| name | gastrobrain-ui-polish |
| description | Guide systematic visual refinement of Flutter/Dart UI through checkpoint-driven iterations, defining and applying consistent visual identity |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | Gastrobrain Development Team |
| tags | ["ui","styling","visual-design","polish","flutter","material-design"] |
UI Styling & Visual Polish Skill
Overview
This skill guides systematic visual refinement of Flutter/Dart UI through a 7-checkpoint interactive process, helping you define and apply a consistent visual identity across the app. It transforms functional but unpolished UI into cohesive, well-designed interfaces with clear personality.
When to Use This Skill
Trigger phrases:
- "Polish the UI for [screen/component]"
- "This screen feels unfinished visually"
- "Help me style [component]"
- "Define visual design for the app"
- "Make this look more professional"
Use cases:
- New Feature Polish - Feature works but needs visual refinement
- Visual Consistency - Multiple screens feel inconsistent
- Brand Identity Definition - Need to establish app's visual personality
- Pre-Release Polish - Preparing for production/beta release
- Component Styling - Individual component needs visual improvement
- Design System Creation - Building reusable visual patterns
Visual Polish Philosophy
Why systematic visual refinement matters:
- Creates professional, trustworthy appearance
- Improves user experience through clear hierarchy
- Establishes brand personality and recognition
- Makes the app feel cohesive rather than assembled
- Reduces decision fatigue with reusable patterns
- Communicates quality and attention to detail
Gastrobrain-specific considerations:
- Flutter Material Design best practices
- Mobile-first responsive design
- Bilingual UI (EN/PT-BR) considerations
- Information density for meal planning app
- Accessibility and readability
- Performance impact of visual effects
Checkpoint-Based Polish Process
CRITICAL: Never make sweeping visual changes without user confirmation. Always use the 7-checkpoint interactive process.
Checkpoint Flow Overview
User Input (screenshots/code) → Visual Analysis
↓
Checkpoint 1: Visual Analysis (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 2: Identity Definition [if needed] (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 3: Design Tokens Definition (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 4: Application Plan (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 5: Implementation (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 6: Refinement Iteration (WAIT)
↓
Checkpoint 7: Pattern Documentation (WAIT)
↓
Complete: Polished UI + Documented Patterns
Checkpoint 1: Visual Analysis
Purpose: Understand current state and identify specific visual gaps
Output format:
UI Styling & Visual Polish
CHECKPOINT 1: Visual Analysis
─────────────────────────────────────────
Current State Analysis:
Component/Screen: [Name]
Current visual elements:
- Colors: [Describe current color usage]
- Typography: [Font choices, sizes, hierarchy]
- Spacing: [Padding/margin patterns]
- Component styling: [Borders, shadows, shapes]
- Overall coherence: [Assessment]
Specific Visual Gaps Identified:
1. **Inconsistency:** [What feels inconsistent?]
- Example: Different button styles across screens
- Impact: Confusing, unprofessional
2. **Lack of Personality:** [What lacks character?]
- Example: Generic Material defaults, no brand identity
- Impact: App feels generic, forgettable
3. **Unfinished Elements:** [What looks incomplete?]
- Example: Placeholder spacing, default colors
- Impact: Prototype-like appearance
4. **Visual Hierarchy Issues:** [What's competing for attention?]
- Example: Everything same size/weight
- Impact: Hard to scan, unclear focus
5. **Other Issues:** [Additional concerns]
Does this analysis match your perception of the visual gaps?
Any additional concerns I should note? (y/n/more)
Analysis guidelines:
Color assessment:
- Are colors used consistently?
- Is there a clear primary/secondary color scheme?
- Do colors have semantic meaning (success, error, etc.)?
- Are there too many different colors?
Typography assessment:
- Is there a clear hierarchy (headings vs. body)?
- Are font sizes appropriate for mobile?
- Is text readable (contrast, line height)?
- Are weights used effectively?
Spacing assessment:
- Is spacing consistent (same padding in similar contexts)?
- Does spacing create visual grouping?
- Is spacing proportional (not cramped or too loose)?
Component styling assessment:
- Are interactive elements clearly clickable?
- Is visual feedback consistent (hover, pressed, disabled)?
- Do components have appropriate visual weight?
- Are borders/shadows used consistently?
