FAQs
Q: What is DesignChecker?
A: DesignChecker is a tool that AI agents can call to get automated design reviews and feedback on user interfaces, ensuring they meet modern design standards.
Q: How do agents access DesignChecker?
A: Agents can call DesignChecker via API or through MCP (Model Context Protocol), making it easy to integrate design validation directly into your agent's workflow.
Q: What types of designs can be checked?
A: DesignChecker can analyze web interfaces, mobile apps, design mockups, and prototypes. It supports screenshots, Figma links, live URLs, and HTML/CSS code.
Q: Is it free?
A: DesignChecker is accessible via a paid API. We plan to open source part of the solution to enable the community to contribute and extend the platform.
Q: How long does a review take?
A: Review time varies depending on the rules and checks being applied to your design. Simple checks complete in seconds, while comprehensive rule sets may take longer.
Q: What is MCP?
A: MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standardized way for AI agents to access tools and services. DesignChecker's MCP integration makes it seamless for agents to request design reviews.
Q: When will DesignChecker launch?
A: We're currently in beta development. Join our email newsletter to be notified when we launch and get early access.
Q: What is WCAG compliance and why does it matter?
A: WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) ensures your designs are accessible to users with disabilities. Following WCAG standards makes your interfaces usable by everyone, improving reach and legal compliance.
Q: How do you check color contrast ratios in web design?
A: Color contrast ratios compare the luminance between text and background colors. WCAG requires minimum ratios of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability.
Q: What makes good typography in web design?
A: Good typography requires proper font sizing (16px minimum for body text), adequate line height (1.5-1.6), appropriate letter spacing, and clear hierarchy through size and weight variations.
Q: What are common responsive design mistakes?
A: Common issues include inconsistent breakpoints, non-scalable typography, improper mobile layouts, fixed-width elements that overflow, and touch targets smaller than 44x44 pixels on mobile.
Q: How do you validate UI component accessibility?
A: Check for proper ARIA labels, keyboard navigation support, visible focus states, logical tab order, screen reader compatibility, and sufficient color contrast for all interactive elements.
Q: What is design linting?
A: Design linting automatically checks designs for style violations and best practice deviations, similar to code linting. It helps maintain consistency and quality across design systems.
Q: What are the 8-point grid system benefits?
A: The 8-point grid creates consistent spacing and sizing across designs. It improves visual rhythm, simplifies developer handoff, and works well with various screen densities and pixel ratios.
Q: Why is visual hierarchy important in UI design?
A: Visual hierarchy guides users through content using size, color, spacing, and contrast. It helps users understand what's important, improves scanability, and creates a clear path through the interface.
Q: What is the minimum touch target size for mobile?
A: Apple and Google recommend 44x44 pixels minimum for touch targets. This ensures users can accurately tap buttons and links without frustration, especially on smaller screens.
Q: How do you choose accessible color palettes?
A: Start with colors that meet WCAG contrast ratios, test with colorblindness simulators, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, and provide sufficient contrast between all interactive elements.
Q: What is whitespace and why does it matter?
A: Whitespace (negative space) is the empty area between elements. It improves readability, creates visual breathing room, establishes relationships between elements, and makes interfaces feel less cluttered.