# UX Delight Principles

## Table of Contents
1. [Delight Hierarchy](#delight-hierarchy)
2. [Micro-Interactions](#micro-interactions)
3. [Personality & Voice](#personality--voice)
4. [Progressive Disclosure](#progressive-disclosure)
5. [Contextual Intelligence](#contextual-intelligence)

---

## Delight Hierarchy

Before pursuing delight, ensure foundation is solid:

```
        ╭─────────────╮
        │   DELIGHT   │  ← Moments of joy, surprise
        ├─────────────┤
        │  USABILITY  │  ← Efficient, learnable
        ├─────────────┤
        │ RELIABILITY │  ← Works consistently
        ├─────────────┤
        │ FUNCTIONAL  │  ← Does what it claims
        ╰─────────────╯
```

**Rule**: Never add delight to broken functionality.

---

## Micro-Interactions

### Delight Opportunities

| Trigger | Example | Delight Pattern |
|---------|---------|-----------------|
| Task completion | Agent finishes work | Celebration animation |
| First-time action | Initial conversation | Warm welcome |
| Milestone reached | 10th task completed | Achievement unlock |
| Error recovery | Retry succeeds | Relief/encouragement |
| Wait time | Loading state | Engaging animation |
| Discovery | Finding hidden feature | Easter egg |

### Implementation Guidelines
- **Subtle > Flashy**: Don't interrupt workflow
- **Skippable**: Power users can bypass
- **Contextual**: Match emotional moment
- **Consistent**: Same action = same response

### Animation Timing
- Micro-feedback: 100-200ms (button press)
- State transitions: 200-400ms (panel open)
- Celebrations: 500-1000ms (completion)
- Attention: 1-2s (notification)

---

## Personality & Voice

### Agent Personality Expression

Each agent should feel distinct through:

**Language Patterns**
- Winston (Architect): Precise, uses diagrams
- Sally (UX): Enthusiastic, user-focused
- Barry (Quick Flow): Casual, action-oriented
- John (PM): Formal, strategic

**Response Timing**
- Eager agents: Respond quickly, short messages
- Thoughtful agents: Slight delay, comprehensive

**Visual Expression**
- Idle animations reflecting personality
- Custom emoji/icon sets per agent
- Color accents matching role

### Avoiding Uncanny Valley
- Don't pretend to have emotions agents don't have
- Acknowledge AI nature when appropriate
- Consistent personality (no sudden shifts)

---

## Progressive Disclosure

### Complexity Layers

**Layer 1: Core Actions (Always Visible)**
- Chat with agent
- View agent status
- Navigate office

**Layer 2: Power Features (Discoverable)**
- Memory dashboard
- Task assignment
- Deep work mode

**Layer 3: Advanced (On-Demand)**
- MCP tool inspection
- Worktree management
- Context configuration

### Disclosure Triggers
- **Time-based**: Introduce after N sessions
- **Action-based**: Unlock after completing X
- **Curiosity-based**: Reward exploration
- **Need-based**: Surface when relevant

### UI Patterns
- Expandable sections (accordion)
- "More options" menus
- Contextual tooltips
- Inline tutorials

---

## Contextual Intelligence

### Smart Defaults
Reduce decisions by inferring intent:
- Default to most-used agent
- Remember last conversation
- Pre-fill common inputs
- Suggest next action

### Proactive Assistance
Offer help before user asks:
- "Looks like you're stuck. Want help?"
- "You've been working on X. Ready to commit?"
- "Mary has context on this. Want to loop her in?"

### Environmental Awareness
React to user's context:
- Time of day (greetings, energy levels)
- Work patterns (suggest breaks)
- Project state (recent errors, blockers)
- Collaboration (who else is active)

### Delight Through Intelligence
The most delightful experiences feel magical:
- System anticipates needs
- Remembers preferences without asking
- Connects dots user didn't see
- Removes friction before it's felt