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 2: Identity Definition
Purpose: Define the visual personality for the feature/app
When to use:
- Visual identity is not yet established
- App uses generic Material defaults
- Multiple developers have created different visual styles
- Preparing for brand consistency
When to skip:
- Visual identity already documented
- Working within established design system
- Minor component polish only
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 2: Identity Definition
Visual Personality Definition:
App Purpose: [Describe what the app does]
Target Users: [Who uses this app]
Desired Visual Personality (3-5 adjectives):
1. [Adjective 1] - [Why this matters for users]
2. [Adjective 2] - [How this reflects app purpose]
3. [Adjective 3] - [What this communicates]
What This App Is NOT:
- Not [quality/style to avoid] - [Why]
- Not [quality/style to avoid] - [Why]
Visual Influences:
- [Reference or theme] - [Why relevant]
- [Cultural considerations] - [For PT-BR audience]
Long-term Vision:
[How should this app evolve visually over time?]
Example Personality:
For Gastrobrain (meal planning app):
- **Warm and approachable** - Food is personal and emotional
- **Clear and organized** - Planning requires clarity
- **Confident and trustworthy** - Users rely on recommendations
- **Not overly playful** - Respect user's time
- **Not minimalist cold** - Food deserves warmth
Does this visual identity feel right for your vision?
Any adjustments needed? (y/n/adjust)
Identity definition guidelines:
Choose personality adjectives carefully:
- Specific over generic ("warm" vs. "good")
- Actionable in visual terms (can translate to color, typography)
- Reflect user needs and app purpose
- Avoid contradictions (can't be both "minimal" and "rich")
Define what the app is NOT:
- Prevents clichés and overused patterns
- Clarifies boundaries
- Guides against inappropriate choices
Consider cultural context:
- Brazilian users may have different aesthetic preferences
- Color meanings vary by culture
- Typography should support both languages
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 3: Design Tokens Definition
Purpose: Create concrete, reusable visual values
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 3: Design Tokens Definition
COLOR SYSTEM:
Primary Colors:
- Primary: #[hex] - [Usage: main actions, key elements]
- Primary Dark: #[hex] - [Usage: pressed states]
- Primary Light: #[hex] - [Usage: hover states, tints]
Secondary/Accent Colors:
- Accent: #[hex] - [Usage: calls to action, highlights]
- Accent Dark/Light: [variants]
Neutral Palette:
- Background: #[hex] - [Usage: main background]
- Surface: #[hex] - [Usage: cards, elevated elements]
- Border: #[hex] - [Usage: dividers, borders]
- Disabled: #[hex] - [Usage: inactive elements]
Text Colors:
- Text Primary: #[hex] - [Usage: main content]
- Text Secondary: #[hex] - [Usage: supporting text]
- Text Disabled: #[hex] - [Usage: inactive text]
Semantic Colors:
- Success: #[hex] - [Usage: confirmations, success states]
- Warning: #[hex] - [Usage: warnings, cautions]
- Error: #[hex] - [Usage: errors, destructive actions]
- Info: #[hex] - [Usage: informational messages]
─────────────────────────────────────────
TYPOGRAPHY SYSTEM:
Font Family:
- Primary: [Font name] - [Usage: all UI text]
- Fallback: [System fallback]
Size Scale:
- Display: [size]sp - [Usage: hero headings]
- Heading 1: [size]sp - [Usage: screen titles]
- Heading 2: [size]sp - [Usage: section titles]
- Heading 3: [size]sp - [Usage: subsection titles]
- Body Large: [size]sp - [Usage: emphasized body text]
- Body: [size]sp - [Usage: main content]
- Body Small: [size]sp - [Usage: supporting text]
- Caption: [size]sp - [Usage: labels, hints]
Weight Scale:
- Regular: 400 - [Usage: body text]
- Medium: 500 - [Usage: emphasis, buttons]
- Semibold: 600 - [Usage: headings]
- Bold: 700 - [Usage: strong emphasis]
Line Height:
- Tight: 1.2 - [Usage: headings]
- Normal: 1.5 - [Usage: body text]
- Relaxed: 1.8 - [Usage: long-form content]
─────────────────────────────────────────
