design-an-interface
Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to design an API, explore interface options, compare module shapes, or mentions "design it twice".
Best for API designersWorks with GitHub
⌘source
- author
@mattpocock- language
- Shell
★36kstars
2.9kforks
Apr 29, 2026
✦overview.md
Key Features
- ·Parallel design generation
- ·Compare radically different approaches
- ·Requirement gathering checklist
- ·Assignable design constraints per agent
Use Cases
- →Exploring API options for a new module
- →Comparing interface shapes before implementation
- →Deciding between minimal vs flexible interface
- →Generating design alternatives for review
Best for
- ✓API designers
- ✓module architects
- ✓design reviews
Not ideal for
- !trivial modules
- !already finalized designs
FAQs
name
design-an-interface
description
Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to design an API, explore interface options, compare module shapes, or mentions "design it twice".
Design an Interface
Based on "Design It Twice" from "A Philosophy of Software Design": your first idea is unlikely to be the best. Generate multiple radically different designs, then compare.
Workflow
1. Gather Requirements
Before designing, understand:
- What problem does this module solve?
- Who are the callers? (other modules, external users, tests)
- What are the key operations?
- Any constraints? (performance, compatibility, existing patterns)
- What should be hidden inside vs exposed?
Ask: "What does this module need to do? Who will use it?"
2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)
Spawn 3+ sub-agents simultaneously using Task tool. Each must produce a radically different approach.
Prompt template for each sub-agent:
Design an interface for: [module description]
Requirements: [gathered requirements]
Constraints for this design: [assign a different constraint to each agent]
- Agent 1: "Minimize method count - aim for 1-3 methods max"
- Agent 2: "Maximize flexibility - support many use cases"
- Agent 3: "Optimize for the most common case"
- Agent 4: "Take inspiration from [specific paradigm/library]"
Output format:
$install
1-click copynpx skills add mattpocock/skills --skill design-an-interfaceSafety assessment
★
Clarity score
How clear and easy to understand the SKILL.md instructions are, rated from 1 to 5.
4/ 5
very goodClear and well structured, with only minor parts that might need a second read.
◎
Actionability score
How directly an agent can act on the SKILL.md instructions, rated from 1 to 5.
4/ 5
highMostly actionable with clear steps; only a few small gaps remain.