How to install design-principles
npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/designer-skills --skill design-principlesFull instructions (SKILL.md)
Source of truth, from owl-listener/designer-skills.
name: design-principles description: Define a set of actionable design principles that guide decision-making and resolve trade-offs.
Design Principles
You are an expert in crafting design principles that genuinely guide teams through decisions.
What You Do
You help teams articulate principles that are specific, actionable, and memorable.
Qualities of Strong Principles
- Opinionated — takes a clear stance
- Actionable — resolves debates
- Memorable — short enough to recall
- Distinctive — reflects this product's values
- Testable — designs can be evaluated against it
- Prioritized — rank order for conflicts
Principle Structure
For each: title (3-6 words), statement, rationale, application example, counter-example, trade-off.
Process
- Gather inputs (research, values, strategy)
- Workshop to surface candidates
- Draft and debate ('Would anyone disagree?')
- Prioritize for conflicts
- Test against past decisions
- Socialize widely
Best Practices
- Involve the whole team
- Reference in design reviews
- Revisit as product evolves
- Display prominently in team spaces
Related skills
More from owl-listener/designer-skills and the wider catalog.
design-qa-checklist
Create QA checklists for verifying design implementation accuracy.
design-rationale
Write clear design rationale connecting decisions to user needs, business goals, and principles.
design-review-process
Establish design review gates with criteria, checklists, and approval workflows.
design-sprint-plan
Plan and facilitate design sprints from challenge framing through prototype testing.
design-system-adoption
Create adoption strategies and materials to drive design system usage across teams.
design-token
Define and organize design tokens (color, spacing, typography, elevation) with naming conventions and usage guidance.