SPACING SYSTEM:
Base Unit: [4px or 8px]
Spacing Scale:
- xxs: [X]px - [Usage: icon padding, tight spaces]
- xs: [X]px - [Usage: compact spacing]
- sm: [X]px - [Usage: small gaps]
- md: [X]px - [Usage: standard spacing]
- lg: [X]px - [Usage: section spacing]
- xl: [X]px - [Usage: major sections]
- xxl: [X]px - [Usage: screen padding]
Component Padding Standards:
- Button: [vertical]px [horizontal]px
- Card: [X]px all sides
- List Item: [vertical]px [horizontal]px
- Input Field: [vertical]px [horizontal]px
─────────────────────────────────────────
COMPONENT STYLING:
Border Radius:
- Small: [X]px - [Usage: buttons, chips]
- Medium: [X]px - [Usage: cards, inputs]
- Large: [X]px - [Usage: dialogs, large cards]
- Circular: 999px - [Usage: avatars, round buttons]
Elevation/Shadow:
- Level 0: none - [Usage: flat elements]
- Level 1: [shadow def] - [Usage: cards]
- Level 2: [shadow def] - [Usage: floating buttons]
- Level 3: [shadow def] - [Usage: dialogs, menus]
Border Widths:
- Hairline: 1px - [Usage: subtle dividers]
- Thin: 2px - [Usage: borders, focus states]
- Medium: 3px - [Usage: emphasized borders]
Icon Sizing:
- Small: [X]px - [Usage: inline icons]
- Medium: [X]px - [Usage: standard icons]
- Large: [X]px - [Usage: feature icons]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Do these design tokens feel appropriate for the visual identity?
Any values need adjustment? (y/n/adjust)
Design token guidelines:
Color system:
- Primary color: Brand color, used for key actions
- Keep palette manageable (5-7 main colors + semantic)
- Ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility (WCAG AA minimum)
- Test colors in both light and dark backgrounds
- Consider color blindness (don't rely solely on color)
Typography system:
- Use Flutter sp units for scalability
- Mobile sizes typically smaller than web (16sp body is common)
- Clear hierarchy: at least 2-3sp difference between levels
- Limit weights (3-4 maximum)
- Test with both EN and PT-BR text (some fonts render differently)
Spacing system:
- Base unit of 4px or 8px enables consistent rhythm
- Scale should be proportional (not random values)
- Use scale consistently (don't create one-off spacing)
- Component padding should feel balanced
- Consider touch targets (44px minimum for buttons)
Component styling:
- Border radius affects personality (sharp=technical, rounded=friendly)
- Shadows create depth and hierarchy
- Consistent border widths reinforce unity
- Icon sizes should align with text sizes
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 4: Application Plan
Purpose: Plan how to apply design tokens to current UI
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 4: Application Plan
Mapping Current UI to Design Tokens:
Current Element → Design Token Application
1. **Screen Title**
- Current: Default Text, 20sp, black
- New: Heading 1 (24sp), Semibold, Text Primary
- Change: Increase size, add weight, use token color
2. **Primary Button**
- Current: Material default blue
- New: Primary color, Medium weight, Border Radius Small
- Change: Replace color, adjust padding, add radius
3. **Card Background**
- Current: White with no elevation
- New: Surface color, Elevation Level 1, Border Radius Medium
- Change: Add subtle shadow, round corners
[Continue for all elements...]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Prioritized Changes (Highest Visual Impact First):
Priority 1 (Critical - Most Visible):
- [ ] Update primary color throughout (buttons, links)
- [ ] Fix heading hierarchy (too similar sizes)
- [ ] Standardize card styling
Priority 2 (Important - Visual Consistency):
- [ ] Apply consistent spacing
- [ ] Update typography weights
- [ ] Standardize border radius
Priority 3 (Polish - Final Touches):
- [ ] Refine shadows
- [ ] Adjust subtle colors (borders, backgrounds)
- [ ] Polish edge cases
─────────────────────────────────────────
Flutter Implementation Approach:
Theme Configuration:
- Update ThemeData in MaterialApp
- primaryColor: [token]
- colorScheme: [define from tokens]
- textTheme: [define from tokens]
- elevations, shapes, etc.
