diff --git a/ARCHITECTURE.md b/ARCHITECTURE.md
index 45768d07..bccb13ff 100644
--- a/ARCHITECTURE.md
+++ b/ARCHITECTURE.md
@@ -202,6 +202,7 @@ Templates contain the workflows, tips, and examples that require human judgment.
 | `{{BROWSE_SETUP}}` | `gen-skill-docs.ts` | Binary discovery + setup instructions |
 | `{{BASE_BRANCH_DETECT}}` | `gen-skill-docs.ts` | Dynamic base branch detection for PR-targeting skills (ship, review, qa, plan-ceo-review) |
 | `{{QA_METHODOLOGY}}` | `gen-skill-docs.ts` | Shared QA methodology block for /qa and /qa-only |
+| `{{DESIGN_METHODOLOGY}}` | `gen-skill-docs.ts` | Shared design audit methodology for /plan-design-review and /qa-design-review |
 
 This is structurally sound — if a command exists in code, it appears in docs. If it doesn't exist, it can't appear.
 
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 34350545..d97d8b26 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,5 +1,64 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## 0.5.0 — 2026-03-16
+
+- **Your site just got a design review.** `/plan-design-review` opens your site and reviews it like a senior product designer — typography, spacing, hierarchy, color, responsive, interactions, and AI slop detection. Get letter grades (A-F) per category, a dual headline "Design Score" + "AI Slop Score", and a structured first impression that doesn't pull punches.
+- **It can fix what it finds, too.** `/qa-design-review` runs the same designer's eye audit, then iteratively fixes design issues in your source code with atomic `style(design):` commits and before/after screenshots. CSS-safe by default, with a stricter self-regulation heuristic tuned for styling changes.
+- **Know your actual design system.** Both skills extract your live site's fonts, colors, heading scale, and spacing patterns via JS — then offer to save the inferred system as a `DESIGN.md` baseline. Finally know how many fonts you're actually using.
+- **AI Slop detection is a headline metric.** Every report opens with two scores: Design Score and AI Slop Score. The AI slop checklist catches the 10 most recognizable AI-generated patterns — the 3-column feature grid, purple gradients, decorative blobs, emoji bullets, generic hero copy.
+- **Design regression tracking.** Reports write a `design-baseline.json`. Next run auto-compares: per-category grade deltas, new findings, resolved findings. Watch your design score improve over time.
+- **80-item design audit checklist** across 10 categories: visual hierarchy, typography, color/contrast, spacing/layout, interaction states, responsive, motion, content/microcopy, AI slop, and performance-as-design. Distilled from Vercel's 100+ rules, Anthropic's frontend design skill, and 6 other design frameworks.
+
+### For contributors
+
+- Added `{{DESIGN_METHODOLOGY}}` resolver to `gen-skill-docs.ts` — shared design audit methodology injected into both `/plan-design-review` and `/qa-design-review` templates, following the `{{QA_METHODOLOGY}}` pattern.
+- Added `~/.gstack-dev/plans/` as a local plans directory for long-range vision docs (not checked in). CLAUDE.md and TODOS.md updated.
+- Added `/setup-design-md` to TODOS.md (P2) for interactive DESIGN.md creation from scratch.
+
+## 0.4.5 — 2026-03-16
+
+- **Review findings now actually get fixed, not just listed.** `/review` and `/ship` used to print informational findings (dead code, test gaps, N+1 queries) and then ignore them. Now every finding gets action: obvious mechanical fixes are applied automatically, and genuinely ambiguous issues are batched into a single question instead of 8 separate prompts. You see `[AUTO-FIXED] file:line Problem → what was done` for each auto-fix.
+- **You control the line between "just fix it" and "ask me first."** Dead code, stale comments, N+1 queries get auto-fixed. Security issues, race conditions, design decisions get surfaced for your call. The classification lives in one place (`review/checklist.md`) so both `/review` and `/ship` stay in sync.
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **`$B js "const x = await fetch(...); return x.status"` now works.** The `js` command used to wrap everything as an expression — so `const`, semicolons, and multi-line code all broke. It now detects statements and uses a block wrapper, just like `eval` already did.
