Anthropic frontend design

Anthropic Frontend Design Skill

Version: 1.1
Scope: Bold aesthetic principles for AI-native interfaces, conversational UI, and trust-forward design.
Works with: Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, OpenCode, Kiro, Roo Code, Gemini CLI, Trae, Copilot, Codex CLI
Word Count: ~8,000 | Embedded Data: 24 layout principles, 18 component patterns, 12 trust signals, 8 typography scales, 6 motion philosophies

---

MODULE 0: Philosophy & Principles

0.1 What This Skill Provides

This skill embeds Anthropic's design philosophy — the principles behind Claude.ai's interface — directly into your AI assistant. It focuses on trust, clarity, and intellectual generosity as core design values.

Key differentiators from generic design systems:

• Conversational UI patterns that feel human, not robotic
• Trust signals that reduce AI anxiety
• Information density calibrated for reading, not scanning
• Motion that feels thoughtful, not flashy

0.2 Core Philosophy

Design is a conversation. Every pixel communicates intent. The interface should feel like a thoughtful collaborator, not a tool.

Three pillars:

1. Radical Clarity — Remove ambiguity. Every element has a clear purpose.
2. Intellectual Generosity — The interface should feel generous with space, information, and patience.
3. Earned Trust — Trust is built through consistency, transparency, and control.

0.3 When to Use This Skill

Use when designing:

• AI chat interfaces
• Knowledge work tools (writing, coding, analysis)
• Products where user trust is critical
• Long-form reading experiences
• Interfaces with complex information hierarchy

---

0.4 Skill Selector — Decision Tree

Route users to the right skill based on project type:

START: What are you building?
│
├─ AI Chat Interface → THIS SKILL (Creative direction, trust patterns)
│                      + UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Components, tokens)
│
├─ Marketing/Landing Page → UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Design system)
│                          + GSAP Animations (Scroll effects)
│
├─ Dashboard/SaaS App → UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Components)
│                    + Vercel React Best Practices (Architecture)
│                    + Vercel Web Design Guidelines (A11y)
│
├─ Animation-Heavy Site → GSAP Animations (Complex motion)
│                        + UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Design tokens)
│
├─ Accessible Gov/Health → Vercel Web Design Guidelines (WCAG)
│                        + UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Components)
│
├─ Video Content → UI/UX Pro Max v7.1 (Remotion templates)
│
└─ Full Production App → ALL FIVE SKILLS
    This skill = Creative philosophy + AI-native patterns
    UI/UX Pro Max = Design system + components
    Vercel Web = Platform rules + accessibility
    Vercel React = Architecture + state management
    GSAP = Advanced motion

0.5 Version Compatibility

This Skill	Works With	Not Compatible With
v1.1	UI/UX Pro Max v7.1+	Pre-v7.1
v1.1	Vercel Web Design Guidelines v1.1	—
v1.1	Vercel React Best Practices v1.1	—
v1.1	GSAP Animations v1.1	GSAP v2.x

0.6 Cross-Skill Integration Quick Reference

You Need	Use This Skill	Then Add
Trust patterns, conversation UI	anthropic-frontend-design	UI/UX Pro Max
Typography/philosophy	anthropic-frontend-design	UI/UX Pro Max
Production components	UI/UX Pro Max	anthropic-frontend-design
Design tokens	UI/UX Pro Max	Any
Accessibility/WCAG	Vercel Web Design Guidelines	UI/UX Pro Max
Performance budgets	Vercel Web Design Guidelines	UI/UX Pro Max
Component architecture	Vercel React Best Practices	UI/UX Pro Max
State management	Vercel React Best Practices	UI/UX Pro Max
Complex scroll animations	GSAP Animations	UI/UX Pro Max
React GSAP integration	GSAP Animations	UI/UX Pro Max

---

MODULE 1: Layout Architecture

1.1 The Generous Frame

Rule: Default to more whitespace than feels comfortable. Then add 20% more.