Custom Widgets Needed:
- [Widget name] - [Why needed]
- [If creating reusable components]
Files to Modify:
- lib/main.dart (theme)
- lib/screens/[screen].dart
- lib/widgets/[widgets].dart
- [Other files]
Testing Considerations:
- Test on different screen sizes
- Test with long text (Portuguese tends longer)
- Test dark mode if supported
- Verify touch targets are adequate
─────────────────────────────────────────
Does this plan address the key visual gaps identified?
Ready to proceed with implementation? (y/n/adjust)
Application planning guidelines:
Map systematically:
- Go through UI element by element
- Document current state and desired state
- Be specific (don't say "make it better", say exact changes)
Prioritize wisely:
- Priority 1: Changes visible on every screen or most used features
- Priority 2: Consistency improvements across similar elements
- Priority 3: Subtle refinements users may not consciously notice
Flutter implementation:
- Theme configuration is most efficient (applies everywhere)
- Custom widgets for repeatable patterns
- Consider Material Design 3 if applicable
- Responsive design for different screen sizes
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 5: Implementation
Purpose: Apply visual improvements through code changes
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 5: Implementation
Implementing Priority 1 Changes:
Change 1: Update Primary Color
[Shows code changes]
File: lib/main.dart
```dart
ThemeData(
primaryColor: Color(0xFF[hex]),
colorScheme: ColorScheme.fromSeed(
seedColor: Color(0xFF[hex]),
),
// ...
)
Change 2: Fix Heading Hierarchy
[Shows code changes]
File: lib/screens/home_screen.dart
Text(
AppLocalizations.of(context)!.recipeListTitle,
style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.headlineMedium?.copyWith(
fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
),
)
[Continue for each priority 1 change...]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Testing Results:
✓ Tested on small screen (320px width)
✓ Tested on standard screen (375px width)
✓ Tested on large screen (414px width)
✓ Tested with long Portuguese text
✓ All touch targets ≥44px
✓ flutter analyze passes
✓ No visual regressions on other screens
─────────────────────────────────────────
Do the changes work as expected? Any issues or adjustments needed?
(y/n/issues)
**Implementation guidelines:**
**Code quality:**
- Use Theme.of(context) for themeable values
- Create const constructors where possible
- Extract reusable styles to theme or constants
- Follow Flutter best practices (Key usage, etc.)
**Testing approach:**
- Visual inspection on multiple screen sizes
- Test with real content (not just placeholder)
- Check both languages if bilingual
- Verify no performance degradation
- Ensure accessibility maintained
**Common Flutter patterns:**
```dart
// Using theme colors
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.primary
// Using text theme
style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.bodyLarge
// Custom theme extension
extension CustomColors on ColorScheme {
Color get customColor => Color(0xFF...);
}
// Spacing constants
class Spacing {
static const double xs = 4.0;
static const double sm = 8.0;
static const double md = 16.0;
// ...
}
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 6: Refinement Iteration
Purpose: Polish based on visual review
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 6: Refinement Iteration
Visual Review Results:
✓ Visual Balance & Harmony:
- Colors work well together
- Spacing feels proportional
- Elements don't compete
⚠ Consistency Check:
- Issue: Button padding inconsistent in dialogs vs. screens
- Fix: Standardize to 12px vertical, 24px horizontal
✓ Design Token Compliance:
- All colors from defined palette
- Typography follows scale
- Spacing uses system values
⚠ Unintended Issues:
- Issue: Recipe card title wraps awkwardly on small screens
- Fix: Adjust line height from 1.2 to 1.4
✓ Edge Cases Verified:
- Long text handling: ✓ Ellipsis added
- Empty states: ✓ Styled consistently
- Loading states: ✓ Skeleton screens match design
─────────────────────────────────────────
Refinement Changes:
Change 1: Standardize button padding
[Code changes]
Change 2: Improve recipe card title line height
[Code changes]
Change 3: [Other refinements]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Does this feel polished and ready? Any final adjustments?
(y/n/adjust)
Refinement guidelines:
Visual balance:
- Step back and look at the whole screen
- Is any element too dominant or too subtle?
- Does spacing create natural grouping?
- Is there a clear focal point?