+- **Clicking a dropdown option no longer hangs forever.** If an agent sees `@e3 [option] "Admin"` in a snapshot and runs `click @e3`, gstack now auto-selects that option instead of hanging on an impossible Playwright click. The right thing just happens.
+- **When click is the wrong tool, gstack tells you.** Clicking an `<option>` via CSS selector used to time out with a cryptic Playwright error. Now you get: `"Use 'browse select' instead of 'click' for dropdown options."`
+
+### For contributors
+
+- Gate Classification → Severity Classification rename (severity determines presentation order, not whether you see a prompt).
+- Fix-First Heuristic section added to `review/checklist.md` — the canonical AUTO-FIX vs ASK classification.
+- New validation test: `Fix-First Heuristic exists in checklist and is referenced by review + ship`.
+- Extracted `needsBlockWrapper()` and `wrapForEvaluate()` helpers in `read-commands.ts` — shared by both `js` and `eval` commands (DRY).
+- Added `getRefRole()` to `BrowserManager` — exposes ARIA role for ref selectors without changing `resolveRef` return type.
+- Click handler auto-routes `[role=option]` refs to `selectOption()` via parent `<select>`, with DOM `tagName` check to avoid blocking custom listbox components.
+- 6 new tests: multi-line js, semicolons, statement keywords, simple expressions, option auto-routing, CSS option error guidance.
+
+## 0.4.4 — 2026-03-16
+
+- **New releases detected in under an hour, not half a day.** The update check cache was set to 12 hours, which meant you could be stuck on an old version all day while new releases dropped. Now "you're up to date" expires after 60 minutes, so you'll see upgrades within the hour. "Upgrade available" still nags for 12 hours (that's the point).
+- **`/gstack-upgrade` always checks for real.** Running `/gstack-upgrade` directly now bypasses the cache and does a fresh check against GitHub. No more "you're already on the latest" when you're not.
+
+### For contributors
+
+- Split `last-update-check` cache TTL: 60 min for `UP_TO_DATE`, 720 min for `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE`.
+- Added `--force` flag to `bin/gstack-update-check` (deletes cache file before checking).
+- 3 new tests: `--force` busts UP_TO_DATE cache, `--force` busts UPGRADE_AVAILABLE cache, 60-min TTL boundary test with `utimesSync`.
+
+## 0.4.3 — 2026-03-16
+
+- **New `/document-release` skill.** Run it after `/ship` but before merging — it reads every doc file in your project, cross-references the diff, and updates README, ARCHITECTURE, CONTRIBUTING, CHANGELOG, and TODOS to match what you actually shipped. Risky changes get surfaced as questions; everything else is automatic.
+- **Every question is now crystal clear, every time.** You used to need 3+ sessions running before gstack would give you full context and plain English explanations. Now every question — even in a single session — tells you the project, branch, and what's happening, explained simply enough to understand mid-context-switch. No more "sorry, explain it to me more simply."
+- **Branch name is always correct.** gstack now detects your current branch at runtime instead of relying on the snapshot from when the conversation started. Switch branches mid-session? gstack keeps up.
+
+### For contributors
+
+- Merged ELI16 rules into base AskUserQuestion format — one format instead of two, no `_SESSIONS >= 3` conditional.
+- Added `_BRANCH` detection to preamble bash block (`git branch --show-current` with fallback).
+- Added regression guard tests for branch detection and simplification rules.
+
 ## 0.4.2 — 2026-03-16
 
 - **`$B js "await fetch(...)"` now just works.** Any `await` expression in `$B js` or `$B eval` is automatically wrapped in an async context. No more `SyntaxError: await is only valid in async functions`. Single-line eval files return values directly; multi-line files use explicit `return`.
