# antislop

> Anti AI Slop: Design & Copy Rules

> Follow these rules whenever generating or building UI for a website, web app, or any interface.
> The goal: the design should feel **crafted by a designer**, not generated by AI.
> Before any UI work, ask the user (in their chat language) when antislop applies: during the work, or after it is done. Do not start until they answer.

---

## First-Run Install Wizard

antislop is a system: this core file plus optional **skills**, one per concern (`antislop-ui`, `antislop-copywriting`, and so on, each a folder with a `SKILL.md`). This section installs them once. It is an **offer, not a requirement**: if the user prefers, this file alone remains a complete filter.

**Skip this section** if the project's entry file (`AGENTS.md`, `CLAUDE.md`, `GEMINI.md`, or the equivalent the running tool reads at session start) already contains an antislop pointer block. That means antislop is already installed. Come back only when the user asks to add or remove a skill.

If no antislop pointer exists and this file is being read for the first time, run the wizard:

> If the user can use a terminal, the packaged install is better: run `npx antislop-ai` (interactive picker) or `npx skills add miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop`, then skip this section. The steps below are the manual fallback for chat-only setups.

1. **Declare the setup before doing anything.** Tell the user you will (a) download the skill(s) they choose into `skills/<name>/` subfolders next to this file, and (b) append an antislop pointer block at the end of the project's entry file. Get approval. Never modify the entry file silently.
2. **Ask which skills to install** (multi-select, in the user's chat language). List only the skills that exist in this version of antislop:
   - **1. All** (recommended): install every available skill. Choose this when the work spans UI, copy, people, or mobile layout.
   - **2. `antislop-ui`** (UI / visual): pick this for building or editing a website, web app, or interface: color, layout, components, decoration, motion.
   - **3. `antislop-copywriting`** (copy & text): pick this for writing or editing copy: headlines, CTAs, value propositions, tone, landing-page text, product prose.
   - **4. `antislop-human`** (people): pick this for making sure a UI works for people with different eyes, hands, and setups: contrast, keyboard, focus, states.
   - **5. `antislop-layoutmobile`** (mobile / responsive): pick this for layouts that have to hold up on a phone: breakpoints, scale, grids, overflow, tap targets.
   - New skills appear here as they ship; never offer a skill that does not exist in this version.

   If the user declines or says "core only", stop here and use this file alone as the filter. Do not install anything.
3. **Resolve direction** (only if a UI skill was selected). Check for `DESIGN.md` or explicit brand/style direction. If none exists, be honest that antislop is a **filter, not a beautifier**: without direction the output tends toward monotonous. Recommend having a `DESIGN.md`, then offer these paths:
   - **1. The user supplies direction (recommended).** They write their own `DESIGN.md`, or answer a few direction questions (identity, personality, palette, typography, mood) and the agent transcribes their answers into `DESIGN.md`. The user is the author; the agent only formats. Never invent example content for `DESIGN.md`.
   - **2. The agent supplies direction, with an honest warning.** The agent writes the direction itself, stating explicitly that agent-generated style tends toward default AI taste, which is the slop antislop filters, so the result is likely monotonous. If chosen, still ask a minimal brief (product, audience, mood) before building.
   - **3. The user skips direction for now.** Proceed without a `DESIGN.md`. Any UI built this way must be labeled *"draft without direction"* with dials ENERGY 1 / RHYTHM 1 / MOTION 1 (R-37), and is not a shippable deliverable.
4. **Download the chosen skill(s)** into `skills/<name>/` subfolders next to this file, pinned to the release tag that matches this version so a newer skill never mixes with an older core. When `antislop-human` is chosen, also download its contrast-check script into the same skill folder:
   ```bash
   mkdir -p skills/antislop-ui skills/antislop-copywriting skills/antislop-human skills/antislop-layoutmobile
   curl -o skills/antislop-ui/SKILL.md https://raw.githubusercontent.com/miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop/v3.0.2/skills/antislop-ui/SKILL.md
   curl -o skills/antislop-copywriting/SKILL.md https://raw.githubusercontent.com/miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop/v3.0.2/skills/antislop-copywriting/SKILL.md
   curl -o skills/antislop-human/SKILL.md https://raw.githubusercontent.com/miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop/v3.0.2/skills/antislop-human/SKILL.md
   curl -o skills/antislop-layoutmobile/SKILL.md https://raw.githubusercontent.com/miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop/v3.0.2/skills/antislop-layoutmobile/SKILL.md
   curl -o skills/antislop-human/contrast-check.py https://raw.githubusercontent.com/miqdadbadjuber/anti-slop/v3.0.2/skills/antislop-human/contrast-check.py
   ```
5. **Append the pointer block at the END of the project's entry file** (the file the running tool reads at session start: `CLAUDE.md` for Claude Code, `AGENTS.md` for Codex, `GEMINI.md` for Gemini CLI, and so on). If that file does not exist, create it. Never modify existing content:
   ```md
   <!-- antislop:start -->
   ## antislop
   For UI, copy, people, or mobile layout work, read `antislop.md` (core) and then the skill for the task:
   - UI / visual: `skills/antislop-ui/SKILL.md`
   - Copy & text: `skills/antislop-copywriting/SKILL.md`
   - People: `skills/antislop-human/SKILL.md`
   - Mobile / responsive: `skills/antislop-layoutmobile/SKILL.md`
   Before starting, ask the user when antislop applies: during the work, or after it is done.
   <!-- antislop:end -->
   ```
   The packaged installers write the same two markers, so whichever install path runs last replaces the block instead of adding a second one. If an older antislop block exists (even without the markers), replace just that block instead of appending a duplicate.
6. **Ask the usage-mode question** (see "Two Usage Modes"), then proceed with the work.