/* Minimum section padding */
.section {
  padding: clamp(4rem, 10vh, 8rem) clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 4rem);
}

/* Content max-width for readability */
.reading-column {
  max-width: 72ch;
}

/* Generous gap scale */
.gap-sm { gap: 1rem; }
.gap-md { gap: 2rem; }
.gap-lg { gap: 4rem; }
.gap-xl { gap: 8rem; }

Why: Dense interfaces signal haste. Generous spacing signals confidence and invites focus.

1.2 Asymmetric Balance

Rule: Center alignment is a last resort. Use asymmetric layouts to create visual interest and guide reading flow.

/* Asymmetric two-column */
.asymmetric-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.618fr; /* Golden ratio */
  gap: 4rem;
}

/* Offset content blocks */
.offset-block {
  margin-left: 15%;
  max-width: 55%;
}

/* Hanging elements */
.hanging-element {
  position: relative;
  left: -2rem; /* Pulls outside container slightly */
}

1.3 The Reading Line

Rule: Establish a clear vertical reading line. All primary content should align to this invisible axis.

.reading-line {
  padding-left: 0;
  border-left: none;
}

/* Exceptions that break the line intentionally */
.callout {
  margin-left: -1.5rem;
  padding-left: 1.25rem;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--color-accent);
}

1.4 Layered Depth (Not Flat)

Rule: Use subtle depth to create hierarchy without shadows that feel "material."

/* Elevation through color, not shadow */
.surface-1 { background: var(--color-bg); }
.surface-2 { background: var(--color-surface); }
.surface-3 { background: var(--color-elevated); }

/* When shadows are necessary, use colored shadows */
.colored-shadow {
  box-shadow: 0 4px 24px -4px var(--color-shadow);
}

1.5 The Focal Point

Rule: Every section needs ONE focal point. Not two. Not zero. One.

Techniques:

• Scale contrast (hero text vs body)
• Color isolation (single accent in monochrome field)
• Negative space framing
• Typographic weight contrast

1.6 Content-First Breakpoints

Rule: Breakpoints follow content, not devices.

/* Don't use 768px because it's "tablet" */
/* Use when the layout breaks */
@media (min-width: 60ch) { /* Content readable */ }
@media (min-width: 90ch) { /* Side-by-side possible */ }
@media (min-width: 120ch) { /* Full layout breathes */ }

---

MODULE 2: Typography System

2.1 Type Scale: The Minor Third

Rule: Use a musical scale for type. The minor third (1.2 ratio) creates harmonious, readable hierarchy.

:root {
  --text-xs:   clamp(0.75rem, 0.7rem + 0.25vw, 0.875rem);   /* 12-14px */
  --text-sm:   clamp(0.875rem, 0.8rem + 0.35vw, 1rem);       /* 14-16px */
  --text-base: clamp(1rem, 0.9rem + 0.5vw, 1.125rem);        /* 16-18px */
  --text-lg:   clamp(1.125rem, 1rem + 0.65vw, 1.375rem);     /* 18-22px */
  --text-xl:   clamp(1.25rem, 1.1rem + 0.75vw, 1.75rem);     /* 20-28px */
  --text-2xl:  clamp(1.5rem, 1.2rem + 1.5vw, 2.5rem);        /* 24-40px */
  --text-3xl:  clamp(1.875rem, 1.3rem + 2.5vw, 3.5rem);      /* 30-56px */
  --text-4xl:  clamp(2.25rem, 1.5rem + 3.5vw, 5rem);         /* 36-80px */

  --leading-tight: 1.1;
  --leading-snug: 1.25;
  --leading-normal: 1.5;
  --leading-relaxed: 1.65;
  --leading-loose: 1.8;
}

2.2 Font Pairing Philosophy

Rule: Pair a distinctive display face with a highly readable body face. Never use the same font for both.

Recommended pairings for AI interfaces:

Display	Body	Mood
Source Serif 4	Source Sans 3	Scholarly, trustworthy
Newsreader	Inter	Editorial, refined
Cormorant Garamond	Work Sans	Elegant, generous
Literata	DM Sans	Literary, warm
Playfair Display	Source Sans 3	Classic authority

2.3 The Paragraph as Object

Rule: Treat paragraphs as visual objects, not just text containers.