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index fb705eea..9160fd22 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -44,11 +44,14 @@ gstack/
 │   ├── skill-llm-eval.test.ts   # Tier 3: LLM-as-judge (~$0.15/run)
 │   └── skill-e2e.test.ts         # Tier 2: E2E via claude -p (~$3.85/run)
 ├── qa-only/         # /qa-only skill (report-only QA, no fixes)
+├── plan-design-review/  # /plan-design-review skill (report-only design audit)
+├── qa-design-review/    # /qa-design-review skill (design audit + fix loop)
 ├── ship/            # Ship workflow skill
 ├── review/          # PR review skill
 ├── plan-ceo-review/ # /plan-ceo-review skill
 ├── plan-eng-review/ # /plan-eng-review skill
 ├── retro/           # Retrospective skill
+├── document-release/ # /document-release skill (post-ship doc updates)
 ├── setup            # One-time setup: build binary + symlink skills
 ├── SKILL.md         # Generated from SKILL.md.tmpl (don't edit directly)
 ├── SKILL.md.tmpl    # Template: edit this, run gen:skill-docs
@@ -119,6 +122,12 @@ CHANGELOG.md is **for users**, not contributors. Write it like product release n
 - No jargon: say "every question now tells you which project and branch you're in" not
   "AskUserQuestion format standardized across skill templates via preamble resolver."
 
+## Local plans
+
+Contributors can store long-range vision docs and design documents in `~/.gstack-dev/plans/`.
+These are local-only (not checked in). When reviewing TODOS.md, check `plans/` for candidates
+that may be ready to promote to TODOs or implement.
+
 ## E2E eval failure blame protocol
 
 When an E2E eval fails during `/ship` or any other workflow, **never claim "not
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index faf170a0..ecd3bc08 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 **gstack turns Claude Code from one generic assistant into a team of specialists you can summon on demand.**
 
-Nine opinionated workflow skills for [Claude Code](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code). Plan review, code review, one-command shipping, browser automation, QA testing, and engineering retrospectives — all as slash commands.
+Thirteen opinionated workflow skills for [Claude Code](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code). Plan review, design review, code review, one-command shipping, browser automation, QA testing, engineering retrospectives, and post-ship documentation — all as slash commands.
 
 ### Without gstack
 
@@ -19,13 +19,17 @@ Nine opinionated workflow skills for [Claude Code](https://docs.anthropic.com/en
 |-------|------|--------------|
 | `/plan-ceo-review` | Founder / CEO | Rethink the problem. Find the 10-star product hiding inside the request. |
 | `/plan-eng-review` | Eng manager / tech lead | Lock in architecture, data flow, diagrams, edge cases, and tests. |
+| `/plan-design-review` | Senior product designer | Designer's eye audit. 80-item checklist, letter grades, AI Slop detection, DESIGN.md inference. Report only — never touches code. |
+| `/design-consultation` | Design consultant | Build a complete design system from scratch. Researches competitors, proposes aesthetic + typography + color + spacing + motion, generates a preview page, and writes DESIGN.md. |
 | `/review` | Paranoid staff engineer | Find the bugs that pass CI but blow up in production. Triages Greptile review comments. |
 | `/ship` | Release engineer | Sync main, run tests, resolve Greptile reviews, push, open PR. For a ready branch, not for deciding what to build. |
 | `/browse` | QA engineer | Give the agent eyes. It logs in, clicks through your app, takes screenshots, catches breakage. Full QA pass in 60 seconds. |
 | `/qa` | QA + fix engineer | Test app, find bugs, fix them with atomic commits, re-verify. Before/after health scores and ship-readiness summary. Three tiers: Quick, Standard, Exhaustive. |
 | `/qa-only` | QA reporter | Report-only QA testing. Same methodology as /qa but never fixes anything. Use when you want a pure bug report without code changes. |
+| `/qa-design-review` | Designer + frontend engineer | Same design audit as /plan-design-review, then fixes what it finds. Atomic `style(design):` commits, before/after screenshots, CSS-safe self-regulation. |
 | `/setup-browser-cookies` | Session manager | Import cookies from your real browser (Comet, Chrome, Arc, Brave, Edge) into the headless session. Test authenticated pages without logging in manually. |
 | `/retro` | Engineering manager | Team-aware retro: your deep-dive + per-person praise and growth opportunities for every contributor. |
+| `/document-release` | Technical writer | Update README, ARCHITECTURE, CONTRIBUTING, and project docs to match what you just shipped. |
 
 ## Demo: one feature, five modes
 
@@ -78,6 +82,30 @@ You:   /qa https://staging.myapp.com --quick
 
 Claude: [Smoke test: homepage + 5 pages, 30 seconds]
         Health Score: 91/100. No critical issues. 1 medium: mobile nav overlap.