Notes:
- The entry file is read at the start of a session, so a newly written pointer takes effect from the **next** session.
- The wizard needs download and file-write access for steps 4 and 5; the user approves once.
- The pointer block is the source of truth for which skills are installed. To add or remove a skill later, update the block to match (add or remove the file and its line).

---

## Two Usage Modes

antislop is used one of two ways. At the start of a session, ask the user which applies, in the user's chat language (not the language of this file). Do not start UI work until they answer.

> **When do you want to use antislop?**
> 1. **DURING** the project, while working (planning & execution). I will apply the rules while I write, so AI slop does not appear from the start.
> 2. **AFTER** the project is finished. I will audit what exists: a numbered findings list with priorities, you pick which numbers to fix, then I fix and report.
>
> Which one, 1 or 2?

- **Mode 1 (During):** follow the rules while generating. This prevents slop from the start and ends with the Delivery Gate. Use it when building new UI.
- **Mode 2 (After):** audit an already-finished project. Produce a numbered findings list in `anti-slop/audit-001-YYYY-MM-DD.md` (numbers keep rising). Each finding cites the violated rule (R-XX) and a one-line reason. Priority follows the rule tier: Hard Gate = HIGH, Purpose-Gate = MEDIUM, Quality Locks = LOW. Do not modify anything until the user approves specific numbers; numbers not mentioned are not touched. Then fix the approved items and write a follow-up report.

## What This Is (and What It Isn't)

`antislop.md` is a **filter**, not a style guide. It stops AI coding agents from producing generic, recognizable "AI slop" UI, without falling into the opposite failure: a sterile, lifeless default.

- This document does **not** impose an aesthetic: no prescribed colors, fonts, layouts, or "house style".
- This document does **not** ban visual techniques (gradients, glassmorphism, badges, card grids). Those are tools. What it rejects is **technique without purpose**.
- This document does two things only:
  1. Holds every visual decision to a **purpose test**: what does this technique serve? Write the reason down.
  2. Holds the result to a **liveliness bar**: the output must be alive and specific, not just "clean". See Part 3.

`antislop.md` is one of three files, and it is a **filter, not a source of direction**:

- `DESIGN.md` (or your brand/style direction) gives the design its **soul**: identity, personality, palette, typography, mood. This is what makes a result feel alive and specific. How you fill it is your business: write it yourself, or build it from visual references you like.
- `AGENTS.md` (or `CLAUDE.md`, `GEMINI.md`, etc.) routes the agent: "for UI work, read `DESIGN.md` for direction, then `antislop.md` as the filter."
- `antislop.md` rejects slop and requires liveliness. It does not invent direction; the Design Read (Part 3) turns a brief into dials.

Removing slop does not reveal good design; it leaves a void. Liveliness must be **added**, not assumed. A sterile result means either direction was missing or liveliness was not added, and both are failures to fix. The fix is never "add more bans"; it is "state the purpose and raise the liveliness bar".

## Core Principle

The filter rejects technique without purpose, not technique itself. Before using any visual technique, answer: **what does this serve?** If the only answer is "it looks AI" or "it looks safe", the technique must go or be reworked. If the answer names a hierarchy, identity, or readability goal, it stays, and the reason is written down.

The question to answer before calling anything done:

> If the logo and product name were swapped out, would this design still feel unique and have its own character?

If the answer is **no**, the design is too generic. Start over.

A design is **done** only when all three are true:
1. Every technique passes the purpose test (see the Purpose-Gate group in Part 2).
2. It has its own identity and character (see Part 3: Liveliness Toolkit).
3. It actually works (see The Craftsmanship Standard).

## The Craftsmanship Standard

"Not slop" is the floor, not the goal. A design passes when it meets five preference-agnostic criteria. Use these as questions, not recipes.

### C-1 — Intentionality

Every visual and copy decision has a reason you can articulate. If the only reason is "it's the AI default", that is a red flag: revisit the decision.

### C-2 — Functional Completeness

Every interactive element works, or it does not exist. A button that cannot do anything is a defect, not decoration.

### C-3 — Content-Driven Composition

Every section exists because the product's content needs it, not because every AI landing page has one. Remove sections that only fill a template.

### C-4 — Resilience

The UI holds up in every state (empty, loading, error), every theme you ship, every breakpoint, and keyboard-only use.

### C-5 — Evidence Over Claims

Anything presented as fact (testimonials, statistics, security claims) is real and verifiable, or it is not shown at all.

---

## Part 1: AI Slop Patterns (Warning Signs)

These are the most common patterns found in AI-generated designs. Use this table to **audit** your output: scan for clusters, then ask each one "what does this serve?" A single pattern from this list is fine if it serves a purpose, unless a **Hard Gate** rule in Part 2 forbids it (R-02, R-03, R-17, R-18, R-23 to R-28, R-32 to R-38). What makes a design slop is many of these appearing together with no reason. This is a **diagnostic scan, not a ban list**: Part 1 itself bans nothing, but the Hard Gate rules in Part 2 are absolute, and every other pattern must pass the purpose test (Part 2, Purpose-Gate group).