Consistency check:
- Compare similar elements across screens
- Verify same patterns used everywhere
- Check that exceptions are intentional
Edge cases to test:
- Very long text (recipe names, ingredient lists)
- Very short text (single word buttons)
- Empty states (no data)
- Loading states
- Error states
- Disabled states
- Pressed/active states
Common refinements:
- Adjust spacing by 4-8px for better balance
- Tweak font size by 1-2sp for readability
- Lighten/darken colors slightly for contrast
- Add subtle shadows for depth
- Adjust line height for text wrapping
Wait for user response before proceeding.
Checkpoint 7: Pattern Documentation
Purpose: Capture reusable patterns for future use
Output format:
─────────────────────────────────────────
CHECKPOINT 7: Pattern Documentation
Design Tokens Documentation:
File: docs/design/design-tokens.md
# Gastrobrain Design Tokens
## Color System
[Document colors with usage guidelines]
## Typography System
[Document type scale with examples]
## Spacing System
[Document spacing scale with common uses]
## Component Styling
[Document border radius, shadows, etc.]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Component Patterns Created:
1. **Styled Card Pattern**
- Usage: Recipe cards, meal cards
- Code:
```dart
Container(
decoration: BoxDecoration(
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.surface,
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(12),
boxShadow: [/* elevation level 1 */],
),
padding: EdgeInsets.all(16),
child: child,
)
- Primary Button Pattern
- Usage: Main actions
- Code: [Pattern]
[Continue for each pattern...]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Before/After Insights:
What Changed:
- Primary color changed from default blue to warm orange
- Typography hierarchy clarified (larger headings)
- Consistent card styling across app
- Spacing standardized to 8px base unit
Visual Impact:
- App feels warmer and more food-focused
- Information hierarchy clearer
- More professional and cohesive
- Better reflects meal planning purpose
Lessons Learned:
- Consistent spacing has huge impact on polish
- Typography hierarchy requires more contrast than expected
- Shadow elevation needs to be subtle for food app
- [Other insights]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Patterns Applicable to Other Screens:
- Recipe List Screen - Apply same card pattern
- Meal History Screen - Use same typography hierarchy
- Ingredient Selection - Match button styling
[Continue...]
─────────────────────────────────────────
Is this documented clearly for future use?
(y/n/adjust)
**Documentation guidelines:**
**Design tokens:**
- Document in markdown for easy reference
- Include visual examples if possible
- Explain usage guidelines (when to use each color)
- Update as tokens evolve
**Component patterns:**
- Extract reusable patterns into widgets
- Document props/parameters
- Show code examples
- Explain when to use vs. alternatives
**Insights capture:**
- Document what worked well
- Note what didn't work and why
- Record lessons for future polish work
- Identify patterns to propagate
**Wait for user response. Once confirmed, polish work is complete.**
---
## Integration with Gastrobrain Workflow
### Related Skills
**Works well with:**
- **UI Component Implementation Skill** - Polish after creating new components
- **Feature Implementation** - Add polish checkpoint after functionality complete
- **Code Review Skill** - Include visual review in pre-merge checks
**Timing in workflow:**
- **Early:** Define visual identity for new features before implementation
- **Mid:** Polish functional screens that lack visual refinement
- **Late:** Systematic polish pass before milestone releases
### Branch Workflow
```bash
# Create polish branch
git checkout develop
git pull origin develop
git checkout -b ui/polish-recipe-screen
# After completing checkpoints
git add .
git commit -m "ui: polish recipe screen with consistent design tokens
- Define color system with warm primary palette
- Establish typography hierarchy (24sp/18sp/16sp)
- Apply 8px spacing system throughout
- Add subtle elevation to cards
- Improve visual consistency"
# Merge when complete
gh pr create --title "ui: polish recipe screen visual design"
Localization Considerations
When polishing UI:
- Test with both EN and PT-BR text
- Portuguese text often 20-30% longer
- Ensure wrapping works for both languages
- Verify translated text fits in designed spaces
- Consider cultural color meanings (white=mourning in some cultures)
Testing After Polish
flutter test --update-goldens
- [ ] Test on smallest target screen (320px)
- [ ] Test on largest target screen (414px+)
- [ ] Test with longest translated strings
- [ ] Verify touch targets ≥44px
- [ ] Check contrast ratios (WCAG AA)
- [ ] Verify no performance impact
flutter analyze
flutter test
Design Token Implementation in Flutter
Theme Configuration Example
// lib/theme/app_theme.dart
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'design_tokens.dart';
class AppTheme {
static ThemeData lightTheme = ThemeData(
useMaterial3: true,
// Color Scheme from Design Tokens
colorScheme: ColorScheme.light(
primary: DesignTokens.primaryColor,
secondary: DesignTokens.accentColor,
surface: DesignTokens.surfaceColor,
error: DesignTokens.errorColor,
// ...