+
+You:   /plan-design-review https://staging.myapp.com
+
+Claude: Design Score: B  |  AI Slop Score: C
+
+        "The site communicates competence but not confidence."
+        "I notice the spacing between sections is uniform — nothing feels important."
+        "The first 3 things my eye goes to are: the gradient hero, a 3-column
+         feature grid with icons in circles, and a cookie-cutter CTA."
+        "If I had to describe this in one word: template."
+
+        Top issues: generic typography (Inter everywhere), AI slop patterns
+        (3-column icon grid, purple gradient), flat heading scale.
+
+        [Full report with letter grades, 12 findings, inferred design system]
+        Want me to save this as your DESIGN.md?
+
+You:   /qa-design-review
+
+Claude: [Runs the same audit, then fixes 8 design issues]
+        style(design): FINDING-001 — replace Inter with system font stack
+        style(design): FINDING-003 — add heading scale contrast
+        style(design): FINDING-007 — break 3-column grid into asymmetric layout
+        Design Score: B → A-  |  AI Slop Score: C → A
 ```
 
 ## Who this is for
@@ -104,11 +132,11 @@ This is the setup I use. One person, ten parallel agents, each with the right co
 
 Open Claude Code and paste this. Claude will do the rest.
 
-> Install gstack: run `git clone https://github.com/garrytan/gstack.git ~/.claude/skills/gstack && cd ~/.claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` then add a "gstack" section to CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, and lists the available skills: /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /review, /ship, /browse, /qa, /qa-only, /setup-browser-cookies, /retro. Then ask the user if they also want to add gstack to the current project so teammates get it.
+> Install gstack: run `git clone https://github.com/garrytan/gstack.git ~/.claude/skills/gstack && cd ~/.claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` then add a "gstack" section to CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, and lists the available skills: /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /plan-design-review, /design-consultation, /review, /ship, /browse, /qa, /qa-only, /qa-design-review, /setup-browser-cookies, /retro, /document-release. Then ask the user if they also want to add gstack to the current project so teammates get it.
 
 ### Step 2: Add to your repo so teammates get it (optional)
 
-> Add gstack to this project: run `cp -Rf ~/.claude/skills/gstack .claude/skills/gstack && rm -rf .claude/skills/gstack/.git && cd .claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` then add a "gstack" section to this project's CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, lists the available skills: /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /review, /ship, /browse, /qa, /setup-browser-cookies, /retro, and tells Claude that if gstack skills aren't working, run `cd .claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` to build the binary and register skills.
+> Add gstack to this project: run `cp -Rf ~/.claude/skills/gstack .claude/skills/gstack && rm -rf .claude/skills/gstack/.git && cd .claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` then add a "gstack" section to this project's CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, lists the available skills: /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /plan-design-review, /design-consultation, /review, /ship, /browse, /qa, /qa-only, /qa-design-review, /setup-browser-cookies, /retro, /document-release, and tells Claude that if gstack skills aren't working, run `cd .claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` to build the binary and register skills.
 
 Real files get committed to your repo (not a submodule), so `git clone` just works. The binary and node\_modules are gitignored — teammates just need to run `cd .claude/skills/gstack && ./setup` once to build (or `/browse` handles it automatically on first use).
 
@@ -257,6 +285,163 @@ Not "make the idea smaller."
 
 ---
 
+## `/plan-design-review`
+
+This is my **senior designer mode**.
+
+Most developers cannot tell whether their site looks AI-generated. I could not, until I started paying attention. There is a growing class of sites that are functional but soulless — they work fine but scream "an AI built this and nobody with taste looked at it." Purple gradients, 3-column icon grids, uniform bubbly border-radius on everything, centered text on every section, decorative blobs floating in the background. The ChatGPT aesthetic.
+
+`/plan-design-review` gives the agent a designer's eye.
+
+It opens your site and reacts to it the way a Stripe or Linear designer would — immediately, viscerally, with opinions. The first output is a structured gut reaction: what the site communicates at a glance, what the eye is drawn to, and a one-word verdict. That is the most valuable part. Everything after is supporting evidence.