### Visual & Color

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Generic Blue-Purple Gradient** | Blue to Purple, Blue to Cyan, Purple to Pink, full-page colored glow background |
| **Excessive Glassmorphism** | Blur on navbar, cards, modals, sidebar all at once |
| **Excessive Border Radius** | Every element is pill-shaped: buttons, inputs, cards, badges, modals |
| **Overly Soft Shadows** | Every component has a large shadow, the whole page feels like it's floating |
| **Glow Everywhere** | Glow on cards, buttons, icons, badges, backgrounds, and borders all at once |
| **Background Grid** | Grid squares, blueprint lines, graph paper, thin horizontal/vertical lines |
| **Too Much Decoration / Trend-Stacking** | Blob, mesh gradient, glow, noise, pattern, grid with no purpose, especially when multiple trends are stacked (e.g. Glassmorphism + Mesh Gradient + Glow + Monospace + Grid + Rounded UI) |
| **Dark Mode Default for No Reason** | Entire page is dark just because it looks "tech", with no branding consideration |
| **Too Many Colors in Palette** | Using 5-7 different colors on one page without a clear design system |
| **Excessive Accent Color** | One accent color on buttons, icons, badges, links, lines, backgrounds, and glows |
| **Sterile Default** | Flat white/near-white, thin grey borders, small radius, no texture, generic font, no identity. The "safe result" of over-filtering without direction |
| **Skeleton Preview as Product Shot** | Grey placeholder bars / skeleton blocks used as the "product screenshot" in the hero or feature areas |

### Layout & Components

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Monotonous Layout** | Hero, Subtitle, 2 CTAs, Screenshot, Feature Grid, Testimonials, FAQ, CTA, Footer |
| **Copy-Paste Feature Cards** | Identical size, height, icon, layout, and padding across all cards |
| **Uniform Spacing** | Padding, margin, and element gaps are identical across every section |
| **Broken Mobile** | Horizontal overflow, cards clipping off-screen, broken navbar, colliding text |
| **Template Animations** | Every element uses Fade Up, Fade In, Floating, Scale, Bounce |
| **"How It Works" Always 3 Steps** | Round icon + number 1, 2, 3 + short text, always three steps, always the same |
| **"Trusted By" Logo Bar** | Row of generic company logos placed directly below the hero |
| **"Most Popular" Pricing Card** | Middle tier always highlighted with a capsule badge |
| **4-Column Template Footer** | Product / Company / Resources / Legal columns with no variation |
| **Uniform Section Rhythm** | Every section is the same composition: centered title + subtitle + identical card grid, with no variation between sections |
| **Alternating Background Only** | The only variation between sections is flipping the background color every other section |

### Copywriting & Content

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Em Dash (—)** | "Fast, secure — and built for developers." |
| **Generic CTAs** | Get Started, Learn More, Try Now, Explore, Discover |
| **AI Marketing Buzzwords** | AI Powered, Revolutionary, Next Generation, Seamless, Cutting Edge |
| **Fake Statistics** | 10K+ Users, 99.9% Uptime, 500M Requests, 120+ Countries |
| **Fake Testimonials** | AI avatars, random names, random job titles, fictional reviews |
| **Fabricated Trust Claims** | "SOC 2 compliant", "ISO 27001", "Enterprise-grade security", "300% faster" for a product with no such evidence |

### Decorative Elements

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Generic AI Icons** | Sparkle, Star, Magic, Lightning, Diamond, Cube, Robot, AI Orb |
| **Small Arrows (→ / ↗)** | Placed on almost every button as pure decoration |
| **AI Capsule Badges** | Pill shape, thin border, glow, small dot, uppercase, containing: "AI Powered", "Beta", "New" |
| **Generic AI Typography** | Large monospace headings, HOW IT WORKS uppercase with wide tracking |
| **Typeface Chosen Without Reason** | Font picked because it's the AI default, not because it fits brand character. Popular fonts like Inter are still valid if there's a reason |
| **Generic Illustrations** | Undraw, Storyset, or 3D blob characters with no real connection to the product |

### Functionality & Content

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Non-Functional Interactive Elements** | Buttons do nothing, dropdowns won't open, forms can't be submitted. AI builds the visuals but forgets the logic |
| **Happy Path Only Design** | No empty state, loading state, or error state. UI looks perfect in screenshots but isn't ready for real use |
| **Irrelevant FAQ** | FAQ contains generic template questions ("Is my data secure?", "Can I cancel anytime?") with no real relevance to the product |
| **Assumed Logo & Profile Photos** | Creating app logos, avatars, or profile photos without explicit instructions, generated purely on assumption |
| **Navbar Links to Nowhere** | Navbar contains links to pages (Features, Contact, About, etc.) that have no actual section or page |
| **File/CSS Patching via Script** | A feature (e.g. dark mode) added by an external script that rewrites source or CSS with string replacement. Signs: a `.py`/`.js` helper doing `str.replace` on `.css` files, "patch" scripts left in the repo |

