Agent skill

Hig Foundations

by raintree-technology in raintree-technology/hig-doctor

Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations. An agent skill from raintree-technology/hig-doctor.

MITAuto-check passedFrontend & Design

Install Hig Foundations

skills CLI
$ npx skills add raintree-technology/hig-doctor --skill hig-foundations -a claude-code

Project install by default; add -g for ~/.claude/skills/.

GitHub CLI
$ gh skill install raintree-technology/hig-doctor hig-foundations --agent claude-code

Project scope by default; add --scope user for a personal install. Needs GitHub CLI 2.90.0 or later (public preview).

Manual copy
$ git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/raintree-technology/hig-doctor.git skills-src && mkdir -p .claude/skills && cp -r skills-src/skills/hig-foundations .claude/skills/hig-foundations && rm -rf skills-src

Use ~/.claude/skills/ instead of .claude/skills for a personal install. The folder must contain SKILL.md.

Claude Code skills documentation · loads skills from .claude/skills/

Facts

Skill name
hig-foundations
GitHub stars
143
Used in
5 other repos
Token cost
~1.8k tokens
SKILL.md length
666 words
Files
19 (incl. references)
Skills in repo
15
Repo updated
First seen
Licence
MIT

At a glance

Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations. An agent skill from raintree-technology/hig-doctor.

  • Works in 8 steps: Prioritize content over chrome. Reduce… → Build in accessibility from the start.… → Use system colors and materials. System… → …
  • The user asks about HIG color
  • SKILL.md covers Key Principles, Reference Index, Applying Foundations Together and Output Format, plus 2 more sections
  • Instructions only: no scripts, shell commands, URLs or credentials in SKILL.md

What it does

Hig Foundations is an agent skill from raintree-technology/hig-doctor. Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations. Use this skill when the user asks about "HIG color", "Apple typography", "SF Symbols", "dark mode guidelines", "accessible design", "Apple design foundations", "app icon", "layout guidelines", "materials", "motion", "privacy", "right to left", "RTL", "inclusive design", branding, images, spatial layout, or writing style. Also use when the user says "my colors look wrong in dark mode", "what font should I use", "is my app accessible enough", "how do I support…

Its SKILL.md is about 1.8k tokens, which your agent loads only when the skill is triggered. The skill folder holds 19 other files, including reference files (for example `references/accessibility.md`, `references/app-icons.md` and `references/branding.md`).

It sits in Frontend & Design, covering iOS development, Accessibility and Theming and dark mode. The repository describes itself as: Apple HIG reference and cross-framework UI audit tooling for agents. The licence is MIT.

When your agent uses it

  • The user asks about HIG color
  • Apple typography
  • Dark mode guidelines
  • Accessible design

Example prompts

  • “HIG color”
  • “Apple typography”
  • “SF Symbols”
  • “/hig-foundations”

Workflow steps

8 steps, taken from the first numbered list in SKILL.md.

  1. Prioritize content over chrome. Reduce visual clutter. Use system-provided materials and subtle separators rather than heavy borders and…
  2. Build in accessibility from the start. Design for VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Reduce Motion, Increase Contrast, and Switch Control from day…
  3. Use system colors and materials. System colors adapt to light/dark mode, increased contrast, and vibrancy. Prefer semantic colors (label…
  4. Use platform fonts and icons. SF Pro, SF Compact, SF Mono by default. New York for serif. Follow the type hierarchy at recommended sizes…
  5. Match platform conventions. Align look and behavior with system standards. Provide direct, responsive manipulation and clear feedback for…
  6. Respect privacy. Request permissions only when needed, explain why clearly, provide value before asking for data. Design for minimal data…
  7. Support internationalization. Accommodate text expansion, right-to-left scripts, and varying date/number formats. Use Auto Layout for…
  8. Use motion purposefully. Animation should communicate meaning and spatial relationships. Honor Reduce Motion by providing crossfade…

What it can do on your machine

Read from SKILL.md and the folder at commit 3ec08f5. It shows what the files ask for, not the result of running them.

  • Tool permissions

    Pre-approves nothing: there is no allowed-tools line, so your agent's usual permission prompts apply.

    From allowed-tools in the SKILL.md frontmatter.

  • Runs code

    No scripts in the folder and no shell commands in SKILL.md.

    From the folder's file list and the shell code blocks in SKILL.md.

  • Network

    Links to these hosts (documentation or services it may open):

    • raintree.technology

    From URLs in SKILL.md, links to its own repository left out.