+
+Then it extracts your actual design system by reading the CSS: how many fonts are you really using? What is your heading scale? How many colors? Is your spacing on a grid or arbitrary? It structures this as an **Inferred Design System** and offers to save it as a `DESIGN.md` — so now you have a design system you never had before, derived from what you actually shipped.
+
+The audit covers 80 items across 10 categories. Typography, spacing, hierarchy, color, responsive design, interaction states, motion, content quality, performance feel, and — the headline feature — **AI Slop Detection**. Ten specific anti-patterns that mark a site as machine-generated.
+
+Every finding gets a letter grade (A through F) per category. The report opens with two headline scores: **Design Score** and **AI Slop Score**. "Your site got a B on design but a D on AI Slop" tells you exactly where to focus.
+
+### Example
+
+```
+You:   /plan-design-review https://myapp.com
+
+Claude: Design Score: C  |  AI Slop Score: D
+
+        "The site communicates generic SaaS energy."
+        "I notice the hero section uses a blue-to-purple gradient
+         with a 3-column feature grid below it — the single most
+         recognizable AI-generated layout pattern."
+        "The first 3 things my eye goes to are: the gradient, the
+         symmetrical icon grid, and a 'Get Started' button that
+         looks like every other 'Get Started' button."
+        "If I had to describe this in one word: template."
+
+        Inferred Design System:
+        - Fonts: Inter (body), Inter (headings) — 1 font family
+        - Colors: 14 unique non-gray colors (flag: >12)
+        - Heading scale: 36/24/18/16 — flat, no drama between sizes
+        - Spacing: mostly 16px and 24px — no rhythm
+
+        Top 5 Design Improvements:
+        1. Break the 3-column icon grid (High, AI Slop)
+        2. Add heading scale contrast — at least 2:1 ratio (High, Typography)
+        3. Replace uniform border-radius with intentional hierarchy (Medium, Spacing)
+        4. Kill the gradient hero — use a real image or bold typography (High, AI Slop)
+        5. Add a second font for headings — Inter-only reads as generic (Medium, Typography)
+
+        [Full report saved to .gstack/design-reports/]
+        Want me to save this inferred design system as your DESIGN.md?
+```
+
+This is report only — it never touches your code. Use `/qa-design-review` when you want it to fix what it finds.
+
+---
+
+## `/design-consultation`
+
+This is my **design partner mode**.
+
+`/plan-design-review` audits a site that already exists. `/design-consultation` is for when you have nothing yet — no design system, no font choices, no color palette. You are starting from zero and you want a senior designer to sit down with you and build the whole visual identity together.
+
+It is a conversation, not a form. The agent asks about your product, your users, and your space. If you want, it researches what top competitors in your category are doing — fonts, colors, layout patterns, aesthetic direction. Then it proposes a complete, coherent design system: aesthetic direction, typography (3+ fonts with specific roles), color palette with hex values, spacing scale, layout approach, and motion strategy. Every recommendation comes with a rationale. Every choice reinforces every other choice.
+
+The key insight: individual design decisions are easy to make but hard to make coherently. Picking a font is simple. Picking a font that works with your color palette, your spacing density, your aesthetic direction, and your product's personality — that is the actual job. `/design-consultation` solves the coherence problem by proposing everything as one package, then letting you adjust any piece while it checks that the rest still holds together.
+
+After you agree on the system, it generates an interactive HTML preview page — your fonts rendered at real sizes, your color palette as actual UI components (buttons, cards, form inputs, alerts), light/dark mode toggle, all using your product name instead of lorem ipsum. You open the page in your browser and see the design system rendered before a single line of product code is written.
+
+Then it writes `DESIGN.md` to your repo root — your project's design source of truth — and updates `CLAUDE.md` so every future Claude Code session respects the system. From that point on, `/qa-design-review` can audit against it, and any agent working on your frontend knows the rules.
+
+```
+You:   /design-consultation
+
+Claude: From the README, this looks like a developer analytics dashboard
+        for engineering teams. Sound right? And would you like me to
+        research what other dev tools are doing for design, or should
+        I work from what I know?
+
+You:    Yes, it's a dashboard for eng managers. Research would be great.
+
+Claude: I looked at Linear, Vercel, Railway, Planetscale, and Posthog.