### Identity & Originality

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **No Visual Identity** | Swap the logo and the design still feels the same; could belong to any product |
| **Clone of Popular Products** | Overall visual that mimics Linear, Vercel, Stripe, Notion, or other popular products without being asked |

### Accessibility

| Pattern | Telltale Signs |
|---------|---------------|
| **Poor Color Contrast** | Grey text on grey background, white text on a gradient that's light in some areas. Looks fine visually but fails WCAG |
| **Not Keyboard Navigable** | UI can only be used with a mouse. Interactive elements can't be reached with Tab, no visible focus state |

---

## Part 2: Mandatory Rules (R-01 to R-38, grouped)

All 38 rules still apply. They are grouped into three tiers so the mechanism is explicit: **Hard Gate** rules are absolute, **Purpose-Gate** rules allow the technique but require a written reason, **Quality Locks** are consistency requirements.

### Group 1: Hard Gate (absolute, no exceptions)

These rules protect honesty, function, and accessibility. Breaking any of them is a FAIL regardless of purpose.

#### R-02 — Copywriting

- **FORBIDDEN**: em dash character (`—`) in any text
- Use comma (`,`), period (`.`), colon (`:`), or parentheses `()` instead
- Text must feel natural and human
- **Carve-out**: documentation of this rule is exempt: the numbered section headings in this file (`R-XX — Title` rules and `C-1` to `C-5` principles), the em dash example in Part 1, the rule's own definition, any Delivery Gate item that quotes it, and the `Em Dashes` section in the copywriting skill (`skills/antislop-copywriting/SKILL.md`). These are documentation structure, not UI text.

#### R-03 — Mobile Responsiveness

- **REQUIRED**: mobile layout must be perfect, not an afterthought
- No horizontal overflow
- Text does not escape its container
- Cards do not collide or clip off-screen
- Navbar remains comfortable to use
- Button sizes meet the minimum tap target (44px)
- Spacing stays consistent across all breakpoints
- **Responsiveness is part of the design, not an add-on.**

#### R-17 — Data & Numbers

- **FORBIDDEN**: numbers and statistics without a real source
- If real data is not available, display no numbers at all
- Empty is better than deceptive

#### R-18 — Testimonials

- **FORBIDDEN**: AI avatars, random names, random job titles, fictional reviews
- If you have no real testimonials, do not create a testimonials section
- Use social proof that can be verified

#### R-23 — Clarification & Visual Assets

- **REQUIRED**: before creating any asset without explicit instructions, ask or use a clear placeholder
- If there is an opportunity to ask, confirm the following first:
  - App logo or icon (shape, color, concept)
  - Avatars, profile photos, or images representing people/team
  - Statistics and numbers to be displayed
  - Names, job titles, or identities in testimonials
  - Navigation structure and desired page layout
- If asking is not possible (rapid prototyping, limited context): use clear placeholders and do not disguise them as final
  - Logo: product name as text in an appropriate typeface, or the marker `[LOGO]`
  - Profile photo: initial-based avatar or a simple geometric placeholder
  - Statistics: not displayed, or marked `[REAL DATA]`
- **Never generate assets as if they are the final version without confirmation**
- If explicit instructions already exist, generate directly without asking again

#### R-24 — Navigation

- **FORBIDDEN**: placing links in the navbar for pages or sections that do not exist in the design
- Every navigation item must have a real, accessible destination
- If a feature has not been built yet, do not include it in the navbar, or clearly label it as coming soon
- The navbar must reflect the structure of content that actually exists

#### R-25 — Color Contrast

- **REQUIRED**: all text must meet the minimum WCAG AA contrast standard
  - Normal text: minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1
  - Large text (18px+): minimum contrast ratio of 3:1
- **FORBIDDEN**: light grey text on a grey background
- **FORBIDDEN**: white text on a gradient that is light in some areas
- Always test contrast across the entire area the text passes over, not just at a single point

#### R-26 — Interactive Elements

Every interactive element must have a real behavior, or be removed:

- A link or button that scrolls to an existing section (real `href="#..."`)
- A modal or dialog that opens and closes (closable with Escape)
- A state toggle (mobile menu, theme, accordion, tabs)
- An external action (`mailto:`, a real product URL)
- A form that submits and shows feedback

**FORBIDDEN**: buttons and links that do nothing
**FORBIDDEN**: nav items pointing to sections that do not exist (see R-24)

If an element genuinely cannot have a destination yet, remove it instead of shipping a dead control. A placeholder is acceptable only with a clear `// TODO` comment in code AND a visible label to the user (e.g. "Coming soon"). See "Functional Patterns" below.