.prose {
  font-size: var(--text-base);
  line-height: var(--leading-relaxed);
  color: var(--color-text);

  /* Paragraph spacing */
  p + p {
    margin-top: 1.5em;
  }

  /* First paragraph after heading */
  h2 + p, h3 + p {
    margin-top: 0.75em;
  }

  /* Drop cap for opening paragraphs */
  > p:first-of-type::first-letter {
    float: left;
    font-size: 3.5em;
    line-height: 0.8;
    padding-right: 0.1em;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--color-accent);
  }
}

2.4 Typographic Color

Rule: Use weight and color to create typographic "color" (visual density), not just size.

/* Light, airy headings */
h1, h2 {
  font-weight: 400;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--color-text);
}

/* Dense, grounded body */
body {
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--color-text-secondary);
}

/* Bold accents within text */
strong {
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--color-text);
}

2.5 Code & Monospace

Rule: Code should feel integrated, not alien.

code {
  font-family: 'SF Mono', 'JetBrains Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 0.9em;
  padding: 0.15em 0.4em;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border-radius: 4px;
  color: var(--color-text);
}

pre {
  padding: 1.5rem;
  background: var(--color-surface);
  border-radius: 12px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

pre code {
  padding: 0;
  background: none;
}

---

MODULE 3: Color System

3.1 The Muted Foundation

Rule: Start with muted, sophisticated base colors. Reserve saturation for intentional moments.

:root {
  /* Warm neutrals (preferred for reading) */
  --color-bg: #FAFAF8;
  --color-surface: #F5F5F0;
  --color-elevated: #FFFFFF;
  --color-text: #1C1917;
  --color-text-secondary: #57534E;
  --color-text-tertiary: #A8A29E;
  --color-border: #E7E5E4;

  /* Single accent — use sparingly */
  --color-accent: #D97706;
  --color-accent-subtle: #FEF3C7;
}

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --color-bg: #0C0A09;
    --color-surface: #1C1917;
    --color-elevated: #292524;
    --color-text: #FAFAF9;
    --color-text-secondary: #A8A29E;
    --color-text-tertiary: #57534E;
    --color-border: #292524;
    --color-accent: #F59E0B;
    --color-accent-subtle: #451A03;
  }
}

3.2 Color Psychology for AI Interfaces

Color	Use Case	Avoid
Warm amber	Primary actions, AI presence	Error states
Sage green	Success, completion, calm	Urgent actions
Dusty rose	Warnings, caution	Primary branding
Stone gray	Neutral info, secondary	CTAs
Deep charcoal	Text, authority	Backgrounds

3.3 Semantic Color Application

/* Actions */
.btn-primary {
  background: var(--color-accent);
  color: var(--color-bg);
}

.btn-secondary {
  background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
  color: var(--color-text);
}

/* Status */
.status-success { color: #65A30D; }
.status-warning { color: #CA8A04; }
.status-error { color: #DC2626; }
.status-info { color: #0891B2; }

/* AI-specific states */
.status-thinking {
  color: var(--color-accent);
  animation: pulse 2s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.status-generating {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--color-accent), transparent);
  background-size: 200% 100%;
  animation: shimmer 1.5s ease-in-out infinite;
}

---

MODULE 4: Component Patterns

4.1 The Conversation Thread

The core pattern for AI chat interfaces.

interface MessageProps {
  role: 'user' | 'assistant';
  content: string;
  timestamp: Date;
  isStreaming?: boolean;
}

export const Message = ({ role, content, timestamp, isStreaming }: MessageProps) => {
  return (
    <div className={cn(
      "flex gap-4 py-6",
      role === 'assistant' && "bg-[var(--color-surface)]"
    )}>
      <div className="flex-shrink-0 w-8 h-8 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-sm font-medium
        {role === 'user' 
          ? 'bg-[var(--color-text)] text-[var(--color-bg)]' 
          : 'bg-[var(--color-accent)] text-[var(--color-bg)]'}"
      >
        {role === 'user' ? 'U' : 'A'}
      </div>