+        They converge on clean sans-serifs and muted palettes, but
+        Linear stands out with its dark-first approach and tight spacing.
+        The gap: most of these feel interchangeable. Here's my proposal:
+
+        AESTHETIC: Industrial/Utilitarian — data-first, no decoration tax
+        TYPOGRAPHY: Geist (body + UI), Instrument Serif (display), JetBrains Mono (data)
+        COLOR: Restrained — slate neutrals, single teal accent (#0D9488)
+        SPACING: 4px base, compact density
+        LAYOUT: Grid-disciplined, 12-column
+        MOTION: Minimal-functional — only transitions that aid comprehension
+
+        This coheres because the utilitarian aesthetic demands a tight
+        spacing grid and restrained color. The serif display font creates
+        hierarchy contrast without adding visual noise. The monospace for
+        data tables feels native to the engineering audience.
+
+        Want to adjust anything, or should I generate the preview page?
+
+You:    Generate it.
+
+Claude: Preview opened in your browser.
+        [/tmp/design-consultation-preview-1710000000.html]
+
+        The page shows Instrument Serif at hero scale, Geist in body
+        paragraphs, JetBrains Mono in a sample data table. Color swatches
+        with your teal accent against slate grays. Buttons, cards, and
+        alerts rendered in both light and dark mode.
+
+        How does it feel? Want to adjust anything before I write DESIGN.md?
+
+You:    Looks great. Ship it.
+
+Claude: Wrote DESIGN.md (typography, color, spacing, layout, motion).
+        Updated CLAUDE.md with design system guidelines.
+        All future sessions will respect these choices.
+```
+
+---
+
+## `/qa-design-review`
+
+This is my **designer who codes mode**.
+
+`/plan-design-review` tells you what is wrong. `/qa-design-review` fixes it.
+
+It runs the same 80-item audit, then enters a fix loop: for each design finding, it locates the source file, makes the minimal CSS/styling change, commits with `style(design): FINDING-NNN`, re-navigates to verify, and takes before/after screenshots. One commit per fix, fully bisectable.
+
+The self-regulation heuristic is tuned for design work — CSS-only changes get a free pass (they are inherently safe and reversible), but changes to component JSX/TSX files count against the risk budget. Hard cap at 30 fixes. If the risk score exceeds 20%, it stops and asks.
+
+```
+You:   /qa-design-review https://myapp.com
+
+Claude: [Runs full design audit — same output as /plan-design-review]
+        Design Score: C  |  AI Slop Score: D
+        12 findings (4 high, 5 medium, 3 polish)
+
+        Fixing 9 design issues...
+
+        style(design): FINDING-001 — replace 3-column icon grid with asymmetric layout
+        style(design): FINDING-002 — add heading scale 48/32/24/18/16
+        style(design): FINDING-003 — remove gradient hero, use bold typography
+        style(design): FINDING-004 — add second font for headings
+        style(design): FINDING-005 — vary border-radius by element role
+        style(design): FINDING-006 — left-align body text, reserve center for headings
+        style(design): FINDING-007 — add hover/focus states to all interactive elements
+        style(design): FINDING-008 — add prefers-reduced-motion media query
+        style(design): FINDING-009 — set max content width to 680px for body text
+
+        Final audit:
+        Design Score: C → B+  |  AI Slop Score: D → A
+        9 fixes applied (8 verified, 1 best-effort). 3 deferred.
+
+        [Report with before/after screenshots saved to .gstack/design-reports/]
+```
+
+Nine commits, each touching one concern. The AI Slop score went from D to A because the three most recognizable patterns (gradient hero, 3-column grid, uniform radius) are gone. The design score improved two grades because the typography now has a scale, the spacing has hierarchy, and interactive elements have proper states.
+
+---
+
 ## `/review`
 
 This is my **paranoid staff engineer mode**.
@@ -590,6 +775,29 @@ It saves a JSON snapshot to `.context/retros/` so the next run can show trends.
 
 ---
 
+## `/document-release`
+
+This is my **technical writer mode**.
