Skills

API Shape Explorer

Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel...

Install

npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill api-shape-explorer -g -a claude-code -y
Category
Design
Updated
4d ago
License
MIT
Context cost
Lightabout 776 tokens
Runs scripts
No, instructions only

What it does

Generate multiple radically different interface designs for a module using parallel sub-agents. Use when user wants to design an API, explore interface options, compare module shapes, or mentions "design it twice".

Design an Interface

Based on "Design It Twice" from "A Philosophy of Software Design": your first idea is unlikely to be the best. Generate multiple radically different designs, then compare.

Workflow

1. Gather Requirements

Before designing, understand:

  • What problem does this module solve?
  • Who are the callers? (other modules, external users, tests)
  • What are the key operations?
  • Any constraints? (performance, compatibility, existing patterns)
  • What should be hidden inside vs exposed?

Ask: "What does this module need to do? Who will use it?"

2. Generate Designs (Parallel Sub-Agents)

Spawn 3+ sub-agents simultaneously using Task tool. Each must produce a radically different approach.

Prompt template for each sub-agent:

Design an interface for: [module description]

Requirements: [gathered requirements]

Constraints for this design: [assign a different constraint to each agent]
- Agent 1: "Minimize method count - aim for 1-3 methods max"
- Agent 2: "Maximize flexibility - support many use cases"
- Agent 3: "Optimize for the most common case"
- Agent 4: "Take inspiration from [specific paradigm/library]"

Output format:
1. Interface signature (types/methods)
2. Usage example (how caller uses it)
3. What this design hides internally
4. Trade-offs of this approach

3. Present Designs

Show each design with:

  1. Interface signature - types, methods, params
  2. Usage examples - how callers actually use it in practice
  3. What it hides - complexity kept internal

Present designs sequentially so user can absorb each approach before comparison.

4. Compare Designs

After showing all designs, compare them on:

Read the whole SKILL.md on GitHub

More in Design