      <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
        <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
          <span className="text-sm font-medium text-[var(--color-text)]">
            {role === 'user' ? 'You' : 'Claude'}
          </span>
          <span className="text-xs text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)]">
            {formatTime(timestamp)}
          </span>
        </div>

        <div className="prose prose-sm max-w-none text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">
          <Markdown content={content} />
          {isStreaming && <span className="inline-block w-2 h-4 bg-[var(--color-accent)] animate-pulse ml-1" />}
        </div>

        {role === 'assistant' && !isStreaming && (
          <div className="flex gap-2 mt-3">
            <button className="text-xs text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)] hover:text-[var(--color-text)] transition-colors">
              Copy
            </button>
            <button className="text-xs text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)] hover:text-[var(--color-text)] transition-colors">
              Retry
            </button>
          </div>
        )}
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

4.2 The Thinking Indicator

Transparency builds trust. Show when the AI is "thinking."

export const ThinkingIndicator = () => {
  return (
    <div className="flex items-center gap-3 py-4 text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)]">
      <div className="flex gap-1">
        <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-accent)] animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '0ms' }} />
        <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-accent)] animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '150ms' }} />
        <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-accent)] animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '300ms' }} />
      </div>
      <span className="text-sm">Claude is thinking...</span>
    </div>
  );
};

4.3 The Input Composer

The primary interaction point. Should feel inviting and capable.

export const Composer = () => {
  const [value, setValue] = useState('');
  const textareaRef = useRef<HTMLTextAreaElement>(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    if (textareaRef.current) {
      textareaRef.current.style.height = 'auto';
      textareaRef.current.style.height = textareaRef.current.scrollHeight + 'px';
    }
  }, [value]);

  return (
    <div className="relative border border-[var(--color-border)] rounded-2xl bg-[var(--color-elevated)] shadow-sm focus-within:shadow-md focus-within:border-[var(--color-accent)] transition-all">
      <textarea
        ref={textareaRef}
        value={value}
        onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)}
        placeholder="Message Claude..."
        rows={1}
        className="w-full px-4 py-3 bg-transparent resize-none outline-none text-[var(--color-text)] placeholder:text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)]"
        onKeyDown={(e) => {
          if (e.key === 'Enter' && !e.shiftKey) {
            e.preventDefault();
            handleSubmit();
          }
        }}
      />
      <div className="flex items-center justify-between px-3 pb-3">
        <div className="flex gap-2">
          <button className="p-2 rounded-lg hover:bg-[var(--color-surface)] text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)] transition-colors" aria-label="Attach file">
            <Paperclip className="w-4 h-4" />
          </button>
        </div>
        <button 
          disabled={!value.trim()}
          className="p-2 rounded-lg bg-[var(--color-accent)] text-[var(--color-bg)] disabled:opacity-30 disabled:cursor-not-allowed transition-opacity"
          aria-label="Send message"
        >
          <ArrowUp className="w-4 h-4" />
        </button>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

4.4 The Trust Badge

Explicit trust signals reduce AI anxiety.

interface TrustBadgeProps {
  type: 'privacy' | 'accuracy' | 'safety' | 'human';
  children: React.ReactNode;
}

export const TrustBadge = ({ type, children }: TrustBadgeProps) => {
  const icons = {
    privacy: Lock,
    accuracy: CheckCircle,
    safety: Shield,
    human: Users,
  };

  const labels = {
    privacy: 'Your data stays private',
    accuracy: 'Verified information',
    safety: 'Constitutional AI safeguards',
    human: 'Human oversight',
  };

  const Icon = icons[type];

  return (
    <div className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-surface)] border border-[var(--color-border)] text-xs text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">
      <Icon className="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-[var(--color-accent)]" />
      <span>{labels[type]}</span>
    </div>
  );
};