+
+After `/ship` creates the PR but before it merges, `/document-release` reads every documentation file in the project and cross-references it against the diff. It updates file paths, command lists, project structure trees, and anything else that drifted. Risky or subjective changes get surfaced as questions — everything else is handled automatically.
+
+```
+You:   /document-release
+
+Claude: Analyzing 21 files changed across 3 commits. Found 8 documentation files.
+
+        README.md: updated skill count from 9 to 10, added new skill to table
+        CLAUDE.md: added new directory to project structure
+        CONTRIBUTING.md: current — no changes needed
+        TODOS.md: marked 2 items complete, added 1 new item
+
+        All docs updated and committed. PR body updated with doc diff.
+```
+
+It also polishes CHANGELOG voice (without ever overwriting entries), cleans up completed TODOS, checks cross-doc consistency, and asks about VERSION bumps only when appropriate.
+
+---
+
 ## Troubleshooting
 
 **Skill not showing up in Claude Code?**
@@ -614,7 +822,7 @@ Or set `auto_upgrade: true` in `~/.gstack/config.yaml` to upgrade automatically
 
 Paste this into Claude Code:
 
-> Uninstall gstack: remove the skill symlinks by running `for s in browse plan-ceo-review plan-eng-review review ship retro qa qa-only setup-browser-cookies; do rm -f ~/.claude/skills/$s; done` then run `rm -rf ~/.claude/skills/gstack` and remove the gstack section from CLAUDE.md. If this project also has gstack at .claude/skills/gstack, remove it by running `for s in browse plan-ceo-review plan-eng-review review ship retro qa qa-only setup-browser-cookies; do rm -f .claude/skills/$s; done && rm -rf .claude/skills/gstack` and remove the gstack section from the project CLAUDE.md too.
+> Uninstall gstack: remove the skill symlinks by running `for s in browse plan-ceo-review plan-eng-review plan-design-review design-consultation review ship retro qa qa-only qa-design-review setup-browser-cookies document-release; do rm -f ~/.claude/skills/$s; done` then run `rm -rf ~/.claude/skills/gstack` and remove the gstack section from CLAUDE.md. If this project also has gstack at .claude/skills/gstack, remove it by running `for s in browse plan-ceo-review plan-eng-review plan-design-review review ship retro qa qa-only qa-design-review setup-browser-cookies document-release; do rm -f .claude/skills/$s; done && rm -rf .claude/skills/gstack` and remove the gstack section from the project CLAUDE.md too.
 
 ## Development
 
diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index 2239a91b..76007eee 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -33,12 +35,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/TODOS.md b/TODOS.md
index 9c569c0d..1fb67502 100644
--- a/TODOS.md
+++ b/TODOS.md
@@ -500,6 +500,40 @@ Implemented as `supabase/functions/weekly-digest/index.ts`. pg_cron Monday 9am U
 **Priority:** P3
 **Depends on:** Ref staleness Parts 1+2 (shipped)
 
+## Design Review
+
+### /design-consultation interactive skill — SHIPPED
+
+~~**What:** Interactive skill that walks user through creating a DESIGN.md from scratch.~~
+
+Shipped as `/design-consultation` on garrytan/design branch. Renamed from `/setup-design-md` to reflect the consultant approach (agent proposes a complete coherent system, user adjusts). Includes competitive research via WebSearch, combined font+color preview page, coherence validation, and LLM-judged E2E tests.
+
+## Document-Release
+
+### Auto-invoke /document-release from /ship
+
+**What:** Add Step 8.5 to /ship that reads document-release/SKILL.md and executes the doc update workflow after creating the PR.
+
+**Why:** Zero-friction doc updates — user runs /ship and docs are automatically current. No extra command to remember.
+
+**Context:** /ship currently ends at Step 8 (PR URL output). Step 8.5 would continue into the document-release workflow. Same pattern as /ship calling /review's checklist in Step 3.5.
+
+**Effort:** S
+**Priority:** P1
+**Depends on:** /document-release shipped
+
+### `{{DOC_VOICE}}` shared resolver
+
+**What:** Create a placeholder resolver in gen-skill-docs.ts encoding the gstack voice guide (friendly, user-forward, lead with benefits). Inject into /ship Step 5, /document-release Step 5, and reference from CLAUDE.md.