),
// Typography from Design Tokens
textTheme: TextTheme(
displayLarge: TextStyle(
fontSize: DesignTokens.displaySize,
fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
height: DesignTokens.tightLineHeight,
),
headlineLarge: TextStyle(
fontSize: DesignTokens.heading1Size,
fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
height: DesignTokens.tightLineHeight,
),
bodyLarge: TextStyle(
fontSize: DesignTokens.bodySize,
fontWeight: FontWeight.normal,
height: DesignTokens.normalLineHeight,
),
// ...
),
// Card Theme from Design Tokens
cardTheme: CardTheme(
elevation: DesignTokens.elevation1,
shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(DesignTokens.borderRadiusMedium),
),
),
// Button Theme from Design Tokens
elevatedButtonTheme: ElevatedButtonThemeData(
style: ElevatedButton.styleFrom(
padding: EdgeInsets.symmetric(
vertical: DesignTokens.spacingSm,
horizontal: DesignTokens.spacingMd,
),
shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(DesignTokens.borderRadiusSmall),
),
),
),
);
}
Design Tokens File Example
// lib/theme/design_tokens.dart
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
class DesignTokens {
// Private constructor to prevent instantiation
DesignTokens._();
// COLOR SYSTEM
static const Color primaryColor = Color(0xFFE67E22); // Warm orange
static const Color primaryDark = Color(0xFFD35400);
static const Color primaryLight = Color(0xFFF39C12);
static const Color accentColor = Color(0xFF27AE60); // Fresh green
static const Color backgroundColor = Color(0xFFF8F9FA);
static const Color surfaceColor = Color(0xFFFFFFFF);
static const Color borderColor = Color(0xFFDEE2E6);
static const Color textPrimary = Color(0xFF212529);
static const Color textSecondary = Color(0xFF6C757D);
static const Color textDisabled = Color(0xFFADB5BD);
static const Color successColor = Color(0xFF28A745);
static const Color warningColor = Color(0xFFFFC107);
static const Color errorColor = Color(0xFFDC3545);
static const Color infoColor = Color(0xFF17A2B8);
// TYPOGRAPHY SYSTEM
static const double displaySize = 32.0;
static const double heading1Size = 24.0;
static const double heading2Size = 20.0;
static const double heading3Size = 18.0;
static const double bodyLargeSize = 16.0;
static const double bodySize = 14.0;
static const double bodySmallSize = 12.0;
static const double captionSize = 10.0;
static const double tightLineHeight = 1.2;
static const double normalLineHeight = 1.5;
static const double relaxedLineHeight = 1.8;
// SPACING SYSTEM (8px base unit)
static const double spacingXXs = 2.0;
static const double spacingXs = 4.0;
static const double spacingSm = 8.0;
static const double spacingMd = 16.0;
static const double spacingLg = 24.0;
static const double spacingXl = 32.0;
static const double spacingXXl = 48.0;
// COMPONENT STYLING
static const double borderRadiusSmall = 8.0;
static const double borderRadiusMedium = 12.0;
static const double borderRadiusLarge = 16.0;
static const double borderRadiusCircular = 999.0;
static const double elevation0 = 0.0;
static const double elevation1 = 2.0;
static const double elevation2 = 4.0;
static const double elevation3 = 8.0;
static const double borderWidthHairline = 1.0;
static const double borderWidthThin = 2.0;
static const double borderWidthMedium = 3.0;
static const double iconSizeSmall = 16.0;
static const double iconSizeMedium = 24.0;
static const double iconSizeLarge = 32.0;
}
Common UI Polish Patterns for Gastrobrain
Recipe Card Styling
// Well-styled recipe card with design tokens
Container(
decoration: BoxDecoration(
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.surface,
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(DesignTokens.borderRadiusMedium),
boxShadow: [
BoxShadow(
color: Colors.black.withOpacity(0.08),
blurRadius: 8,
offset: Offset(0, 2),
),
],
),
padding: EdgeInsets.all(DesignTokens.spacingMd),
child: Column(
crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
children: [
// Recipe image if available
// Recipe title with proper typography
Text(
recipe.name,
style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.titleLarge?.copyWith(
fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
),
maxLines: 2,
overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
),
SizedBox(height: DesignTokens.spacingSm),