4.5 The Contextual Action

Actions that appear in context, not in toolbars.

export const ContextualActions = ({ text }: { text: string }) => {
  const [isHovered, setIsHovered] = useState(false);

  return (
    <div 
      className="relative group"
      onMouseEnter={() => setIsHovered(true)}
      onMouseLeave={() => setIsHovered(false)}
    >
      <div className="text-[var(--color-text)]">{text}</div>

      <div className={cn(
        "absolute -right-12 top-0 flex flex-col gap-1 transition-opacity",
        isHovered ? "opacity-100" : "opacity-0"
      )}>
        <button className="p-1.5 rounded-md hover:bg-[var(--color-surface)] text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)]" title="Copy">
          <Copy className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
        </button>
        <button className="p-1.5 rounded-md hover:bg-[var(--color-surface)] text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)]" title="Edit">
          <Pencil className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
        </button>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

---

MODULE 5: Motion & Interaction

5.1 Motion Philosophy

Rule: Motion should feel like thought, not entertainment.

Good Motion	Bad Motion
Fade in (content appearing)	Bounce in (playful, distracting)
Subtle scale on press	Shake on error (aggressive)
Smooth height transitions	Jarring layout shifts
Cursor blink (human)	Spinning loaders (machine)
Staggered list reveals	Everything animating at once

5.2 Timing Tokens

:root {
  --duration-instant: 0ms;
  --duration-fast: 150ms;
  --duration-normal: 250ms;
  --duration-slow: 400ms;
  --duration-deliberate: 600ms;

  --ease-smooth: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  --ease-spring: cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
  --ease-expo: cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

5.3 The Thoughtful Entrance

@keyframes appear {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(8px);
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}

.appear {
  animation: appear var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-expo) forwards;
}

/* Staggered children */
.stagger-children > * {
  opacity: 0;
  animation: appear var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-expo) forwards;
}

.stagger-children > *:nth-child(1) { animation-delay: 0ms; }
.stagger-children > *:nth-child(2) { animation-delay: 50ms; }
.stagger-children > *:nth-child(3) { animation-delay: 100ms; }
.stagger-children > *:nth-child(4) { animation-delay: 150ms; }
.stagger-children > *:nth-child(5) { animation-delay: 200ms; }

5.4 The Generous Hover

/* Not just color change — spatial feedback */
.interactive {
  transition: transform var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-smooth),
              background-color var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-smooth);
}

.interactive:hover {
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.interactive:active {
  transform: translateY(0) scale(0.98);
}

/* Links that feel physical */
a {
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: border-color var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-smooth);
}

a:hover {
  border-bottom-color: currentColor;
}

5.5 Streaming Text Animation

@keyframes cursor-blink {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
  50% { opacity: 0; }
}

.streaming-cursor {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 2px;
  height: 1.2em;
  background: var(--color-accent);
  margin-left: 2px;
  vertical-align: text-bottom;
  animation: cursor-blink 1s step-end infinite;
}

/* Word-by-word fade for streaming content */
.streaming-word {
  animation: appear var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-smooth) forwards;
}

---

MODULE 6: Trust & Safety Patterns

6.1 The Uncertainty Signal

When AI is unsure, say so. Visually.

export const UncertaintyNotice = ({ confidence }: { confidence: 'high' | 'medium' | 'low' }) => {
  const styles = {
    high: { bg: '#F0FDF4', border: '#86EFAC', text: '#166534' },
    medium: { bg: '#FFFBEB', border: '#FCD34D', text: '#92400E' },
    low: { bg: '#FEF2F2', border: '#FCA5A5', text: '#991B1B' },
  };

  const s = styles[confidence];

  return (
    <div className="flex items-start gap-2 p-3 rounded-lg text-sm" style={{ background: s.bg, border: `1px solid ${s.border}`, color: s.text }}>
      <AlertTriangle className="w-4 h-4 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
      <div>
        <p className="font-medium">Confidence: {confidence}</p>
        <p className="text-xs opacity-80 mt-0.5">
          {confidence === 'low' && "This response may contain inaccuracies. Please verify important information."}
          {confidence === 'medium' && "This response is based on general knowledge."}
          {confidence === 'high' && "This response is based on verified sources."}
        </p>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