#### R-27 — UI States

- **REQUIRED**: every UI that displays data must have at least three states:
  - **Empty state**: the view when there is no data yet
  - **Loading state**: an indicator while data is being fetched
  - **Error state**: the view when something goes wrong
- A UI designed only for the ideal condition is not ready for real use
- These states are not bonuses; they are part of a complete design

#### R-28 — FAQ

- **FORBIDDEN**: FAQ containing template questions that are not specific to the product
- Every question in the FAQ must address a real concern of that product's users
- If you do not know what questions are actually asked, do not create an FAQ section
- A generic FAQ does more damage to trust than having no FAQ at all

#### R-32 — Keyboard Accessibility

- **REQUIRED**: all interactive elements must be reachable and operable by keyboard
  - `Tab` and `Shift+Tab` navigation must work logically following visual order
  - Buttons and links must be activatable with `Enter` or `Space`
  - Dialogs and modals must be closable with `Escape`
- **REQUIRED**: every focused element must have a clearly visible focus indicator
- **FORBIDDEN**: removing the focus outline with `outline: none` or `outline: 0` without replacing it with a better custom focus indicator
- A UI that can only be used with a mouse is an unfinished UI

#### R-33 — No File/CSS Patching via Scripts

- **FORBIDDEN**: implementing or altering UI features by running an external script that rewrites source files or CSS with string replacement
- Build features directly in the source code where they belong
- A feature added by a patch script (e.g. a Python script editing `.css` files) is broken by design and must be rewritten in source

#### R-34 — Every Theme You Ship Must Work

- If you ship a theme toggle, BOTH modes must be fully functional
- Contrast, colors, and every component must be verified in each mode
- **FORBIDDEN**: shipping a mode where base styles, fonts, or layout break

#### R-35 — Verify Before You Deliver

- Run or build the app before declaring the task done
- Check the console for errors
- Exercise every interactive element
- Check every theme and the mobile breakpoints
- A design that has never been run is not finished

#### R-36 — No Fabricated Claims

- **FORBIDDEN**: inventing security, compliance, or performance claims ("SOC 2 compliant", "ISO 27001", "300% faster") without real evidence
- **FORBIDDEN**: fake testimonials, fake statistics, fake names (see R-17, R-18)
- If there is no real data, show no claim

#### R-37 — Design Direction Required

- Before building a UI, load the style direction: `DESIGN.md` or explicit brand guidance from the user
- If no direction exists, ask the user, or state clearly that the design was built **without direction** and is a **draft**, not a deliverable
- If no direction exists AND the user cannot be asked, the output MUST be labeled *"draft without direction"* AND use the honest default dials **ENERGY 1 / RHYTHM 1 / MOTION 1** (see Part 3). Never silently fall back to a neutral, sterile default
- **FORBIDDEN**: designing without direction and silently falling into a neutral, sterile default
- Style direction is the product owner's identity, not a slop pattern; this filter only applies on top of it
- A design built without direction is a draft, not a shippable result

#### R-38 — Real Content or Honest Placeholder

- Every claim, feature, testimonial, statistic, nav item, or visual element must come from real information OR be an explicitly labeled placeholder
- **FORBIDDEN**: fabricating content that looks realistic (fake testimonials, invented features, fake statistics, ghost links, fictional team or people)
- Placeholders are written as what they are: `[REAL DATA]`, "Coming soon", never disguised as final (see R-23)
- An empty section is better than a fabricated one

### Group 2: Purpose-Gate (technique allowed, purpose required)

Each technique below is allowed. It FAILS only when it appears as a default without a stated purpose, or when the reason for it is not written down. Every rule has the same shape: FORBIDDEN as default without purpose; ALLOWED when it serves hierarchy/identity and the reason is written; dose caps for the excessive cases.

#### R-01 — Color & Gradients

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: blue-to-purple, blue-to-cyan, purple-to-pink gradients as primary colors, colored glow backgrounds, neon blue buttons
- **ALLOWED** when the color/gradient is part of an established brand identity OR serves a stated hierarchy goal, with the reason written down
- A gradient that separates one level of hierarchy from another is craft; the same gradient covering the whole page is slop. The technique is not the problem, the purpose is

#### R-04 — Icons

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: Sparkle, Star, Magic, Lightning, Diamond, Orb, Robot as feature icons
- Icons must be **genuinely relevant** to the content they represent, and the relevance written down when the icon is a generic glyph
- If no appropriate icon exists, it is better to use none

#### R-06 — Typography

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: large monospace fonts used purely for "terminal" aesthetics, uppercase labels with extreme letter-spacing (`HOW IT WORKS`, `FEATURES`)
- Choose typeface based on brand character, not because it is the AI model's default pick, and write the reason
- Typography must **improve readability** and reflect the product's character

#### R-07 — Background

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: grid squares, blueprint lines, graph paper as a background
- Use texture or pattern only if it genuinely supports the product's specific visual identity, with the reason written down

#### R-08 — Button Arrows

- Arrows (`→`, `↗`) are not the default identity for every button
- If used, ensure the size is proportional and serves a clear visual purpose, and write that purpose down
- Not every CTA needs an arrow

#### R-09 — Badges

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: capsule badges containing "AI Powered", "Beta", "New", "Secure", "Fast" without context
- Badges may only be used if **functionally needed** (a real status or real label), with the need written down
- Avoid combining: capsule + thin border + glow + small dot + uppercase all at once

#### R-10 — Glassmorphism

- Glassmorphism is an **accent** only, not the character of the entire UI
- **Dose cap**: blur/backdrop-filter on at most 1-2 elements; **FORBIDDEN** on navbar, cards, modals, and sidebar simultaneously

#### R-12 — Shadow

- Shadow must support **visual hierarchy**, not make every element float
- Use shadow selectively as an elevation marker, not as a default for every component, and write the elevation reason down

#### R-13 — Glow

- Glow may only be used as a **focus accent** on a maximum of 1-2 important elements
- **Dose cap**: **FORBIDDEN** on card + button + badge + icon + background + border simultaneously

