tufte-lists

Analyze list, taxonomy, and navigation menu ordering against Tufte's principles.

Updated Jun 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jpoindexter/tufte-skills --skill tufte-lists
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agentโ–ผ
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tufte-lists
Source: https://github.com/jpoindexter/tufte-skills/tree/main/skills/tufte-lists
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jpoindexter/tufte-skills --skill tufte-lists

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill addresses the common failure of using accidental or inherited list structures that obscure information, helping you replace them with deliberate, content-driven ordering principles.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Ordering Audit: Evaluates whether your list's sequence (alphabetical, chronological, etc.) actually serves the reader's task or is merely a default container.
  • Hierarchy Testing: Identifies when deep taxonomies or nested menus are causing user confusion and provides a framework for flattening them.
  • Use Case: If your product's settings menu or backlog feels complicated, use this skill to test if a two-level structure or a verb-based approach would better reveal the underlying agency.

Quick Start

Use the tufte-lists skill to audit the current structure of our product backlog and suggest a more effective ordering principle.

Frequently Asked Questions about tufte-lists

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I audit a taxonomy or navigation menu for clarity?โ–ผ

To audit a taxonomy, you analyze its logical structure and ordering principles against user intent, checking if alphabetical or chronological sorting actually serves the reader or merely acts as a default container.

What is verb-based modeling for information architecture?โ–ผ

Verb-based modeling is an empirical list construction approach that evaluates inclusion and exclusion criteria to reveal underlying agency, replacing accidental or inherited structures with deliberate, content-driven ordering.

How do I fix a confusing product backlog or nested settings menu?โ–ผ

You fix a confusing backlog or nested settings menu by testing the hierarchy depth and applying a two-level structure or verb-based approach to flatten deep taxonomies that hinder clarity.

When should I flatten deep taxonomies in documentation design?โ–ผ

You should flatten deep taxonomies in documentation design when accidental sorting or inherited list structures obscure information, replacing them with deliberate ordering principles aligned to user tasks.

What is the best way to prioritize a product backlog using Tufte's list theory?โ–ผ

The best way to prioritize a backlog is applying Tufte's empirical theory of list construction, evaluating inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the sequence intentionally serves user agency.