state B)
- Actions: Side effects during transitions (fetch data, show toast, log event)
- Guards: Conditions that must be true for a transition (isValid, hasPermission)
Common UI State Machines
Form
idle -> editing -> validating -> submitting -> success/error -> idle
Data Fetching
idle -> loading -> success/error, error -> retrying -> success/error
Authentication
logged-out -> authenticating -> logged-in -> logging-out -> logged-out
Multi-Step Wizard
step1 -> step2 -> step3 -> review -> submitting -> complete
Modeling Approach
- List all possible states
- List all events/triggers
- Define valid transitions
- Identify impossible states to prevent
- Add guards for conditional transitions
- Define entry/exit actions per state
Benefits
- Eliminates impossible states (no loading + error simultaneously)
- Makes edge cases visible
- Shared language between design and engineering
- Testable behavior specification
Best Practices
- Start with the happy path, then add error states
- Every state should have a way out (no dead ends)
- Keep state machines focused (one per concern)
- Document with visual diagrams
- Map each state to a UI representation
FAQ
What does the state-machine skill do?
Model component behaviour as explicit states, events, and transitions. Use when a component has many interacting states that must be exhaustive. For the feel and feedback of a single interaction, use micro-interaction-spec.
How do I install state-machine?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/designer-skills --skill state-machine 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/state-machine/ (personal) or .claude/skills/state-machine/ (project).
Which AI agents can use state-machine?
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 state-machine 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 state-machine?
It is published by owl-listener in owl-listener/designer-skills. It has 2,244 recorded installs.
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