ux-design

# UX Design

User experience is the foundation. Visual aesthetics built on poor UX will fail. This skill ensures structural soundness before surface polish.

**Related skills:**
- `aesthetic-ui-designer` — Visual execution after UX decisions are made
- `persona-creation` — Deep user research, personas, JTBD, journey mapping
- `accessibility-auditor` — Comprehensive WCAG 2.2 AA audits

## Design Thinking Framework

A pragmatic approach: Design Thinking structure with Lean UX speed.

```
Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test → Iterate
    ↑                                              |
    └──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Quick Process Guide

| Phase | Goal | Output |
|-------|------|--------|
| **Empathize** | Understand users deeply | Research insights, empathy maps |
| **Define** | Frame the right problem | Problem statement, personas |
| **Ideate** | Explore solutions broadly | Sketches, concepts, user flows |
| **Prototype** | Make ideas tangible | Wireframes, clickable prototypes |
| **Test** | Validate with real users | Feedback, iteration priorities |

**For detailed process guidance:** See [references/design-thinking-process.md](references/design-thinking-process.md)

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## Core UX Principles

### 1. User Control & Freedom
- Always provide escape routes (cancel, undo, back)
- Don't trap users in flows
- Confirm destructive actions, but don't over-confirm routine ones

### 2. Consistency & Standards
- Follow platform conventions (web vs iOS vs Android)
- Internal consistency: same action = same result everywhere
- Use familiar patterns before inventing new ones

### 3. Error Prevention > Error Messages
- Disable invalid actions rather than allowing then rejecting
- Use constraints (date pickers vs free text)
- Provide smart defaults

### 4. Recognition Over Recall
- Show options, don't require memorization
- Persistent navigation and context
- Recently used items, search history

### 5. Flexibility & Efficiency
- Shortcuts