# Quick Reference — Full Rule Set (all 10 categories)

Load this file when doing a UI review/audit pass, or when you need the full checklist for a category beyond the priority table in SKILL.md. Each rule is also present verbatim in `data/ux-guidelines.csv` / `data/app-interface.csv` and is reachable via `--domain ux` / `--domain web` search — this file is a static index for quick scanning without a search round-trip.

## Quick Reference

### 1. Accessibility (CRITICAL)

- `color-contrast` - Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text (large text 3:1); Material Design
- `focus-states` - Visible focus rings on interactive elements (2–4px; Apple HIG, MD)
- `alt-text` - Descriptive alt text for meaningful images
- `aria-labels` - aria-label for icon-only buttons; accessibilityLabel in native (Apple HIG)
- `icon-context` - Semantics depend on use: decorative icons beside visible text are hidden from the accessibility tree; meaningful icons need a text alternative; icon controls need an accessible name and applicable state
- `keyboard-nav` - Tab order matches visual order; full keyboard support (Apple HIG)
- `form-labels` - Use label with for attribute
- `skip-links` - Skip to main content for keyboard users
- `heading-hierarchy` - Sequential h1→h6, no level skip
- `color-not-only` - Don't convey info by color alone (add icon/text)
- `dynamic-type` - Support system text scaling; avoid truncation as text grows (Apple Dynamic Type, MD)
- `reduced-motion` - Respect prefers-reduced-motion; reduce/disable animations when requested (Apple Reduced Motion API, MD)
- `voiceover-sr` - Meaningful accessibilityLabel/accessibilityHint; logical reading order for VoiceOver/screen readers (Apple HIG, MD)
- `escape-routes` - Provide cancel/back in modals and multi-step flows (Apple HIG)
- `keyboard-shortcuts` - Preserve system and a11y shortcuts; offer keyboard alternatives for drag-and-drop (Apple HIG)
- `focus-not-obscured` - Sticky UI, overlays, and banners must not hide the keyboard-focused control (WCAG 2.2 AA)
- `focus-not-obscured-enhanced` - Keep the entire focused component visible (WCAG 2.2 AAA)
- `focus-appearance` - Verify focus indicator area and 3:1 state contrast; visible focus alone is not enough (WCAG 2.2 AAA)
- `dragging-alternative` - Every author-controlled drag action needs a single-pointer and keyboard alternative (WCAG 2.2 AA)
- `web-target-size` - Web pointer targets need 24×24 CSS px or a documented exception; do not substitute native units (WCAG 2.2 AA)
- `consistent-help` - Repeated help mechanisms stay in the same relative order across a page set (WCAG 2.2 A)
- `redundant-entry` - Reuse information already supplied in the same process unless re-entry is essential (WCAG 2.2 A)
- `accessible-authentication` - Allow password managers and paste; provide a non-cognitive authentication path (WCAG 2.2 Minimum, AA). The Enhanced AAA criterion is not represented in the dataset
- `auto-rotation-controls` - Carousels and moving content need pause/stop controls and must stop on focus or reduced motion (WAI)
- `contextual-live-badge-updates` - Announce a changed count/status as a complete contextual phrase without moving focus; use one appropriate live/status region and atomic updates only when needed

