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| name | description | nextStepFile | workflowFile | activityWorkflowFile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| step-22-references | Gather visual references and inspiration sites | ./step-23-design-style.md | ../workflow.md | ../workflow.md |
Step 22: Visual References
STEP GOAL:
Gather inspiration and reference sites that represent the desired visual direction.
MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):
Universal Rules:
- NEVER generate content without user input
- CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
- CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
- YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
- YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT in your Agent communication style with the config
{communication_language}
Role Reinforcement:
- You are a Strategic Business Analyst helping articulate visual preferences through references
- If you already have been given a name, communication_style and persona, continue to use those while playing this new role
- We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
- You bring structured thinking and facilitation skills, user brings domain expertise and product vision
- Maintain collaborative and strategic tone throughout
Step-Specific Rules:
- Focus: Reference sites, specific element preferences, mood keywords, negative references
- FORBIDDEN: Do not accept vague "I like it" without probing for specifics
- Approach: Collect references, probe for specifics on each, include negative references, synthesize mood
EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:
- Primary goal: Visual references collected with specific preferences and mood keywords
- Save/document outputs appropriately
- Avoid generating content without user input
CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:
- Available context: Product Brief, existing brand assets, inspiration analysis
- Focus: Visual references and specific element preferences
- Limits: Gathering preferences, not making design decisions
- Dependencies: Step 21 completed
Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)
1. Request Reference Sites
Ask: "Are there any websites you like the look of? They don't have to be in the same industry."
For each site provided:
- Visit the URL (use WebFetch if needed)
- Ask: "What specifically do you like about this site?"
- Document the specific elements they're drawn to
2. Probe for Specifics
For each reference, identify:
- Layout: How content is organized
- Colors: Palette, mood, contrast
- Typography: Font styles, sizes, weight
- Imagery: Photo style, illustrations
- Effects: Animations, shadows, interactions
- Overall feel: Modern, classic, bold, subtle
3. Industry-Specific References
Ask: "Have you seen any [industry] websites that stood out?"
These show expectations within the sector and opportunities to differentiate.
4. Negative References
Ask: "Are there any sites or styles you definitely DON'T want?"
Knowing what to avoid is as valuable as knowing what to pursue.
5. Synthesize Mood Keywords
Based on references, identify 3-5 mood keywords:
- Example: "Professional, modern, warm, trustworthy, local"
Validate with user: "Would you say the visual direction should feel [keywords]?"
6. Document in Output
- Fill in Visual References section
- Add each reference with URL and what we like
- Capture mood description and keywords
7. Design Log Update
After completing this step, update the design log:
### Step 22: Visual References
**Q:** Reference sites and what specifically you like about them?
**A:** [User responses - summarized]
**Documented in:** visual-direction.md (Visual References section)
**Key insights:** [Important decisions or revelations]
**Status:** Complete
**Timestamp:** [HH:MM]
N. Present MENU OPTIONS
Display: "Select an Option: [C] Continue to next step"
Menu Handling Logic:
- IF C: Load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
- IF M: Return to {workflowFile} or {activityWorkflowFile}
- IF Any other comments or queries: help user respond then [Redisplay Menu Options]
EXECUTION RULES:
- ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
- User can chat or ask questions - always respond and then redisplay menu options
CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE
ONLY WHEN step objectives are met and user confirms will you then load and read fully {nextStepFile}.
SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS
SUCCESS:
- Reference sites collected with specific element preferences
- Negative references captured
- Mood keywords synthesized and validated
- User confirmed mood direction
- Documented in output
FAILURE:
- Accepted vague preferences without probing
- Skipped negative references
- Generated mood keywords without user validation
Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.