design-an-interface
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- Author updated Jun 12, 2026, 08:25 AM
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- Lean
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- Unspecified (assume cross-platform)
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- Read-only
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- Local-only
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- 26 variants
Profile is derived at build time from SKILL.md and install vectors. Subject to drift from author intent.
Heads up: 未限定 allowed-tools,默认拥有全部工具权限。
---
name: design-an-interface
description: Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents.…
category: design
runtime: no special runtime
---
# design-an-interface output preview
## PART A: Task fit
- Use case: Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to design an API, explore interface options, compare module shapes, or mentions "design it twice"..
- Inputs: target material, constraints, expected output, and acceptance criteria.
- Evidence boundary: follow “Workflow / 1. Gather Requirements / 2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)” and do not present inference as author intent.
## PART B: Execution result
- **01** The card summarizes the use case; runtime output centers on “Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to design an API, explore interface options, compare module shapes, or mentions "design it twice".”.
- **02** When the source has headings, the agent prioritizes “Workflow / 1. Gather Requirements / 2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)” so the result follows the author’s structure.
- **03** Typical output includes task judgment, concrete steps, required commands or file edits, validation, and follow-up options.
- **04** Risk context follows the fingerprint: read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
## Running Rules
- read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding scope.
- Return the result, validation criteria, and next iteration options. The source does not require a stable slash command. After installation, invoke the skill by name and describe the task.
Name target files or source material, expected output, forbidden changes, and whether network or shell access is allowed. Permission fingerprint: read files, write/modify files, run shell commands.
Start with a small task and check whether the result follows “Workflow / 1. Gather Requirements / 2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)”. Inspect diffs, logs, previews, or tests before expanding scope.
Confirm the final output includes a concrete result, evidence, and next action. If it stays generic, tighten inputs, boundaries, and acceptance criteria.
---
name: design-an-interface
description: Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents.…
category: design
source: mattpocock/skills
---
# design-an-interface
## When to use
- Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to…
- Use it when the task has clear inputs, repeatable steps, and validation criteria.
## What to provide
- Target material, scope, expected result, and forbidden changes.
- Whether network, commands, file writes, or external services are allowed.
## Execution rules
- Organize steps around “Workflow / 1. Gather Requirements / 2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)” and keep inference separate from source facts.
- read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding the task.
## Output requirements
- Return the deliverable, key evidence, validation method, and next action.
- Mark missing information as unknown; do not invent commands, platforms, or dependencies. The author source anchors workflow facts; repository files anchor sources and commands; Fluxly only adds fit, limitations, and quality judgment.
skill "design-an-interface" {
input -> user goal + target files + boundaries + acceptance criteria
context -> Workflow / 1. Gather Requirements / 2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)
rules -> SKILL.md triggers / order / output contract
runtime -> no special runtime | read files, write/modify files, run shell commands | mostly runs locally
guardrails -> usually needs no extra API key + small-sample validation + diff/log review
output -> copyable result + checklist + next iteration
} Design an Interface
Based on "Design It Twice" from "A Philosophy of Software Design": your first idea is unlikely to be the best. Generate multiple radically different designs, then compare.
Workflow
1. Gather Requirements
Before designing, understand:
- What problem does this module solve?
- Who are the callers? (other modules, external users, tests)
- What are the key operations?
- Any constraints? (performance, compatibility, existing patterns)
- What should be hidden inside vs exposed?
Ask: "What does this module need to do? Who will use it?"
2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)
Spawn 3+ sub-agents simultaneously using Task tool. Each must produce a radically different approach.
Prompt template for each sub-agent:
Design an interface for: [module description]
Requirements: [gathered requirements]
Constraints for this design: [assign a different constraint to each agent]
- Agent 1: "Minimize method count - aim for 1-3 methods max"
- Agent 2: "Maximize flexibility - support many use cases"
- Agent 3: "Optimize for the most common case"
- Agent 4: "Take inspiration from [specific paradigm/library]"
Output format:
1. Interface signature (types/methods)
2. Usage example (how caller uses it)
3. What this design hides internally
4. Trade-offs of this approach
3. Present Designs
Show each design with:
- Interface signature - types, methods, params
- Usage examples - how callers actually use it in practice
- What it hides - complexity kept internal
Present designs sequentially so user can absorb each approach before comparison.
4. Compare Designs
After showing all designs, compare them on:
- Interface simplicity: fewer methods, simpler params
- General-purpose vs specialized: flexibility vs focus
- Implementation efficiency: does shape allow efficient internals?
- Depth: small interface hiding significant complexity (good) vs large interface with thin implementation (bad)
- Ease of correct use vs ease of misuse
Discuss trade-offs in prose, not tables. Highlight where designs diverge most.
5. Synthesize
Often the best design combines insights from multiple options. Ask:
- "Which design best fits your primary use case?"
- "Any elements from other designs worth incorporating?"
Evaluation Criteria
From "A Philosophy of Software Design":
Interface simplicity: Fewer methods, simpler params = easier to learn and use correctly.
General-purpose: Can handle future use cases without changes. But beware over-generalization.
Implementation efficiency: Does interface shape allow efficient implementation? Or force awkward internals?
Depth: Small interface hiding significant complexity = deep module (good). Large interface with thin implementation = shallow module (avoid).
Anti-Patterns
- Don't let sub-agents produce similar designs - enforce radical difference
- Don't skip comparison - the value is in contrast
- Don't implement - this is purely about interface shape
- Don't evaluate based on implementation effort
Decide Fit First
Design Intent
How To Use It
Boundaries And Review