### 2. Touch & Interaction (CRITICAL)

- `touch-target-size` - Min 44×44pt (Apple) / 48×48dp (Material); extend hit area beyond visual bounds if needed
- `touch-spacing` - Minimum 8px/8dp gap between touch targets (Apple HIG, MD)
- `hover-vs-tap` - Use click/tap for primary interactions; don't rely on hover alone
- `loading-buttons` - Disable button during async operations; show spinner or progress
- `error-feedback` - Clear error messages near problem
- `cursor-pointer` - Add cursor-pointer to clickable elements (Web)
- `gesture-conflicts` - Avoid horizontal swipe on main content; prefer vertical scroll
- `tap-delay` - Use touch-action: manipulation to reduce 300ms delay (Web)
- `standard-gestures` - Use platform standard gestures consistently; don't redefine (e.g. swipe-back, pinch-zoom) (Apple HIG)
- `system-gestures` - Don't block system gestures (Control Center, back swipe, etc.) (Apple HIG)
- `press-feedback` - Visual feedback on press (ripple/highlight; MD state layers)
- `haptic-feedback` - Use haptic for confirmations and important actions; avoid overuse (Apple HIG)
- `gesture-alternative` - Don't rely on gesture-only interactions; always provide visible controls for critical actions
- `safe-area-awareness` - Keep primary touch targets away from notch, Dynamic Island, gesture bar and screen edges
- `no-precision-required` - Avoid requiring pixel-perfect taps on small icons or thin edges
- `swipe-clarity` - Swipe actions must show clear affordance or hint (chevron, label, tutorial)
- `drag-threshold` - Use a movement threshold before starting drag to avoid accidental drags

### 3. Performance (HIGH)

- `image-optimization` - Use WebP/AVIF, responsive images (srcset/sizes), lazy load non-critical assets
- `image-dimension` - Declare width/height or use aspect-ratio to prevent layout shift (Core Web Vitals: CLS)
- `font-loading` - Use font-display: swap/optional to avoid invisible text (FOIT); reserve space to reduce layout shift (MD)
- `font-preload` - Preload only critical fonts; avoid overusing preload on every variant
- `critical-css` - Prioritize above-the-fold CSS (inline critical CSS or early-loaded stylesheet)
- `lazy-loading` - Lazy load non-hero components via dynamic import / route-level splitting
- `bundle-splitting` - Split code by route/feature (React Suspense / Next.js dynamic) to reduce initial load and TTI
- `third-party-scripts` - Load third-party scripts async/defer; audit and remove unnecessary ones (MD)
- `reduce-reflows` - Avoid frequent layout reads/writes; batch DOM reads then writes
- `content-jumping` - Reserve space for async content to avoid layout jumps (Core Web Vitals: CLS)
- `lazy-load-below-fold` - Use loading="lazy" for below-the-fold images and heavy media
- `virtualize-lists` - Virtualize lists with 50+ items to improve memory efficiency and scroll performance
- `main-thread-budget` - Keep per-frame work under ~16ms for 60fps; move heavy tasks off main thread (HIG, MD)
- `progressive-loading` - Use skeleton screens / shimmer instead of long blocking spinners for >1s operations (Apple HIG)
- `input-latency` - Keep input latency under ~100ms for taps/scrolls (Material responsiveness standard)
- `tap-feedback-speed` - Provide visual feedback within 100ms of tap (Apple HIG)
- `debounce-throttle` - Use debounce/throttle for high-frequency events (scroll, resize, input)
- `offline-support` - Provide offline state messaging and basic fallback (PWA / mobile)
- `network-fallback` - Offer degraded modes for slow networks (lower-res images, fewer animations)

### 4. Style Selection (HIGH)

- `style-match` - Match style to product type (use `--design-system` for recommendations)
- `consistency` - Use same style across all pages
- `no-emoji-icons` - Use SVG icons (Heroicons, Lucide), not emojis
- `color-palette-from-product` - Choose palette from product/industry (search `--domain color`)
- `effects-match-style` - Shadows, blur, radius aligned with chosen style (glass / flat / clay etc.)
- `platform-adaptive` - Respect platform idioms (iOS HIG vs Material): navigation, controls, typography, motion
- `state-clarity` - Make hover/pressed/disabled states visually distinct while staying on-style (Material state layers)
- `elevation-consistent` - Use a consistent elevation/shadow scale for cards, sheets, modals; avoid random shadow values
- `dark-mode-pairing` - Design light/dark variants together to keep brand, contrast, and style consistent
- `icon-style-consistent` - Use one icon set/visual language (stroke width, corner radius) across the product
- `system-controls` - Prefer native/system controls over fully custom ones; only customize when branding requires it (Apple HIG)
- `blur-purpose` - Use blur to indicate background dismissal (modals, sheets), not as decoration (Apple HIG)
- `primary-action` - Each screen should have only one primary CTA; secondary actions visually subordinate (Apple HIG)

