ux-flow

name	ux-flow
description	ALWAYS use this when the request matches UX Flow: Design user flows and screen structure using StyleSeed UX patterns such as progressive disclosure, hub-and-spoke navigation, and information pyramids.

UX Flow

Selective Reading Rule

Start with:

• references/senior-master-standard.md
• references/usage-routing.md
• references/quality-checklist.md

Then load only the inherited docs, scripts, assets, or examples that match the user's actual task.

Overview

Part of StyleSeed, this skill designs flows before screens. It uses proven UX patterns to define entry points, exits, screen inventory, and navigation structure so the implementation has a coherent user journey instead of a pile of disconnected pages.

When to Use

• Use when planning onboarding, checkout, account management, dashboards, or drill-down flows
• Use when a new feature spans multiple screens or modal states
• Use when users need a clear path through a task instead of a single isolated page
• Use when the UI needs navigation logic before components are built

How It Works

Information Architecture Principles

• progressive disclosure: reveal complexity only when needed
• Miller's Law: chunk content into manageable groups
• Hick's Law: minimize decision overload on each screen

Common Navigation Models

• hub and spoke for dashboards and detail views
• linear flow for onboarding, forms, and checkout
• tab navigation for 3 to 5 top-level areas

Flow Rules

• every flow has a clear entry point
• every flow has a clear exit or success condition
• key features should usually be reachable within three taps from home
• non-root screens need back navigation
• loading, empty, and error states need explicit recovery paths

Output

Provide:

1. An ASCII flow diagram
2. A screen inventory with each screen's purpose
3. Edge cases for loading, empty, and error states
4. Recommended page scaffolds and reusable patterns to implement next

Best Practices

• Optimize for clarity before density
• Let one screen answer one primary question
• Keep escape hatches visible for risky or destructive steps
• Define state transitions before drawing detailed layouts

Additional Resources

• StyleSeed repository
• Source skill

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.