BMAD-METHOD/src/workflows/1-project-brief/steps-c/step-22-references.md

4.8 KiB

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.