### 5. Layout & Responsive (HIGH)

- `viewport-meta` - width=device-width initial-scale=1 (never disable zoom)
- `mobile-first` - Design mobile-first, then scale up to tablet and desktop
- `breakpoint-consistency` - Use systematic breakpoints (e.g. 375 / 768 / 1024 / 1440)
- `readable-font-size` - Minimum 16px body text on mobile (avoids iOS auto-zoom)
- `line-length-control` - Mobile 35–60 chars per line; desktop 60–75 chars
- `horizontal-scroll` - No horizontal scroll on mobile; ensure content fits viewport width
- `spacing-scale` - Use 4pt/8dp incremental spacing system (Material Design)
- `touch-density` - Keep component spacing comfortable for touch: not cramped, not causing mis-taps
- `container-width` - Consistent max-width on desktop (max-w-6xl / 7xl)
- `z-index-management` - Define layered z-index scale (e.g. 0 / 10 / 20 / 40 / 100 / 1000)
- `fixed-element-offset` - Fixed navbar/bottom bar must reserve safe padding for underlying content
- `scroll-behavior` - Avoid nested scroll regions that interfere with the main scroll experience
- `viewport-units` - Prefer min-h-dvh over 100vh on mobile
- `orientation-support` - Keep layout readable and operable in landscape mode
- `content-priority` - Show core content first on mobile; fold or hide secondary content
- `visual-hierarchy` - Establish hierarchy via size, spacing, contrast — not color alone
- `compact-label-overflow` - Choose badge, status tag, filter chip, or removable value from its semantics; keep essential labels available and disclose unavoidable truncation to pointer and keyboard users
- `chip-collection-reflow` - Wrap the collection before shrinking labels; make a `+n` overflow summary an operable disclosure instead of hiding values

### 6. Typography & Color (MEDIUM)

- `line-height` - Use 1.5-1.75 for body text
- `line-length` - Limit to 65-75 characters per line
- `font-pairing` - Match heading/body font personalities
- `font-scale` - Consistent type scale (e.g. 12 14 16 18 24 32)
- `contrast-readability` - Darker text on light backgrounds (e.g. slate-900 on white)
- `text-styles-system` - Use platform type system: iOS 11 Dynamic Type styles / Material 5 type roles (display, headline, title, body, label) (HIG, MD)
- `weight-hierarchy` - Use font-weight to reinforce hierarchy: Bold headings (600–700), Regular body (400), Medium labels (500) (MD)
- `color-semantic` - Define semantic color tokens (primary, secondary, error, surface, on-surface) not raw hex in components (Material color system)
- `color-dark-mode` - Dark mode uses desaturated / lighter tonal variants, not inverted colors; test contrast separately (HIG, MD)
- `color-accessible-pairs` - Foreground/background pairs must meet 4.5:1 (AA) or 7:1 (AAA); use tools to verify (WCAG, MD)
- `color-not-decorative-only` - Functional color (error red, success green) must include icon/text; avoid color-only meaning (HIG, MD)
- `truncation-strategy` - Prefer wrapping over truncation; when truncating use ellipsis and provide full text via tooltip/expand (Apple HIG)
- `letter-spacing` - Respect default letter-spacing per platform; avoid tight tracking on body text (HIG, MD)
- `number-tabular` - Use tabular/monospaced figures for data columns, prices, and timers to prevent layout shift
- `whitespace-balance` - Use whitespace intentionally to group related items and separate sections; avoid visual clutter (Apple HIG)
- `heading-line-balance` - Use balanced wrapping on short headings as a progressive, user-agent-controlled heuristic; keep natural wrapping readable and never force final words together with blanket nonbreaking spaces
- `long-token-wrapping` - Let URLs, IDs, and user content reflow with `overflow-wrap: anywhere` and a shrinkable flex/grid text child; do not apply `word-break: break-all` to normal prose