  • Credentials

    Names no API keys, tokens, secrets or passwords.

    From names ending in _API_KEY, _TOKEN, _SECRET, _KEY or _PASSWORD in SKILL.md.

Context cost

Hig Foundations loads about 1.8k tokens when it runs, and up to ~15k if it reads all its reference files. Until then it costs about 211 tokens; SKILL.md has 666 words of instructions outside code blocks.

Always · name and description, kept in context so the agent knows when to use it
~211
When it runs · the whole SKILL.md, loaded when a task matches
~1.8k
With references · SKILL.md plus every file in references/, read only if the agent opens them
~15k

Estimates: characters ÷ 4, the usual rule of thumb; real counts depend on the model's tokenizer. Scripts and assets cost tokens only if the agent reads them.

Safety

Auto-check passed

The automated check found no risky patterns in SKILL.md.

Automated static check — not a guarantee. Review scripts before installing. It scans the text of SKILL.md for risky patterns (piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files, hidden Unicode, destructive commands); files beside SKILL.md are not scanned.

SKILL.md

The full file from raintree-technology/hig-doctor at commit 3ec08f5, republished under its MIT licence (© raintree-technology). 666 words, ~1,756 tokens.

Download SKILL.mdSave it as .claude/skills/hig-foundations/SKILL.md (or your agent's skills folder). This skill also uses 18 other files; get the full folder from GitHub.
name
hig-foundations
description
Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations. Use this skill when the user asks about "HIG color", "Apple typography", "SF Symbols", "dark mode guidelines", "accessible design", "Apple design foundations", "app icon", "layout guidelines", "materials", "motion", "privacy", "right to left", "RTL", "inclusive design", branding, images, spatial layout, or writing style. Also use when the user says "my colors look wrong in dark mode", "what font should I use", "is my app accessible enough", "how do I support Dynamic Type", "what contrast ratio do I need", "how do I pick system colors", or "my icons don't match the system style". Cross-references: hig-platforms for platform-specific guidance, hig-patterns for interaction patterns, hig-components-layout for structural components, hig-components-content for display.
version
1.0.0

Apple HIG: Design Foundations

Check for .claude/apple-design-context.md before asking questions. Use existing context and only ask for information not already covered.

Key Principles

  1. Prioritize content over chrome. Reduce visual clutter. Use system-provided materials and subtle separators rather than heavy borders and backgrounds.

  2. Build in accessibility from the start. Design for VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Reduce Motion, Increase Contrast, and Switch Control from day one. Every interactive element needs an accessible label.

  3. Use system colors and materials. System colors adapt to light/dark mode, increased contrast, and vibrancy. Prefer semantic colors (label, secondaryLabel, systemBackground) over hard-coded values.

  4. Use platform fonts and icons. SF Pro, SF Compact, SF Mono by default. New York for serif. Follow the type hierarchy at recommended sizes. Use SF Symbols for iconography.

  5. Match platform conventions. Align look and behavior with system standards. Provide direct, responsive manipulation and clear feedback for every action.

  6. Respect privacy. Request permissions only when needed, explain why clearly, provide value before asking for data. Design for minimal data collection.

  7. Support internationalization. Accommodate text expansion, right-to-left scripts, and varying date/number formats. Use Auto Layout for dynamic content sizing.

  8. Use motion purposefully. Animation should communicate meaning and spatial relationships. Honor Reduce Motion by providing crossfade alternatives.

Reference Index

ReferenceTopicKey content
accessibility.mdAccessibilityVoiceOver, Dynamic Type, color contrast, motor accessibility, Switch Control, audio descriptions
app-icons.mdApp IconsIcon grid, platform-specific sizes, single focal point, no transparency
branding.mdBrandingIntegrating brand identity within Apple's design language, subtle branding, custom tints
color.mdColorSystem colors, Dynamic Colors, semantic colors, custom palettes, contrast ratios
dark-mode.mdDark ModeElevated surfaces, semantic colors, adapted palettes, vibrancy, testing in both modes
icons.mdIconsGlyph icons, SF Symbols integration, custom icon design, icon weights, optical alignment
images.mdImagesImage resolution, @2x/@3x assets, vector assets, image accessibility
immersive-experiences.mdImmersive ExperiencesAR/VR design, spatial immersion, comfort zones, progressive immersion levels
inclusion.mdInclusionDiverse representation, non-gendered language, cultural sensitivity, inclusive defaults
layout.mdLayoutMargins, spacing, alignment, safe areas, adaptive layouts, readable content guides
materials.mdMaterialsVibrancy, blur, translucency, system materials, material thickness
motion.mdMotionAnimation curves, transitions, continuity, Reduce Motion support, physics-based motion
privacy.mdPrivacyPermission requests, usage descriptions, privacy nutrition labels, minimal data collection
right-to-left.mdRight-to-LeftRTL layout mirroring, bidirectional text, icons that flip, exceptions
sf-symbols.mdSF SymbolsSymbol categories, rendering modes, variable color, custom symbols, weight matching
spatial-layout.mdSpatial LayoutvisionOS window placement, depth, ergonomic zones, Z-axis design
typography.mdTypographySF Pro, Dynamic Type sizes, text styles, custom fonts, font weight hierarchy, line spacing
writing.mdWritingUI copy guidelines, tone, capitalization rules, error messages, button labels, conciseness
Show full SKILL.md (235 more words)Show less