// Metadata row with icons
Row(
children: [
Icon(Icons.schedule, size: DesignTokens.iconSizeSmall),
SizedBox(width: DesignTokens.spacingXs),
Text(
'${recipe.prepTime} min',
style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.bodySmall?.copyWith(
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
),
),
],
),
],
),
)
Button Styling Consistency
// Primary action button
ElevatedButton(
onPressed: onPressed,
style: ElevatedButton.styleFrom(
backgroundColor: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.primary,
foregroundColor: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onPrimary,
padding: EdgeInsets.symmetric(
vertical: DesignTokens.spacingSm,
horizontal: DesignTokens.spacingMd,
),
shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(DesignTokens.borderRadiusSmall),
),
),
child: Text(AppLocalizations.of(context)!.save),
)
// Secondary action button
OutlinedButton(
onPressed: onPressed,
style: OutlinedButton.styleFrom(
foregroundColor: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.primary,
side: BorderSide(
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.primary,
width: DesignTokens.borderWidthThin,
),
padding: EdgeInsets.symmetric(
vertical: DesignTokens.spacingSm,
horizontal: DesignTokens.spacingMd,
),
shape: RoundedRectangleBorder(
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(DesignTokens.borderRadiusSmall),
),
),
child: Text(AppLocalizations.of(context)!.cancel),
)
Screen Title Typography
// Consistent screen title styling
Padding(
padding: EdgeInsets.all(DesignTokens.spacingMd),
child: Text(
AppLocalizations.of(context)!.recipesTitle,
style: Theme.of(context).textTheme.headlineLarge?.copyWith(
fontWeight: FontWeight.w600,
color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onBackground,
),
),
)
Skill Guardrails
What This Skill DOES
✅ Provide systematic visual refinement process
✅ Define concrete design tokens
✅ Apply consistent styling patterns
✅ Document reusable visual patterns
✅ Balance visual personality with usability
✅ Consider cultural and language factors
✅ Test across screen sizes and contexts
What This Skill DOES NOT Do
❌ Make changes without user confirmation
❌ Apply arbitrary styling without rationale
❌ Ignore Material Design guidelines
❌ Create visual designs from scratch (not a design tool)
❌ Override functional requirements for aesthetics
❌ Skip accessibility considerations
❌ Ignore localization impacts
Quality Checklist
Before completing polish work, verify:
Visual Consistency:
Design Tokens:
Usability:
Localization:
Technical:
Documentation:
Success Metrics
The UI polish is successful when:
- ✅ Visual consistency across similar elements
- ✅ Clear visual hierarchy that guides users
- ✅ App feels designed, not assembled
- ✅ Visual personality aligns with app purpose
- ✅ Design tokens are documented and reusable
- ✅ User confirms improved polish
- ✅ No regressions in functionality or performance
- ✅ Patterns applicable to other screens identified
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Visual Design:
- Mixing too many different styles (pick one personality)
- Arbitrary spacing (use consistent scale)
- Poor typography hierarchy (size differences too subtle)
- Colors without semantic meaning (why this color here?)
- Overusing emphasis (everything bold = nothing bold)
Technical Implementation:
- Hardcoding values instead of using theme
- Creating one-off spacing values
- Ignoring responsive design
- Not testing with real content
- Skipping edge cases (long text, empty states)
Process:
- Making sweeping changes without checkpoint approval
- Ignoring user feedback on visual preferences
- Copying references exactly without adapting
- Neglecting documentation of patterns
- Not considering localization impact
Version History
v1.0.0 (2026-01-13)
- Initial skill creation
- 7-checkpoint interactive process
- Design tokens definition methodology
- Flutter implementation patterns
- Gastrobrain-specific guidelines
- Complete examples and documentation
Next Steps After Polish
- Apply patterns to other screens using documented tokens
- Update style guide with new patterns
- Extract common components into reusable widgets
- Schedule polish reviews for each milestone
- Gather user feedback on visual improvements