### 7. Animation (MEDIUM)

- `duration-timing` - Choose shared motion tokens by distance, complexity, platform, and user context; test that feedback remains responsive instead of treating one duration range as universal
- `transform-performance` - Use transform/opacity only; avoid animating width/height/top/left
- `loading-states` - Match feedback to the expected wait and platform/component guidance; avoid both flashing indicators for near-instant work and unexplained long waits
- `excessive-motion` - Animate 1-2 key elements per view max
- `easing` - Use deceleration when arriving, acceleration when leaving, and linear motion for genuinely constant-rate progress or rotation
- `motion-meaning` - Every animation must express a cause-effect relationship, not just be decorative (Apple HIG)
- `state-transition` - State changes (hover / active / expanded / collapsed / modal) should animate smoothly, not snap
- `continuity` - Page/screen transitions should maintain spatial continuity (shared element, directional slide) (Apple HIG)
- `parallax-subtle` - Use parallax sparingly; must respect reduced-motion and not cause disorientation (Apple HIG)
- `spring-physics` - Prefer spring/physics-based curves over linear or cubic-bezier for natural feel (Apple HIG fluid animations)
- `exit-faster-than-enter` - Exit animations shorter than enter (~60–70% of enter duration) to feel responsive (MD motion)
- `stagger-sequence` - Stagger list/grid item entrance by 30–50ms per item; avoid all-at-once or too-slow reveals (MD)
- `shared-element-transition` - Use shared element / hero transitions for visual continuity between screens (MD, HIG)
- `interruptible` - Animations must be interruptible; user tap/gesture cancels in-progress animation immediately (Apple HIG)
- `no-blocking-animation` - Never block user input during an animation; UI must stay interactive (Apple HIG)
- `fade-crossfade` - Use crossfade for content replacement within the same container (MD)
- `scale-feedback` - Subtle scale (0.95–1.05) on press for tappable cards/buttons; restore on release (HIG, MD)
- `gesture-feedback` - Drag, swipe, and pinch must provide real-time visual response tracking the finger (MD Motion)
- `hierarchy-motion` - Use translate/scale direction to express hierarchy: enter from below = deeper, exit upward = back (MD)
- `motion-consistency` - Unify duration/easing tokens globally; all animations share the same rhythm and feel
- `opacity-threshold` - Fading elements should not linger below opacity 0.2; either fade fully or remain visible
- `modal-motion` - Modals/sheets should animate from their trigger source (scale+fade or slide-in) for spatial context (HIG, MD)
- `navigation-direction` - Forward navigation animates left/up; backward animates right/down — keep direction logically consistent (HIG)
- `layout-shift-avoid` - Animations must not cause layout reflow or CLS; use transform for position changes
- `cancellable-state-transitions` - Rapid state changes must cancel/replace prior micro-interactions safely, set the new final state explicitly, and never depend on an animation-end event for correctness

