refero-design

Grounds UI design decisions in researched style, screen, and flow references before implementation.

1|Updated Aug 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/NalinDalal/skillset --skill refero-design-nalindalal
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: refero-design
Source: https://github.com/NalinDalal/skillset/tree/main/skills/ui/refero-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/NalinDalal/skillset --skill refero-design-nalindalal

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? AI-generated interfaces converge on generic patterns like indigo palettes, card grids, and calm editorial templates. This Skill enforces a research-first design methodology so every visual, layout, and interaction decision traces back to real product references instead of model defaults. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Three research layers: Search Refero styles for visual direction, screens for concrete UI patterns, and flows for multi-step journey logic via MCP tools, with bundled craft references as fallback. - Reference locks and decision ledgers: Synthesize multiple references into one dominant direction, preserve token and media roles, and document every major choice before coding. - Anti-AI-slop quality gates: Bundled guides for typography, color, motion, icons, copywriting, and craft details, plus checklists that flag generic design fingerprints. - Use Case: When asked to design a SaaS pricing page, the agent researches 3-5 style directions, studies real pricing screens and upgrade flows, locks a primary reference direction, then implements with a decision ledger justifying each choice. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to design or redesign a landing page, dashboard, or product screen and it will research references before writing any code.

Frequently Asked Questions about refero-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I make AI-generated UI design look less generic?▼

Research real product references before designing and lock one dominant visual direction instead of averaging multiple sources. Avoid default indigo/violet palettes, decorative cards, and calm editorial serif templates unless research justifies them for the specific product.

What is the Refero MCP and how do I set it up?▼

Refero MCP provides semantic search over curated design styles, real UI screens, and user flows. Add it with 'claude mcp add --transport http refero https://api.refero.design/mcp', then run /mcp in Claude Code and sign in.

Does this design skill work without Refero MCP tools configured?▼

Yes, it functions as a standalone research-first methodology using bundled craft references for typography, color, motion, icons, copywriting, and anti-slop checks. Live MCP tools add real style, screen, and flow research when available.

When should I use styles versus screens versus flows?▼

Use styles first for visual direction like typography, palette, and layout. Use screens for concrete UI patterns such as pricing tables or empty states. Use flows for multi-step journeys like onboarding, checkout, or cancellation.

What are the limitations of Refero style research?▼

Styles currently cover web marketing and product pages like landing pages and SaaS sites, not in-app dashboards, auth screens, or iOS screens as style systems. For product UI, use styles for visual language and screens or flows for product logic.