#### R-14 — Feature Cards

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: all cards having identical size, icon, padding, and layout
- Create visual variation that reflects content hierarchy, and write the hierarchy reason down
- Not every feature needs to be presented as a card

#### R-19 — Animations

- Animations must have a **clear UX purpose**, and the purpose written down
- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: every element using Fade Up + Floating + Scale + Bounce simultaneously
- Motion must match the declared MOTION dial (Part 3): a claimed "cinematic" page must actually move; a claimed "static" page must not
- Use animation to guide attention, not just to fill the page

#### R-22 — Illustrations

- **FORBIDDEN as default without purpose**: Undraw, Storyset, or generic 3D blob character illustrations
- Illustrations must have a direct connection to the product or content, with the connection written down
- If no appropriate and original illustration exists, use real screenshots or no illustration at all

### Group 3: Quality Locks (consistency)

These are consistency requirements. They stay as-is, with two adjustments: R-05 now references the RHYTHM dial, and R-31 is upgraded to the keystone rule.

#### R-05 — Layout & Page Structure

- **FORBIDDEN**: AI template layouts (Hero + 3 cards, Hero + 6 features, Hero + fake stats, etc.)
- **FORBIDDEN**: "How It Works" always in 3 steps with round icons and numbers
- **FORBIDDEN**: generic "Trusted By" logo bar directly below the hero
- **FORBIDDEN**: 4-column template footer with Product / Company / Resources / Legal and no variation
- **FORBIDDEN**: every section using the same internal layout pattern (centered title + subtitle + identical card grid); see "Uniform Section Rhythm". Composition variety comes from `DESIGN.md`, not from a template
- Every page must have a structure built around **actual content needs**
- Section order must follow the product's narrative flow, not the AI default order (see Craftsmanship Standard C-3)
- Section composition must match the declared RHYTHM dial (Part 3): if RHYTHM is 3 (varied), sections must visibly vary; if RHYTHM is 1 (uniform), uniformity is a deliberate choice, not an accident

#### R-11 — Border Radius

- Use border radius that is **consistent with the defined design system**
- **FORBIDDEN**: making every element pill-shaped (pill buttons, pill cards, pill inputs, pill badges)
- Radius variation is a visual hierarchy tool; use it deliberately

#### R-15 — CTA (Call to Action)

- **FORBIDDEN**: "Get Started", "Learn More", "Try Now", "Explore", "Discover" as default CTAs
- CTAs must be **specific to the product context and the intended action**
- Better examples: "Start Your Free Trial", "Watch Live Demo", "Create Free Account"

#### R-16 — Copywriting & Buzzwords

- **FORBIDDEN**: "AI Powered", "Next Generation", "Revolutionary", "Seamless", "Cutting Edge", "Intelligent", "Ultimate", "Powerful", "Effortless"
- Use **specific language** that explains real benefits
- Show evidence, not claims

#### R-20 — Visual Identity

- The design must have a strong identity: a specific palette, a typeface chosen for a reason, a unique composition
- Every section must have a clear hierarchy
- Layout is built around the actual product content needs
- Identity comes from deliberate, explained choices, not from adding decoration (see Craftsmanship Standard C-1)

#### R-21 — Dark Mode

- Choose a theme based on brand identity, product type, and target users
- Developer tools, terminals, and creative tools have strong, legitimate reasons for a dark default. Use that reason, not "dark looks tech"
- If the product has no strong reason for a fixed theme, **build a working light/dark toggle**. "Give the user a choice" means build the toggle, not defer the work
- **FORBIDDEN**: using this rule (or any rule) as an excuse to skip or defer requested work. If the product should support dark mode, implement it now
- A theme toggle you ship must work correctly in BOTH modes. A dark mode that breaks the light mode is a defect (see R-34)

#### R-29 — Color Palette

- **REQUIRED**: limit the active palette to a maximum of 2-3 core colors + 1 accent color
- **FORBIDDEN**: using 5+ different colors on one page without a clear design system
- Neutral colors (white, black, grey) do not count as part of the core palette
- Palette consistency is the foundation of a strong visual identity

#### R-30 — Do Not Clone Popular Products

- **FORBIDDEN**: building a visual that overall mimics another product without being asked
  - "Make it look like Linear" (unless the user explicitly asks for it)
  - "Make it look like Vercel" (unless the user explicitly asks for it)
  - "Make it look like Stripe / Notion / Apple" (unless the user explicitly asks for it)
- AI defaults to cloning popular products because those patterns dominate training data
- Visual references may be used as inspiration, not as a template to copy
- The product must have its own visual identity, not the identity of another product

#### R-31 — Every Decision Must Have a Reason (Write It Down)

Before finishing the design, write a **one-line reason** for every major decision:
- Why this color?
- Why this layout?
- Why this typography?
- Why this spacing?
- Why use cards?
- Why use this illustration or icon?

If the reason cannot be written in one line, the decision is not valid and must be revisited. This rule is the keystone of this document: a technique is allowed only when its purpose is articulable. Writing the reason forces intent, and it is what the Purpose-Gate group (Group 2) checks.

