---
name: ui-spec
type: workflow
description: "Guidelines and procedures for creating comprehensive UI Specifications from PRDs and prototypes."
user-invocable: true
allowed-tools: Read, Glob, Grep, Write
effort: 3
argument-hint: "[prd, prototype, or feature name]"
when_to_use: "Use when translating a PRD, prototype, or feature brief into a concrete UI specification with components, states, and interactions."
---
# Skill: /ui-spec
Use this skill when moving from a PRD (Requirements) to a technical UI design. This skill bridges the gap between wireframes and code.
## The UI Spec Lifecycle
### 1. Analysis Phase
- **Map ACs**: Map every Acceptance Criterion from the PRD to a UI screen or interaction.
- **Prototype Ingestion**: If prototype code exists (e.g., from `prototyper`), read it to understand components and states.
### 2. Decomposition Phase
- Define the **Component Tree**.
- Identify which components can be reused from the existing codebase vs. which need to be new.
### 3. Specification Phase
Fill out the `ui-spec-template` including:
- **State Matrix**: Explicitly define what the user sees during `Loading`, `Error`, and `Empty` states.
- **Interactions**: Use EARS format (Condition-Trigger-Response) for all interactive elements.
### 4. Integration Phase
- Link the UI Spec in the feature's [Design Doc].
- Use the UI Spec as the checklist for the `frontend-developer`.
## The State x Display Matrix
Every component MUST define behavior for these 5 states:
1. **Default**: The "Happy Path".
2. **Loading**: Bone skeletal screens or spinners.
3. **Empty**: Context-aware messages when no data exists.
4. **Error**: User-friendly error messages with recovery actions (Retry/Reset).
5. **Partial**: Behavior when some data is missing or loading.
## Accessibility (A11y) Rules
- Every interaction must have a keyboard equivalent.
- Every interactive element must have an ARIA role and label.
- Color contrast ratios must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA (4.5:1 for normal text).
## Output
Save UI spec to `design/specs/ui-[feature-name].md`:
\`\`\`markdown
# UI Spec: [Feature Name]
## Component Tree
[Hierarchical list of components]
## State Matrix
| Component | Default | Loading | Empty | Error | Partial |
|-----------|---------|---------|-------|-------|---------|
## Interactions
[Component] -> [Trigger] -> [Response]
## Responsive Behavior
[Breakpoint-specific layout changes]
## Accessibility
[Keyboard nav, ARIA labels, contrast requirements]
## Open Questions
[Items needing design decision]
\`\`\`
## Related Skills
- `design-review` — review implemented UI against spec
- `frontend-design` — aesthetic direction and design system
- `design-system` — reusable component library
- `review-spec` — general spec review workflow