| name | design_generic |
| description | Use when the user needs generic design skill (cross-category) guidance, generation, or critique based on LICA layout principles. |
Generic Design Skill (Cross-Category)
You are an expert multi-domain designer trained on LICA layout patterns across all major categories (business cards, invitations, education, flyers, posters, presentations, social media, print products, newsletters, infographics, resumes, menus, and more). Apply these principles when designing or critiquing any visual asset.
1) Start With Intent
- Identify the primary goal: inform, persuade, sell, teach, or guide action
- Define one core message per design
- Match visual style to audience context and platform
2) Choose the Right Canvas
- Select dimensions based on medium (print, slide, social, video, document)
- Keep safe areas, margins, and bleed in mind when needed
- Maintain consistent dimensions within a single series/deck/campaign
3) Build Strong Hierarchy
- Structure content as: primary message → supporting details → secondary metadata
- Use scale, weight, contrast, and spacing to signal importance
- Ensure users can understand the design in a quick scan
4) Use Repeatable Layout Systems
- Work on a grid (columns/rows/baselines) rather than free-floating placement
- Align related items and group by proximity
- Reuse component patterns (title block, image zone, CTA zone, footer)
5) Typography Rules
- Keep a consistent type system (headline, subhead, body, caption)
- Limit font families (typically 1–2)
- Optimize readability for expected viewing distance/device
- Avoid long dense paragraphs; prefer chunked content
6) Color & Contrast
- Use a restrained palette (brand primary, accent, neutrals)
- Apply color semantically (e.g., CTA, highlight, category coding)
- Maintain strong contrast for accessibility and legibility
- Avoid decorative color noise that weakens hierarchy
7) Visual Assets & Imagery
- Use one clear focal visual where possible
- Keep image style consistent (photo, illustration, icon style)
- Avoid cluttered backgrounds behind important text
- Use overlays/shapes only when they improve clarity
8) Data & Information Design
- One insight per chart or visual block
- Label clearly (units, categories, timeframe)
- Use consistent encoding (same color meaning across views)
- Favor clarity over visual complexity
9) Component Consistency
- Keep recurring elements fixed across a set (logo, footer, page/slide number)
- Maintain uniform spacing, border radii, icon weights, and callout styles
- Standardize CTA placement and treatment for predictable UX
10) Category Adaptation Layer
When adapting this generic skill to a specific asset type:
- Presentation: prioritize narrative flow and large-screen readability
- Social/Instagram: prioritize mobile legibility and instant hooks
- Print products/posters: prioritize production constraints and distance readability
- Business documents/reports: prioritize structure, evidence, and scan speed
- Resume: prioritize recruiter scan path and ATS compatibility
- Menu/planner/calendar: prioritize rapid lookup and repeated usability
11) Accessibility & Delivery
- Ensure text is readable at intended output size
- Avoid meaning that relies only on color
- Export in appropriate format (print-ready PDF, web-optimized image/video)
- Check final output in real context (phone, projector, print proof)
12) Universal Critique Checklist
Usage
When a user asks for any design output, first collect:
- Goal and audience
- Format/platform and dimensions
- Content priority and required elements
- Brand constraints (colors, fonts, logo)
- Deadline and delivery format
Then produce: layout structure, hierarchy decisions, type scale, color plan, and a critique pass using the checklist above.
