ios-hig-design

SKILL.md

Native iOS interface design aligned with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and platform conventions.

Covers eight core design areas: layout and safe areas, typography with Dynamic Type, semantic colors and Dark Mode, native navigation patterns, system controls, accessibility (VoiceOver, contrast, touch targets), SF Symbols, and standard gestures with haptic feedback

Includes scoring framework (0-10) for auditing iOS interface adherence, common mistakes table, and quick diagnostic checklist for design review

Provides detailed specifications for spacing (8/16/24pt increments), touch targets (44x44pt minimum), text styles, color contrast (4.5:1 WCAG AA), and device-specific safe area insets across iPhone SE to Pro Max

References ten supporting documents covering typography, navigation, components, colors, gestures, accessibility implementation, app icons, keyboard input, permissions, and widgets

iOS Human Interface Guidelines Design Skill

Framework for designing native iOS app interfaces that feel intuitive, consistent, and aligned with Apple's design philosophy. Based on Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, the definitive resource for building apps that integrate seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, and the broader Apple ecosystem.

Core Principle

Apple's iOS design philosophy rests on three foundational pillars: clarity, deference, and depth. Every element must be legible and purposeful (clarity). The interface should never overshadow the content it presents (deference). And layering, transitions, and realistic motion must provide hierarchy and spatial relationships (depth).

The foundation: The best iOS apps don't just follow HIG rules mechanically---they internalize the philosophy that the interface exists to serve the user's content and tasks. Native components, system conventions, and platform consistency aren't constraints---they're the reason iOS users trust and enjoy apps that feel like they belong.

Scoring

Goal: 10/10. When reviewing or creating iOS interfaces or SwiftUI/UIKit code, rate them 0-10 based on adherence to the principles below. A 10/10 means full alignment with all guidelines; lower scores indicate gaps to address. Always provide the current score and specific improvements needed to reach 10/10.

iOS Design Framework

1. Layout & Safe Areas

Core concept: iOS devices have specific screen dimensions, safe area insets, and hardware intrusions (notch, Dynamic Island, home indicator) that must be respected in every layout.