qntx Design Philosophy

Core principles for interface design across qntx CLI and web components.

Foundational Principles

Data-First Hierarchy

All interface decisions prioritize data visibility and accessibility over aesthetic concerns.

• Maximize meaningful information density per screen
• Present information in scannable, structured formats
• Visual hierarchy emphasizes content over navigation or decoration

Performance as Constraint

Fast loading and minimal resource usage are non-negotiable requirements.

• Minimize external dependencies
• Efficient rendering without complex animations or effects
• System defaults and progressive enhancement where possible

Semantic Clarity

Information should be self-describing through consistent use of symbols and semantic markers.

• Use established symbol palette (SEG symbols: ⍟, ≡, ⨳, ⋈, +, =, ∈, ⌬, ✦, ⟶) for semantic meaning
• Consistent patterns for entity relationships and operations
• Clear visual indicators for status, state, and type information

Context-Aware Design Modes

CLI Interfaces

Minimal, text-based output optimized for terminal environments.

• Tables for structured data presentation
• Monospace typography for alignment and scannability
• No interactivity beyond command input
• Focus on information density and clarity

Web UI Interfaces

Interactive visualization interfaces for complex data exploration.

• Real-time updates (WebSocket) where beneficial
• Graph visualization for relationship-heavy data
• Interactive filtering and navigation
• Balance interactivity with performance constraints

Design Decision Framework

When making interface decisions, evaluate in this order:

1. Does this improve data access?
2. Does this reduce cognitive load?
3. Does this improve performance?
4. Does this maintain consistency?

Implementation Standards

• Semantic HTML: Use appropriate elements for their intended purpose
• System fonts: Leverage OS defaults for performance and familiarity
• Functional color: Color conveys status or type information, not decoration
• Professional text: No emojis in user-facing UI elements (buttons, labels, headings, notifications) - keep UI text professional and text-only
• Accessibility: Meet WCAG guidelines for inclusive access (keyboard navigation, screen-reader compatibility)

Anti-Patterns

• Visual effects that don't serve functional purpose (shadows, glows, excessive animation)
• Multi-step navigation for simple tasks
• Decorative elements that compete with content
• Color schemes prioritizing aesthetics over readability

Evolution

This philosophy evolves based on actual usage patterns, performance metrics, and development efficiency. The goal is consistent application of principles that serve users' needs for efficient, data-focused tools.

Inspiration: The Food Lab Approach

This design philosophy draws inspiration from J. Kenji López-Alt's The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science - applying the same principles of scientific method, transparent process, and data-driven decision-making to interface design.

Core parallels:

• Measure, don't guess: Like testing temperature and timing in cooking, we validate design decisions with performance metrics and usage patterns
• Understand the why: Just as The Food Lab explains why techniques work (not just what to do), our interfaces expose the underlying data and logic rather than hiding it behind abstractions
• Function over tradition: The Food Lab questions conventional wisdom in cooking; we question conventional UI patterns that prioritize aesthetics over data access
• Reproducible results: Scientific cooking requires consistent technique; our semantic symbols and patterns create consistent, predictable interfaces

The best interface, like the best recipe, is one that serves its purpose efficiently while revealing its own workings.