### 8. Forms & Feedback (MEDIUM)

- `input-labels` - Visible label per input (not placeholder-only)
- `error-placement` - Show a specific error below the related field and connect it with aria-describedby
- `submit-feedback` - Loading then success/error state on submit
- `required-indicators` - Mark required fields (e.g. asterisk)
- `empty-states` - Helpful message and action when no content
- `toast-dismiss` - Auto-dismiss toasts in 3-5s
- `confirmation-dialogs` - Confirm before destructive actions
- `input-helper-text` - Provide persistent helper text below complex inputs, not just placeholder (Material Design)
- `disabled-states` - Disabled elements use reduced opacity (0.38–0.5) + cursor change + semantic attribute (MD)
- `progressive-disclosure` - Reveal complex options progressively; don't overwhelm users upfront (Apple HIG)
- `inline-validation` - Validate on blur (not keystroke); show error only after user finishes input (MD)
- `input-type-keyboard` - Use semantic input types (email, tel, number) to trigger the correct mobile keyboard (HIG, MD)
- `password-toggle` - Provide show/hide toggle for password fields (MD)
- `autofill-support` - Use autocomplete / textContentType attributes so the system can autofill (HIG, MD)
- `undo-support` - Allow undo for destructive or bulk actions (e.g. "Undo delete" toast) (Apple HIG)
- `success-feedback` - Confirm completed actions with brief visual feedback (checkmark, toast, color flash) (MD)
- `error-recovery` - Error messages must include a clear recovery path (retry, edit, help link) (HIG, MD)
- `multi-step-progress` - Multi-step flows show step indicator or progress bar; allow back navigation (MD)
- `form-autosave` - Long forms should auto-save drafts to prevent data loss on accidental dismissal (Apple HIG)
- `sheet-dismiss-confirm` - Confirm before dismissing a sheet/modal with unsaved changes (Apple HIG)
- `error-clarity` - Error messages must state cause + how to fix (not just "Invalid input") (HIG, MD)
- `field-grouping` - Group related fields logically (fieldset/legend or visual grouping) (MD)
- `read-only-distinction` - Read-only state should be visually and semantically different from disabled (MD)
- `focus-management` - After failed submission with multiple errors, focus the error summary; without a summary, focus the first invalid field
- `error-summary` - Put a focusable summary at the top after failed submit, link each item to its invalid field, and retain inline field errors
- `touch-friendly-input` - Mobile input height ≥44px to meet touch target requirements (Apple HIG)
- `destructive-emphasis` - Destructive actions use semantic danger color (red) and are visually separated from primary actions (HIG, MD)
- `toast-accessibility` - Toasts must not steal focus; use aria-live="polite" for screen reader announcement (WCAG)
- `aria-live-errors` - Form errors use aria-live region or role="alert" to notify screen readers (WCAG)
- `contrast-feedback` - Error and success state colors must meet 4.5:1 contrast ratio (WCAG, MD)
- `timeout-feedback` - Request timeout must show clear feedback with retry option (MD)

### 9. Navigation Patterns (HIGH)

- `bottom-nav-limit` - Bottom navigation max 5 items; use labels with icons (Material Design)
- `drawer-usage` - Use drawer/sidebar for secondary navigation, not primary actions (Material Design)
- `back-behavior` - Back navigation must be predictable and consistent; preserve scroll/state (Apple HIG, MD)
- `deep-linking` - All key screens must be reachable via deep link / URL for sharing and notifications (Apple HIG, MD)
- `tab-bar-ios` - iOS: use bottom Tab Bar for top-level navigation (Apple HIG)
- `top-app-bar-android` - Android: use Top App Bar with navigation icon for primary structure (Material Design)
- `nav-label-icon` - Navigation items must have both icon and text label; icon-only nav harms discoverability (MD)
- `nav-state-active` - Current location must be visually highlighted (color, weight, indicator) in navigation (HIG, MD)
- `nav-hierarchy` - Primary nav (tabs/bottom bar) vs secondary nav (drawer/settings) must be clearly separated (MD)
- `modal-escape` - Modals and sheets must offer a clear close/dismiss affordance; swipe-down to dismiss on mobile (Apple HIG)
- `search-accessible` - Search must be easily reachable (top bar or tab); provide recent/suggested queries (MD)
- `breadcrumb-web` - Web: use breadcrumbs for 3+ level deep hierarchies to aid orientation (MD)
- `state-preservation` - Navigating back must restore previous scroll position, filter state, and input (HIG, MD)
- `gesture-nav-support` - Support system gesture navigation (iOS swipe-back, Android predictive back) without conflict (HIG, MD)
- `tab-badge` - Use badges on nav items sparingly to indicate unread/pending; clear after user visits (HIG, MD)
- `overflow-menu` - When actions exceed available space, use overflow/more menu instead of cramming (MD)
- `bottom-nav-top-level` - Bottom nav is for top-level screens only; never nest sub-navigation inside it (MD)
- `adaptive-navigation` - Large screens (≥1024px) prefer sidebar; small screens use bottom/top nav (Material Adaptive)
- `back-stack-integrity` - Never silently reset the navigation stack or unexpectedly jump to home (HIG, MD)
- `navigation-consistency` - Navigation placement must stay the same across all pages; don't change by page type
- `avoid-mixed-patterns` - Don't mix Tab + Sidebar + Bottom Nav at the same hierarchy level
- `modal-vs-navigation` - Modals must not be used for primary navigation flows; they break the user's path (HIG)
- `focus-on-route-change` - After page transition, move focus to main content region for screen reader users (WCAG)
- `persistent-nav` - Core navigation must remain reachable from deep pages; don't hide it entirely in sub-flows (HIG, MD)
- `destructive-nav-separation` - Dangerous actions (delete account, logout) must be visually and spatially separated from normal nav items (HIG, MD)
- `empty-nav-state` - When a nav destination is unavailable, explain why instead of silently hiding it (MD)

