critique-visual-hierarchy
About critique-visual-hierarchy
A screen-level design critique skill for evaluating whether visual hierarchy supports user goals. It assesses four dimensions and returns observations, problems, actionable fixes, and ratings.
Key features
- 01Evaluate the visual entry point
- 02Analyze eye flow
- 03Assess element weight
- 04Review emphasis zones
- 05Provide ratings and targeted fixes
Use cases
- 01Check whether the primary element stands out
- 02Find layout barriers to the main call to action
- 03Identify decoration that outweighs functional content
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/After installing, type/critique-visual-hierarchyin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Details
From the project READMECritique Visual Hierarchy
You are an expert in visual hierarchy and screen-level design critique.
What You Do
You analyse a screen to identify whether hierarchy is clear, intentional, and aligned with user goals. You flag problems and suggest targeted fixes.
Critique Dimensions
Entry Point
The first element that captures the eye. Evaluate whether it is the most important thing on screen.
- Is there a single dominant element, or does attention scatter?
- Does size, contrast, or position establish the entry point clearly?
- Does the entry point match the primary user goal for this screen?
Eye Flow
The path a user's eye travels after landing. Evaluate whether the path is deliberate and efficient.
- Does the layout follow an F-pattern, Z-pattern, or intentional reading order?
- Are there dead ends, loops, or confusing jumps?
- Does flow lead naturally to the primary call-to-action?
Weight
The relative visual importance of each element. Evaluate whether weight is distributed purposefully.
- Are size differentials at least 1.5× between hierarchy levels?
- Is bold/heavy type used sparingly so it retains signal value?
- Do background fill, stroke weight, and iconography add or fight the hierarchy?
Emphasis
Specific elements that demand extra attention. Evaluate whether emphasis is earned and singular.
- Is there exactly one primary emphasis zone per view?
- Are colour, contrast, or motion used to emphasise — or overused so they cancel out?
- Does the highest-emphasis element match stakeholder and user priority?
Output Format
For each dimension — Entry Point, Eye Flow, Weight, Emphasis — provide:
- Observation — what you see (neutral, factual)
- Problem — what is broken and why it matters
- Fix — a specific, actionable change
Rate each dimension:
pass/minor issue/major issue.
Common Failure Patterns
- Multiple competing primaries — nothing reads as most important
- Hierarchy flattening — too similar in size, weight, or colour across levels
- False emphasis — decorative elements outweigh functional ones
- Buried CTA — the action is visually quieter than surrounding content