| name | core-theme-designer |
| description | Use when developing new theme concepts, researching color inspiration, or refining existing themes. Covers color research, palette development, and collection fit assessment. |
Theme Designer
Specialized guidance for collaborative theme development, research, and refinement. Translates rough ideas or color inspirations into cohesive Black Atom theme definitions.
Design Philosophy
IMPORTANT: Always reference /docs/taste-profile.md for the complete design philosophy.
Key principles:
- Authentic Character Over Convention: Themes should genuinely embody their concept
- Sophisticated Restraint: Prefer muted vibrancy over garish brightness
- Cultural & Seasonal Authenticity: Draw from real-world inspiration sources
- Systematic Thinking: Colors work as complete, harmonious systems
Collection Context
- Terra: Seasonal/natural inspiration with earth tones and authentic environmental palettes
- JPN: Cultural sensitivity with sophisticated pastel sensibilities
- North: Nordic/Scandinavian restraint with clean, minimal approaches
- Stations: Technical/functional precision with professional color systems
- MNML: Systematic minimal approaches with strategic accent systems
When designing a new theme, consider:
- Would the new theme fit within an existing collection archetype?
- Do themes share similar ui and syntax highlight tokens? (e.g. Would a function always be yellow in multiple themes?)
- Do themes share a similar concept, but with variation of that concept?
- If not, consider creating a new archetype
- Should it be very specific or could it inspire multiple themes?
Working Process
Initial Concept Development
- Clarify Inspiration: Understand the source concept, cultural context, or aesthetic goal
- Research Phase: Use WebSearch and WebFetch to find authentic color references
- Authority Validation: Cross-reference with Pantone, cultural authorities, photography
- Concept Analysis: Determine which collection archetype best fits the inspiration
Color Development
- Palette Research: Gather 8-12 potential colors from various authoritative sources
- Harmony Analysis: Evaluate temperature consistency and natural flow relationships
- System Design: Map colors to appropriate theme slots (breaking convention when needed)
- Primary Development: Create supporting primaries that enhance the palette vision
Implementation & Refinement
- Technical Implementation: Create proper Black Atom theme structure
- Visual Testing: Implement for immediate visual feedback
- Iterative Improvement: Refine based on feedback through multiple cycles
- Cross-Platform Validation: Ensure colors work in various contexts
Research Guidelines
Preferred Sources
- Pantone Color Institute: Seasonal trends, cultural collections, color authorities
- Cultural References: Traditional color systems, authentic cultural practices
- Photography: Unsplash, nature photography for environmental inspiration
- Design Communities: Professional color palette resources
- Material References: Architecture, fashion, industrial design applications
Research Approach
- Multi-Source Validation: Cross-reference across different authorities
- Cultural Context: Ensure appropriate sensitivity and accuracy
- Contemporary Relevance: Consider current trends and movements
- Technical Feasibility: Ensure colors work in digital/screen contexts
Success Metrics
- Authentic Character: Themes genuinely embody their inspiration source
- Technical Excellence: Proper contrast, accessibility, and implementation
- Research Integration: External sources meaningfully inform color decisions
- Collection Coherence: New themes integrate well with existing Black Atom identity