6.2 The Source Citation

interface CitationProps {
  sources: Array<{ id: string; title: string; url: string }>;
}

export const SourceCitations = ({ sources }: CitationProps) => {
  return (
    <div className="mt-4 pt-4 border-t border-[var(--color-border)]">
      <p className="text-xs font-medium text-[var(--color-text-tertiary)] uppercase tracking-wider mb-2">Sources</p>
      <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
        {sources.map((source) => (
          <a
            key={source.id}
            href={source.url}
            target="_blank"
            rel="noopener noreferrer"
            className="inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 px-2.5 py-1 rounded-md bg-[var(--color-surface)] text-xs text-[var(--color-text-secondary)] hover:text-[var(--color-text)] transition-colors"
          >
            <ExternalLink className="w-3 h-3" />
            {source.title}
          </a>
        ))}
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

6.3 The Control Panel

Give users control over AI behavior.

export const AIControls = () => {
  return (
    <div className="p-4 rounded-xl bg-[var(--color-surface)] border border-[var(--color-border)]">
      <h3 className="text-sm font-medium text-[var(--color-text)] mb-3">Response Preferences</h3>

      <div className="space-y-3">
        <label className="flex items-center justify-between">
          <span className="text-sm text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">Show reasoning</span>
          <input type="checkbox" className="accent-[var(--color-accent)]" defaultChecked />
        </label>

        <label className="flex items-center justify-between">
          <span className="text-sm text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">Cite sources</span>
          <input type="checkbox" className="accent-[var(--color-accent)]" defaultChecked />
        </label>

        <label className="flex items-center justify-between">
          <span className="text-sm text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">Concise mode</span>
          <input type="checkbox" className="accent-[var(--color-accent)]" />
        </label>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

---

MODULE 7: Responsive Behavior

7.1 The Collapsible Sidebar

export const Sidebar = ({ children, isOpen, onClose }: SidebarProps) => {
  return (
    <>
      {/* Mobile overlay */}
      {isOpen && (
        <div 
          className="fixed inset-0 bg-black/20 backdrop-blur-sm z-40 lg:hidden"
          onClick={onClose}
        />
      )}

      <aside className={cn(
        "fixed lg:static inset-y-0 left-0 z-50 w-72 bg-[var(--color-surface)] border-r border-[var(--color-border)] transform transition-transform duration-300 ease-out",
        isOpen ? "translate-x-0" : "-translate-x-full lg:translate-x-0"
      )}>
        {children}
      </aside>
    </>
  );
};

7.2 The Adaptive Composer

.composer {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 1rem;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, var(--color-bg) 80%, transparent);
}

@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .composer {
    position: sticky;
    bottom: 1rem;
    max-width: 48rem;
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 0;
    background: none;
  }
}

---

MODULE 8: Anti-Patterns

8.1 The Confidence Checklist

Before shipping, verify NONE of these are present:

Anti-Pattern	Why It Kills Trust	Fix
Fake typing delay	Manipulative, wastes time	Stream real tokens or show instantly
"I'm just an AI" disclaimers	Undermines confidence	Show capabilities, not limitations
Unsolicited suggestions	Feels pushy	Wait for user to ask
Over-confident wrong answers	Destroys trust	Use uncertainty signals
Dark patterns in pricing	Violates trust	Transparent, simple pricing
Hidden AI involvement	Deceptive	Clear AI attribution
Infinite scroll without save	Anxiety-inducing	Clear session boundaries
No way to stop generation	Loss of control	Prominent stop button

8.2 The Tone Check

Read the interface aloud. If it sounds like:

• A corporate memo → Rewrite
• A Terms of Service → Rewrite
• A motivational poster → Rewrite
• A thoughtful email → Keep

---

MODULE 9: Integration

9.1 With UI/UX Pro Max v7.1

This Skill Adds	Pro Max Adds
Trust patterns, conversational UI	Systematic execution, embedded data
Typography philosophy	Production components
Motion philosophy	Animation presets
AI-specific patterns	Industry heuristics

Usage: Use this skill for creative direction and AI-specific patterns. Use Pro Max for systematic execution, component assembly, and validation.

