principle-exhaust-the-design-space

Exhaust the Design Space When a novel interaction or architectural decision has no established precedent, explore several concrete alternatives before implementation. Building the wrong thing costs more than exploring three options. The rule. When the right answer is not obvious, build 2-3 competing prototypes or sketches. Compare them side by side. Only then commit. Design it twice is this rule by another name. A second flavor of the first shape does not count. When it applies: Novel UI interactions (no prior art in the codebase) Architectural choices with multiple viable approaches Product design decisions where user experience depends on feel, not logic When it doesn't: Mechanical implementation where the pattern is established Bug fixes or refactors with a clear target state Changes where constraints dictate a single viable approach Installs 883 Repository cursor/plugins GitHub Stars 3.7K First Seen May 24, 2026 Security Audits Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass Socket Pass Snyk Pass