---

## Part 3: Liveliness Toolkit

A filter can remove slop, but it cannot add energy. Removing slop leaves a void, and the model fills that void with its most generic output. Liveliness must be **added** deliberately. This Part is that mechanism: positive requirements, not bans.

### Three Dials (required)

Every design must set three dials explicitly, derived from DESIGN.md or the Design Read, and hold them from the first section to the last:

| Dial | 1 (Calm) | 2 (Balanced) | 3 (Bold) | What it answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **ENERGY** | Linear, GOV.UK | Stripe, Vercel | Awwwards, agency portfolio | How hard does this design say hello? |
| **RHYTHM** | Uniform grid, predictable | Consistent with a few breaks | Asymmetric, mixed compositions | How much do sections change from each other? |
| **MOTION** | Hover states only | Scroll-reveal, transitions | Parallax, pin, choreography | How much motion, and why? |

The anchors (Linear, GOV.UK, Stripe, Vercel, Awwwards) are taste references for judging a value, not things to imitate.

Why three levels and not ten: a model and a reviewer can reliably tell "is this section uniform or varied?" (binary, checkable). They cannot reliably judge "is this a 6 or a 7?" (continuous, uncheckable). Three levels make liveliness enforceable.

Example sets: a designer portfolio sets ENERGY 3, RHYTHM 3, MOTION 2. A public-service site sets ENERGY 1, RHYTHM 1, MOTION 1.

### Levers (how the dials become visual decisions)

These are tools for hitting the dial values, not bans:

- **One focal point per screen**: exactly one element that is clearly the most important on every screen; the rest defer to it
- **Hierarchical contrast**: size, weight, and color are differentiated on purpose, not randomly
- **Whitespace as structure**: empty space separates and sets rhythm, not leftover space
- **One deliberate accent**: one color or gesture used sparingly at the key moment. Zero accents is sterile; an accent everywhere is slop
- **Identity motif**: one pattern, gesture, or typographic voice that is specific and repeated, making the design "belong" to the product

### Design Read (how the dials are set)

Before generating, declare one line:

> Reading this as: `<page kind>` for `<audience>`, in a `<visual language>` style, dial `<ENERGY/RHYTHM/MOTION>`.

Example: *"Reading this as: B2B SaaS landing for technical buyers, with a Linear-style minimalist language, dial ENERGY 1 / RHYTHM 2 / MOTION 1."*

1. **Direction exists** (DESIGN.md or a brief that expresses energy and mood): infer the dials from it and proceed. DESIGN.md may optionally include a line like `Dial: ENERGY 2 / RHYTHM 3 / MOTION 1`; if present, use it directly.
2. **Direction is ambiguous**: ask exactly ONE decisive question, never a question dump. Example: *"Should this feel closer to Linear-clean or Awwwards-experimental?"* Use the answer to set the dials.
3. **No direction and the user cannot be asked**: label the output *"draft without direction"*, set the honest default dials **ENERGY 1 / RHYTHM 1 / MOTION 1** (see R-37), and do not present it as a deliverable.

## Functional Patterns

"What works" means one of these, depending on context:

- **Anchor to a real section**: `href="#pricing"` where `#pricing` exists
- **Scroll to relevant content** for a "Learn more" style link
- **Open a modal or dialog** for a quick action (closable with Escape)
- **Toggle a state**: mobile menu, theme, accordion, tabs
- **External action**: `mailto:`, a real product URL
- **Form submit** with visible feedback

If none of these applies to an element, the element should not exist.

---

## Delivery Gate (Mandatory)

Run this gate BEFORE delivering. Output its status with your deliverable as a **PASS/FAIL report**: one line per item, and every `PASS` backed by concrete evidence (e.g. "R-26 PASS: every button has a real `href` or `onClick`; no dead controls").
If any item is **FAIL** (or any answer is **yes**), do not deliver: fix it first, then re-run. A report containing a FAIL must never be shipped.

The gate has four blocks: Hard Gate (absolute), Purpose-Gate (technique + written reason), Liveliness (dials + levers), Craftsmanship & Quality Locks (C-1..C-5 plus the consistency locks R-05, R-11, R-15, R-16, R-20, R-21, R-29, R-30, R-31).

### Block 1: Hard Gate (absolute)

Before declaring the design done, answer every question below. All answers must be **no**:

- [ ] Is there an em dash (`—`) anywhere in the text, outside the R-02 carve-out? *(R-02)*
- [ ] Is there any horizontal overflow, text escaping its container, or broken layout on mobile? *(R-03)*
- [ ] Are there any statistics without a real source (10K+ Users, 99.9% Uptime, etc.)? *(R-17)*
- [ ] Are there any fictional testimonials (AI avatars, random names or job titles)? *(R-18)*
- [ ] Were any visual assets (logo, avatar/profile photo, statistics, testimonials, or navigation structure) created without explicit instructions or confirmation, and without an honest placeholder? *(R-23)*
- [ ] Are there navbar links pointing to sections or pages that do not exist? *(R-24)*
- [ ] Is there any text with contrast below the WCAG AA standard (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)? *(R-25)*
- [ ] Are there any buttons, dropdowns, or forms that do nothing, with no real behavior and no `// TODO` + visible label? *(R-26)*
- [ ] Does the UI lack an empty state, loading state, or error state? *(R-27)*
- [ ] Does the FAQ contain generic questions that are not relevant to the product? *(R-28)*
- [ ] Can the UI not be navigated by keyboard (Tab, Enter, Escape) or is there no visible focus state? *(R-32)*
- [ ] Was any feature added by patching source/CSS with an external script instead of writing it in source? *(R-33)*
- [ ] If a theme toggle exists, does one mode (light or dark) break styles, fonts, or layout? *(R-34)*
- [ ] Was the app delivered without being run or built, or with any interactive element left unexercised? *(R-35)*
- [ ] Are there any fabricated security, compliance, performance, or customer claims? *(R-36)*
- [ ] Was the design built without direction and not labeled *"draft without direction"* with honest default dials ENERGY 1 / RHYTHM 1 / MOTION 1? *(R-37)*
- [ ] Is there any realistically-styled content that was fabricated (testimonials, features, statistics, ghost links, fictional team) without a real source? *(R-38)*

