
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- Repository
- zebbern/claude-code-guide4.7k
- 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:
- Interface signature - types, methods, params
- Usage examples - how callers actually use it in practice
- 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:


