Beautify

Make web apps look intentionally designed rather than AI-generated. This skill covers the visual principles that separate premium-feeling apps (Stripe, Linear, Vercel) from generic template output. Apply these principles when building new UI or when the user says something "looks off" but can't articulate why.

Reference AI-SLOP-FIXES.md for specific antipattern remediation. Reference REFERENCE-TEARDOWNS.md for concrete examples from production apps.

Core Principles

1. Restraint is the primary aesthetic. Premium apps use fewer colors, fewer font weights, fewer borders, fewer shadows. When in doubt, remove rather than add.
2. Every visual difference must communicate a difference in meaning. If two elements look different, they should BE different. If they're the same type of thing, they must look identical.
3. Hierarchy is not optional. Every screen has exactly one primary focal point, 2-3 secondary elements, and everything else recedes. If everything is emphasized, nothing is.
4. Whitespace is a design element, not empty space. It creates grouping, hierarchy, and breathing room. Increasing whitespace almost always improves perceived quality.
5. Color is information, not decoration. Each color in the palette should have a job. If a color doesn't communicate status, action, or brand, remove it.
6. Consistency compounds. One slightly-off spacing value is invisible. Twenty slightly-off values make an app feel broken. Nail the system, not individual screens.
7. The eye follows contrast. The highest-contrast element on screen gets attention first. Use this deliberately — never accidentally.