### Block 2: Purpose-Gate (technique allowed, reason required)

For each technique, the technique itself is allowed. FAIL if it appears as a default without purpose, or if the reason is not written down:

- [ ] Do gradients/glows appear as a default with no stated hierarchy or brand purpose? *(R-01)*
- [ ] Are there generic icons (sparkle, star, magic, lightning, diamond, robot, orb) or icons irrelevant to their content, with no written relevance? *(R-04)*
- [ ] Is there a large monospace font, uppercase label with wide tracking, or a typeface chosen without a written brand-character reason? *(R-06)*
- [ ] Is there a background grid, blueprint, or graph paper without a written visual-identity purpose? *(R-07)*
- [ ] Are arrows (`→` / `↗`) placed on almost every button purely as decoration, with no written purpose? *(R-08)*
- [ ] Are there capsule badges ("AI Powered", "Beta", "New", "Secure", "Fast") with no real function, or the full capsule + thin border + glow + uppercase combination? *(R-09)*
- [ ] Is glassmorphism applied to more than 1-2 elements simultaneously (navbar + card + modal + sidebar)? *(R-10)*
- [ ] Is a large shadow applied to every component, with no written elevation reason, making the page feel like it is floating? *(R-12)*
- [ ] Is glow applied to cards, buttons, badges, icons, backgrounds, and borders simultaneously? *(R-13)*
- [ ] Do all feature cards have identical size, icon, padding, and layout, with no written hierarchy reason? *(R-14)*
- [ ] Do all elements use template animations simultaneously (Fade Up + Floating + Scale + Bounce) without a written UX purpose, or does the motion contradict the declared MOTION dial? *(R-19)*
- [ ] Are there generic illustrations (Undraw, Storyset, 3D blob) with no written product connection? *(R-22)*

### Block 3: Liveliness (required to be alive, not just clean)

All answers must be **yes**:

- [ ] Are the dials set and explicit (ENERGY / RHYTHM / MOTION declared)?
- [ ] Is the output consistent with the claimed dials? (RHYTHM 3 but uniform sections = FAIL)
- [ ] Is there at least one clear focal point per screen?
- [ ] Is whitespace structural (used to separate and set rhythm), not leftover?
- [ ] Is there one deliberate accent (not zero, not everywhere)?
- [ ] Is there an identity motif (one specific, repeated pattern, gesture, or typographic voice)?
- [ ] Was a Design Read declared before generation?

### Block 4: Craftsmanship & Quality Locks

All answers must be **no**:

- [ ] C-1: Is there any visual or copy decision whose only justification is "it's the AI default"? *(Intentionality)*
- [ ] C-2: Does any interactive element do nothing, with no clear label? *(Functional Completeness)*
- [ ] C-3: Does any section exist only to fill an AI template, not to serve the product's content? *(Content-Driven Composition)*
- [ ] C-4: Does the UI break in any state, theme, breakpoint, or without a mouse? *(Resilience)*
- [ ] C-5: Is any testimonial, statistic, or claim fabricated? *(Evidence Over Claims)*
- [ ] Does the layout follow an AI template (generic Hero+cards, "How It Works" always 3 steps, "Trusted By" logo bar, 4-column footer with no variation, uniform section rhythm), or does the section rhythm contradict the declared RHYTHM dial? *(R-05)*
- [ ] Are all elements (buttons, cards, inputs, badges) made pill-shaped with no radius variation? *(R-11)*
- [ ] Are CTAs still generic (Get Started, Learn More, Try Now, Explore, Discover)? *(R-15)*
- [ ] Are there any AI marketing buzzwords (AI Powered, Seamless, Revolutionary, Cutting Edge, etc.)? *(R-16)*
- [ ] Does the design still feel generic even if the logo and product name are swapped? *(R-20)*
- [ ] Was dark mode forced as a default without a branding/user reason, or was a required light/dark toggle deferred with an excuse? *(R-21)*
- [ ] Does the color palette exceed 2-3 core colors + 1 accent without a clear design system? *(R-29)*
- [ ] Does the overall design look like a clone of another popular product (Linear, Vercel, Stripe, Notion, etc.)? *(R-30)*
- [ ] Is there any major visual decision (color, layout, typography, spacing, cards, illustration) whose reason cannot be written in one line? *(R-31)*

If even one answer is **yes** (or **no** in Block 3), do not deliver. Fix it, re-run the gate, and only then ship. Delivery without a clean gate is a failure.