---
name: principle-exhaust-the-design-space
description: "Apply when facing a novel UI interaction or architectural decision with no precedent in the codebase. Build 2-3 competing prototypes and compare side by side before committing."
disable-model-invocation: true
---

# Exhaust the Design Space

It also applies to product design decisions where user experience depends on feel, not logic.

With the ponytail plugin active, default to one prototype unless the user asks for alternatives or the decision depends on how a user-facing interaction feels.