Applying Foundations Together

Consider how principles interact:

  1. Color + Dark Mode + Accessibility -- Custom palettes must work in both modes while maintaining WCAG contrast ratios. Start with system semantic colors.

  2. Typography + Accessibility + Layout -- Dynamic Type must scale without breaking layouts. Use text styles and Auto Layout for the full range of type sizes.

  3. Icons + Branding + SF Symbols -- Custom icons should match SF Symbols weight and optical sizing. Brand elements should integrate without overriding system conventions.

  4. Motion + Accessibility + Feedback -- Every animation must have a Reduce Motion alternative. Motion should reinforce spatial relationships, not decorate.

  5. Privacy + Writing + Onboarding -- Permission requests need clear, specific usage descriptions. Time them to when the user will understand the benefit.

Output Format

  1. Cite the specific HIG foundation with file and section.
  2. Note platform differences for the user's target platforms.
  3. Provide concrete code patterns (SwiftUI/UIKit/AppKit).
  4. Explain accessibility impact (contrast ratios, Dynamic Type scaling, VoiceOver behavior).

Questions to Ask

  1. Which platforms are you targeting?
  2. Do you have existing brand guidelines?
  3. What accessibility level are you targeting? (WCAG AA, AAA, Apple baseline?)
  4. System colors or custom?
  • hig-platforms -- How foundations apply per platform (e.g., type scale differences on watchOS vs macOS)
  • hig-patterns -- Interaction patterns where foundations like writing and accessibility are critical
  • hig-components-layout -- Structural components implementing layout principles
  • hig-components-content -- Content display using color, typography, and images

Built by Raintree Technology · More developer tools

© raintree-technology, MIT. Rendered from Markdown: HTML in the file is shown as text, images as links, and headings moved down two levels. Raw file

Files

SKILL.md and 18 other files (references) in skills/hig-foundations of raintree-technology/hig-doctor.

  • SKILL.md
  • references/accessibility.md
  • references/app-icons.md
  • references/branding.md
  • references/color.md
  • references/dark-mode.md
  • references/icons.md
  • references/images.md
  • references/immersive-experiences.md
  • references/inclusion.md
  • references/layout.md
  • references/materials.md
  • references/motion.md
  • references/privacy.md
  • references/right-to-left.md
  • references/sf-symbols.md
  • references/spatial-layout.md
  • references/typography.md
  • references/writing.md

Open the folder on GitHubat commit 3ec08f5

Used in 5 other repositories

We found 18 copies of this SKILL.md (exact, near-identical or edited) in other folders, from 5 other GitHub owners. This page covers the copy in raintree-technology/hig-doctor, which our catalogue first saw on October 7, 2026.

Compare with similar skills

Hig Foundations next to the 5 skills that share the most tags, products or categories with it. Stars are the repository's; “used in” counts other GitHub owners with a copy.

Hig Foundations compared with similar skills
SkillStarsUsed inTokensAuto-checkLicenceRepo updated
Hig Foundations this skillraintree-technology/hig-doctor1435 repos~1.8kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
iOS Higjohnrogers/claude-swift-engineering231—~705Automated safety check: PassMIT
UI UX Pro Maxsaoudi-h/solar-icons18618 repos~11kAutomated safety check: NotesCustom licence
Color Auditrome-os/rome737—~2.7kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Ant Designkqcoxn/MaaPipelineEditor4081 repos~1.1kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Better Colorstrycompai/crm11k—~1.9kAutomated safety check: PassMIT

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More from raintree-technology/hig-doctor

All 15 skills in this repo
  • Hig Project Context

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    Create or update a shared Apple design context document that other HIG skills use to tailor guidance.