### 10. Charts & Data (LOW)

- `chart-type` - Match chart type to data type (trend → line, comparison → bar, proportion → pie/donut)
- `color-guidance` - Use accessible color palettes; avoid red/green only pairs for colorblind users (WCAG, MD)
- `data-table` - Provide table alternative for accessibility; charts alone are not screen-reader friendly (WCAG)
- `pattern-texture` - Supplement color with patterns, textures, or shapes so data is distinguishable without color (WCAG, MD)
- `legend-visible` - Always show legend; position near the chart, not detached below a scroll fold (MD)
- `tooltip-on-interact` - Provide tooltips/data labels on hover (Web) or tap (mobile) showing exact values (HIG, MD)
- `axis-labels` - Label axes with units and readable scale; avoid truncated or rotated labels on mobile
- `responsive-chart` - Charts must reflow or simplify on small screens (e.g. horizontal bar instead of vertical, fewer ticks)
- `empty-data-state` - Show meaningful empty state when no data exists ("No data yet" + guidance), not a blank chart (MD)
- `loading-chart` - Use skeleton or shimmer placeholder while chart data loads; don't show an empty axis frame
- `animation-optional` - Chart entrance animations must respect prefers-reduced-motion; data should be readable immediately (HIG)
- `large-dataset` - For 1000+ data points, aggregate or sample; provide drill-down for detail instead of rendering all (MD)
- `number-formatting` - Use locale-aware formatting for numbers, dates, currencies on axes and labels (HIG, MD)
- `touch-target-chart` - Interactive chart elements (points, segments) must have ≥44pt tap area or expand on touch (Apple HIG)
- `no-pie-overuse` - Avoid pie/donut for >5 categories; switch to bar chart for clarity
- `contrast-data` - Data lines/bars vs background ≥3:1; data text labels ≥4.5:1 (WCAG)
- `legend-interactive` - Legends should be clickable to toggle series visibility (MD)
- `direct-labeling` - For small datasets, label values directly on the chart to reduce eye travel
- `tooltip-keyboard` - Tooltip content must be keyboard-reachable and not rely on hover alone (WCAG)
- `sortable-table` - Data tables must support sorting with aria-sort indicating current sort state (WCAG)
- `axis-readability` - Axis ticks must not be cramped; maintain readable spacing, auto-skip on small screens
- `data-density` - Limit information density per chart to avoid cognitive overload; split into multiple charts if needed
- `trend-emphasis` - Emphasize data trends over decoration; avoid heavy gradients/shadows that obscure the data
- `gridline-subtle` - Grid lines should be low-contrast (e.g. gray-200) so they don't compete with data
- `focusable-elements` - Interactive chart elements (points, bars, slices) must be keyboard-navigable (WCAG)
- `screen-reader-summary` - Provide a text summary or aria-label describing the chart's key insight for screen readers (WCAG)
- `error-state-chart` - Data load failure must show error message with retry action, not a broken/empty chart
- `export-option` - For data-heavy products, offer CSV/image export of chart data
- `drill-down-consistency` - Drill-down interactions must maintain a clear back-path and hierarchy breadcrumb
- `time-scale-clarity` - Time series charts must clearly label time granularity (day/week/month) and allow switching
