ui-critique

---

name: ui-critique description: UX design review: hierarchy, clarity, emotional resonance, cognitive load

UI Critique

/ui-critique [area] - UX design review: hierarchy, clarity, emotional resonance, cognitive load. Produces scored report with persona testing, does NOT fix.

Flow

1. Read source — HTML, CSS, JS/TS for target area
2. LLM Design Review — evaluate visually and structurally (if browser available, inspect live page)
3. Automated Detection — run npx impeccable --json [target] for deterministic anti-pattern scan
4. Synthesize into combined report

LLM Design Review Dimensions

• AI Slop Detection: Would someone believe "AI made this"? Check all anti-patterns
• Visual Hierarchy: Eye flow, primary action clarity
• Information Architecture: Structure, grouping, cognitive load
• Emotional Resonance: Does it match brand/audience?
• Discoverability: Are interactive elements obvious?
• Composition: Balance, whitespace, rhythm
• Typography: Hierarchy, readability, font choices
• Color: Purposeful use, cohesion, accessibility
• States & Edge Cases: Empty, loading, error, success
• Microcopy: Clarity, tone, helpfulness

Nielsen's Heuristics (score 0-4 each, /40)

#	Heuristic	Score	Issue
1	Visibility of System Status
2	Match System / Real World
3	User Control and Freedom
4	Consistency and Standards
5	Error Prevention
6	Recognition Rather Than Recall
7	Flexibility and Efficiency
8	Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
9	Error Recovery
10	Help and Documentation

Cognitive Load Checklist

• Clear primary action visible
• < 5 options at each decision point
• Progressive disclosure (complexity revealed when needed)
• Consistent patterns (no surprise interactions)
• Error recovery path visible
• No cognitive overload (information not overwhelming)
• Clear visual grouping (related items together)
• Minimal text per decision point

Persona Red Flags

Auto-select 2-3 personas for the interface type. For each, walk through primary action and list specific red flags:

• Alex (Power User): keyboard shortcuts, efficiency, density
• Jordan (First-Timer): clarity, guidance, discoverability
• Sam (Screen Reader): semantic HTML, ARIA, focus management
• Morgan (Mobile): touch targets, responsive, connectivity

When ## Design Context exists in .impeccable.md, generate 1-2 project-specific personas from audience/brand info.

Report Format

# UI Critique: {area}

## Design Health Score: ?/40 [band]

## Anti-Patterns Verdict
LLM assessment + automated scan results

## Overall Impression
[gut reaction]

## What's Working
- [2-3 specific things done well]

## Priority Issues
- [P?] What — Why it matters — Fix — Suggested command

## Persona Red Flags
- **Alex**: [specific breaks]
- **Jordan**: [specific breaks]

## Minor Observations
[Quick notes]

## Questions to Consider
[Provocative questions for better solutions]

After report, ask user: priority direction, design intent, scope. Then present recommended action plan from: /ui-polish, /ui-distill, /ui-clarify, /ui-bolder, /ui-quieter, /ui-typeset, /ui-layout, /ui-harden