Design Ranking

Rank solutions. Explain the ranking. Separate preference from quality.

How to use

• /design-ranking Apply ranking constraints when comparing design options in this conversation.

Constraints

Ranking Structure

• MUST rank options explicitly (1st, 2nd, 3rd) with clear reasoning for each position
• MUST state the evaluation criteria before ranking (hierarchy clarity, user task fit, brand alignment, etc.)
• MUST distinguish between "I prefer this" and "this works better" with evidence
• NEVER rank based on visual style alone. Rank based on how well decisions serve the goals.
• SHOULD acknowledge what each option does well, even lower-ranked ones

Quality vs. Preference

• MUST separate personal taste from functional quality
• A dark theme you personally prefer can be worse for the specific use case than a light theme
• SHOULD name the user context when defending a ranking ("for first-time users," "for power users," "for this brand")
• NEVER let trend-alignment influence ranking. Something can be trending and wrong for this context.

Predictive Judgment

• SHOULD predict which option would perform better with real users and explain why
• MUST connect predictions to specific design decisions, not general feelings
• "Version B will have higher engagement because the CTA has more visual weight relative to surrounding elements"

Anti-Patterns

• Ranking everything as "they're all good in different ways" (commit to a judgment)
• Letting execution quality override conceptual quality (a polished bad idea is still a bad idea)
• Ranking based on what's trending rather than what serves the context