    143 GitHub starsUsed in 5 repos~1.2k tokens
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  • Hig Components Content

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    Apple Human Interface Guidelines for content display components.

    143 GitHub starsUsed in 5 repos~1.3k tokens
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  • Hig Components Controls

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    Apple HIG guidance for selection and input controls including pickers, toggles, sliders, steppers, segmented controls, combo boxes, text fields, text views, labels, token fields, virtual keyboards…

    143 GitHub starsUsed in 5 repos~1.3k tokens
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  • Hig Components Dialogs

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    Apple HIG guidance for presentation components including alerts, action sheets, popovers, sheets, and digit entry views.

    143 GitHub starsUsed in 5 repos~1.1k tokens
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  • Hig Components Layout

    raintree-technology/hig-doctor

    Apple Human Interface Guidelines for layout and navigation components.

    143 GitHub starsUsed in 5 repos~1.6k tokens
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  • Hig Components Menus

    raintree-technology/hig-doctor

    Apple HIG guidance for menu and button components including menus, context menus, dock menus, edit menus, the menu bar, toolbars, action buttons, pop-up buttons, pull-down buttons, disclosure…

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Questions about Hig Foundations

What does Hig Foundations do?

Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations. An agent skill from raintree-technology/hig-doctor. Hig Foundations is an agent skill from raintree-technology/hig-doctor. Apple Human Interface Guidelines design foundations.

When should I use Hig Foundations?

Hig Foundations fits situations like: the user asks about HIG color; apple typography; dark mode guidelines; accessible design.

How do I install Hig Foundations in Claude Code?

Run `npx skills add raintree-technology/hig-doctor --skill hig-foundations -a claude-code`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/hig-foundations in raintree-technology/hig-doctor) into .claude/skills/hig-foundations in your project. Claude Code loads it when a task matches its description.

How do I install Hig Foundations in Codex?

Run `npx skills add raintree-technology/hig-doctor --skill hig-foundations -a codex`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/hig-foundations in raintree-technology/hig-doctor) into .agents/skills/hig-foundations in your project. Codex loads it when a task matches its description.

Can I use Hig Foundations in Cursor, Gemini CLI or GitHub Copilot?

Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and OpenCode also load SKILL.md folders. With the skills CLI, run `npx skills add raintree-technology/hig-doctor --skill hig-foundations -a cursor` (or -a gemini-cli, github-copilot or opencode for the others). To copy it by hand, put the folder in .cursor/skills/hig-foundations, .gemini/skills/hig-foundations, .github/skills/hig-foundations and .opencode/skills/hig-foundations in your project.

What does Hig Foundations need to run?

SKILL.md names no scripts, command-line tools or credentials: Hig Foundations is instructions for the agent only.

Does Hig Foundations access the network?

SKILL.md names 1 domain. As links in the text: raintree.technology. This is read from the text; nothing was executed.

Is Hig Foundations safe to install?

Our automated static check of SKILL.md found no risky patterns, such as piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files or hidden Unicode. It is not a guarantee. Review the folder before installing.

What licence does Hig Foundations use?

Hig Foundations is published under the MIT licence (the repository's licence). It allows redistribution, so the full SKILL.md is shown on this page.

How many tokens does Hig Foundations use?

About 1.8k tokens (SKILL.md is roughly 7k characters). Agents keep only the skill's name and description in context until a task matches; then they load SKILL.md in full. Its references folder adds about 13k tokens, read only when the agent opens those files.

What are the alternatives to Hig Foundations?

Skills that share tags, products or a category with Hig Foundations: iOS Hig (johnrogers/claude-swift-engineering, 231 stars), UI UX Pro Max (saoudi-h/solar-icons, 186 stars), Color Audit (rome-os/rome, 737 stars) and Ant Design (kqcoxn/MaaPipelineEditor, 408 stars). The comparison table on this page puts their stars, adoption, token cost, safety result and licence side by side.

Who maintains Hig Foundations?

raintree-technology (a GitHub organization) maintains it in raintree-technology/hig-doctor, which has 143 GitHub stars. The repository holds 15 skills in this directory. The repository was last updated on September 11, 2026.

Source: raintree-technology/hig-doctor on GitHub. Facts on this page come from the repository at the commit we read; the author's words are quoted as theirs.