9.2 With Vercel Web Design Guidelines

This skill provides the "what" (trust, clarity). Vercel guidelines provide the "how" (accessibility, performance, responsive patterns).

9.3 With Vercel React Best Practices

This skill provides component patterns. React Best Practices provides the architecture (hooks, performance, SSR).

9.4 Shared Pattern Reference

These patterns appear in multiple skills:

Pattern	Primary Source	Also In
prefers-reduced-motion	Vercel Web Design Guidelines	ALL SKILLS
fluid typography	Vercel Web Design Guidelines	UI/UX Pro Max

Cross-reference rule: When duplicating a pattern, add a forward reference to the primary source. Do not duplicate implementation details.

---

MODULE 10: Error Handling & Recovery

10.1 API Error Patterns

export const APIErrorHandler = ({ error, onRetry }: { error: Error; onRetry?: () => void }) => {
  return (
    <div className="p-4 rounded-lg bg-[var(--color-surface)] border border-[var(--color-border)]">
      <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
        <AlertTriangle className="w-5 h-5 text-[var(--color-error)] shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
        <div>
          <p className="text-sm font-medium text-[var(--color-text)]">Something went wrong</p>
          <p className="text-xs text-[var(--color-text-secondary)] mt-1">
            {error.message || "An unexpected error occurred"}
          </p>
          {onRetry && (
            <button
              onClick={onRetry}
              className="mt-2 text-xs font-medium text-[var(--color-accent)] hover:underline"
            >
              Try again
            </button>
          )}
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  );
};

10.2 Streaming Error Recovery

export const StreamingError = ({ onRegenerate }: { onRegenerate: () => void }) => {
  return (
    <div className="flex items-center gap-2 py-3 px-4 bg-[var(--color-surface)] rounded-lg border border-[var(--color-error)]/20">
      <AlertCircle className="w-4 h-4 text-[var(--color-error)]" />
      <span className="text-sm text-[var(--color-text-secondary)]">Generation incomplete</span>
      <button
        onClick={onRegenerate}
        className="ml-auto text-xs font-medium text-[var(--color-accent)] hover:underline"
      >
        Regenerate
      </button>
    </div>
  );
};

10.3 Network Status Indicator

export const NetworkStatus = () => {
  const [isOnline, setIsOnline] = useState(navigator.onLine);
  
  useEffect(() => {
    const handleOnline = () => setIsOnline(true);
    const handleOffline = () => setIsOnline(false);
      
    window.addEventListener('online', handleOnline);
    window.addEventListener('offline', handleOffline);
      
    return () => {
      window.removeEventListener('online', handleOnline);
      window.removeEventListener('offline', handleOffline);
    };
  }, []);
    
  if (isOnline) return null;
    
  return (
    <div className="fixed top-0 left-0 right-0 bg-[var(--color-warning)] text-[var(--color-text)] text-center py-2 text-sm z-[var(--z-toast)]">
      You appear to be offline. Reconnecting...
    </div>
  );
};

10.4 Graceful Degradation

// Feature detection for AI capabilities
export const withGracefulDegradation = (Component: React.ComponentType, Fallback: React.ComponentType) => {
  return function WrappedComponent(props: any) {
    const [hasFeature, setHasFeature] = useState(true);
      
    useEffect(() => {
      // Check for required APIs
      const hasRequiredAPIs = 
        'IntersectionObserver' in window &&
        'crypto' in window &&
        'fetch' in window;
          
      setHasFeature(hasRequiredAPIs);
    }, []);
      
    return hasFeature ? <Component {...props} /> : <Fallback {...props} />;
  };
};

---

Anthropic Frontend Design Skill v1.1 — Trust through clarity, clarity through design.