contextual-help-design

Q: How do I install contextual-help-design?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills --skill contextual-help-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/contextual-help-design/ (personal) or .claude/skills/contextual-help-design/ (project).

by owl-listenerDocs & Writing

Design help systems and support patterns that work for people with cognitive disabilities. Use when designing help content, tooltips, onboarding, FAQs, support flows, documentation, or any context where users need guidance. Triggers on: help, support, FAQ, tooltip, onboarding, tutorial, guidance, stuck, confused, documentation, instructions.

Installs: 76
Last 24h: —
Trending rank: —
Security: Not audited

Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills --skill contextual-help-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 contextual-help-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.

Contextual Help Design

Design help that meets people where they are — on the screen they're stuck on, in language they understand, without requiring them to remember how they got there.

Core Principle

If a user gets stuck, they should be able to get help without leaving the screen they're on.

Design Patterns

Inline Help

Tooltip or info icon next to fields that need explanation
Examples shown next to input fields ("e.g., 15/03/2026")
Help text visible by default for complex fields
Inline definitions for specialist terms (underline + tooltip)
"What's this?" links for uncommon concepts

Guided Tasks

Step-by-step wizard as an alternative to complex forms
Examples of completed tasks (filled-in sample forms)
Templates or pre-built options alongside "start from scratch"
Progress-aware hints that change based on where the user is

Escalation Path

Self-service help (search, FAQ) as first option
Chat or messaging as second option
Phone or video as third option
Never require users to re-explain when escalating between channels
Show estimated wait times for human support
Never require a reference number to get help

Error Recovery Support

Error messages include: what happened + why + what to do next
Link directly to the field or step that needs fixing
Offer alternative paths when primary fails
For complex errors: offer human support directly

Help Content Rules

Write at grade 4–6 reading level
Use the same terminology as the interface (not different words)
One instruction per step
Include images or diagrams for spatial or procedural instructions
Make help searchable
Test help content with people who have the actual problem

Assessment Questions

Can users get help without navigating away from their task?
Is help written in plain language that matches the interface?
Can users reach a human within 2 clicks when self-service fails?
Do help resources exist for the moments where users actually get stuck (not just the moments you anticipated)?

FAQ

What does the contextual-help-design skill do?

How do I install contextual-help-design?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills --skill contextual-help-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/contextual-help-design/ (personal) or .claude/skills/contextual-help-design/ (project).

Which AI agents can use contextual-help-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 contextual-help-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 contextual-help-design?

It is published by owl-listener in owl-listener/inclusive-design-skills. It has 76 recorded installs.