Baseline Ui

---
name: baseline-ui
description: "Use when Quickly deslop UI code by fixing spacing, hierarchy, typography, contrast, and small layout issues. Use when the interface needs a fast cleanup or polish pass."
version: 5.0.0
last-updated: 2026-09-13
skills:
  - better-ui
  - frontend-design
  - better-colors
tools: Read, Grep, Glob, Bash, Edit, Write
scripts-binding:
  - .agent/scripts/lint_runner.js
  - .agent/scripts/verify_all.js
---

# Baseline UI — Fast Deslopping & Hierarchy Cleanup

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## 🛠️ Technical Architecture & Reference Recipes

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## 1. Stack & System Constraints

- **Tailwind CSS Defaults**: MUST use Tailwind CSS default utilities unless custom values already exist or are explicitly requested.
- **Animation Primitives**: MUST use `motion/react` (formerly `framer-motion`) when JavaScript animation is required.
- **Utility Class Merging**: MUST use `cn` utility (`clsx` + `tailwind-merge`) for dynamic class logic.
- **Accessible Component Primitives**: MUST use established accessible primitives (`Base UI`, `React Aria`, `Radix`) for anything with keyboard or focus behavior. Prefer `Base UI` for new unstyled primitives.
- **Destructive Actions**: MUST use an `AlertDialog` for destructive or irreversible actions.
- **Loading States**: SHOULD use structural skeletons for loading states instead of plain spinners.

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## 2. The 5-Step UI Deslop Protocol

1. **Fix Spacing Violations**: Replace hardcoded arbitrary margins/paddings (`margin-top: 13px`, `padding: 7px 11px`) with an 8px grid system (`4px`, `8px`, `12px`, `16px`, `24px`, `32px`, `48px`).
2. **Establish Typographic Hierarchy**: Max 3 font sizes per component context. Headings bold/semibold with tight letter-spacing (`-0.025em`) and `text-wrap: balance`. Body text regular with `1.5` line height.
3. **Elevate Contrast Ratios**: Eliminate low-contrast gray-on-gray text. Ensure text meets minimum WCAG AA 4.5:1 ratio against background.
4. **Clean Up Borders & Dividers**: Replace harsh 100% opaque black/white borders with subtle 8%-12% opacity borders (`border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.08)` or `var(--border)`).
5. **Enforce Container Alignment & Active Feedback**: Align text left with action buttons, group related controls with flex gaps, and add instant press feedback (`scale(0.97)`) on all interactive targets.

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## Anti-Slop Table

| Slop Pattern                        | Baseline Fix                                    | Rationale                                   |
| ----------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| `color: #888` on dark background    | `color: var(--text-muted)` (min 4.5:1 ratio)    | Improves readability and WCAG compliance    |
| `padding: 15px 23px`                | `padding: 16px 24px`                            | Aligns to 8px structural grid               |
| `border: 1px solid black`           | `border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1)`             | Removes harsh, distracting lines            |
| Mixed font sizes (13px, 14px, 15px) | Standardized scale (12px, 14px, 16px)           | Establishes clear visual hierarchy          |
| Plain text buttons without states   | Rounded button with hover/active press feedback | Indicates clickability and tactile response |