+
+**Why:** DRY — voice rules currently live inline in 3 places (CLAUDE.md CHANGELOG style section, /ship Step 5, /document-release Step 5). When the voice evolves, all three drift.
+
+**Context:** Same pattern as `{{QA_METHODOLOGY}}` — shared block injected into multiple templates to prevent drift. ~20 lines in gen-skill-docs.ts.
+
+**Effort:** S
+**Priority:** P2
+**Depends on:** None
+
 ## Completed
 
 ### Phase 1: Foundations (v0.2.0)
diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index 2b7c5ae0..8f0916f7 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.4.2
+0.5.0
diff --git a/bin/gstack-update-check b/bin/gstack-update-check
index 7c5e5ca0..d44c7e0f 100755
--- a/bin/gstack-update-check
+++ b/bin/gstack-update-check
@@ -20,6 +20,11 @@ SNOOZE_FILE="$STATE_DIR/update-snoozed"
 VERSION_FILE="$GSTACK_DIR/VERSION"
 REMOTE_URL="${GSTACK_REMOTE_URL:-https://raw.githubusercontent.com/garrytan/gstack/main/VERSION}"
 
+# ─── Force flag (busts cache for standalone /gstack-upgrade) ──
+if [ "${1:-}" = "--force" ]; then
+  rm -f "$CACHE_FILE"
+fi
+
 # ─── Step 0: Check if updates are disabled ────────────────────
 _UC=$("$GSTACK_DIR/bin/gstack-config" get update_check 2>/dev/null || true)
 if [ "$_UC" = "false" ]; then
@@ -97,24 +102,27 @@ if [ -f "$MARKER_FILE" ]; then
   exit 0
 fi
 
-# ─── Step 3: Check cache freshness (12h = 720 min) ──────────
+# ─── Step 3: Check cache freshness ──────────────────────────
+# UP_TO_DATE: 60 min TTL (detect new releases quickly)
+# UPGRADE_AVAILABLE: 720 min TTL (keep nagging)
 if [ -f "$CACHE_FILE" ]; then
-  # Cache is fresh if modified within 720 minutes
-  STALE=$(find "$CACHE_FILE" -mmin +720 2>/dev/null || true)
-  if [ -z "$STALE" ]; then
-    # Cache is fresh — read it
-    CACHED="$(cat "$CACHE_FILE" 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  CACHED="$(cat "$CACHE_FILE" 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  case "$CACHED" in
+    UP_TO_DATE*)        CACHE_TTL=60 ;;
+    UPGRADE_AVAILABLE*) CACHE_TTL=720 ;;
+    *)                  CACHE_TTL=0 ;;  # corrupt → force re-fetch
+  esac
+
+  STALE=$(find "$CACHE_FILE" -mmin +$CACHE_TTL 2>/dev/null || true)
+  if [ -z "$STALE" ] && [ "$CACHE_TTL" -gt 0 ]; then
     case "$CACHED" in
       UP_TO_DATE*)
-        # Verify local version still matches cached version
         CACHED_VER="$(echo "$CACHED" | awk '{print $2}')"
         if [ "$CACHED_VER" = "$LOCAL" ]; then
           exit 0
         fi
-        # Local version changed — fall through to re-check
         ;;
       UPGRADE_AVAILABLE*)
-        # Verify local version still matches cached old version
         CACHED_OLD="$(echo "$CACHED" | awk '{print $2}')"
         if [ "$CACHED_OLD" = "$LOCAL" ]; then
           CACHED_NEW="$(echo "$CACHED" | awk '{print $3}')"
@@ -124,7 +132,6 @@ if [ -f "$CACHE_FILE" ]; then
           echo "$CACHED"
           exit 0
         fi
-        # Local version changed (manual upgrade?) — fall through to re-check
         ;;
     esac
   fi
diff --git a/browse/SKILL.md b/browse/SKILL.md
index c0d7a4eb..dd473dc0 100644
--- a/browse/SKILL.md
+++ b/browse/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -33,12 +35,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/browse/src/browser-manager.ts b/browse/src/browser-manager.ts
index 243ed177..260c8219 100644
--- a/browse/src/browser-manager.ts
+++ b/browse/src/browser-manager.ts
@@ -208,6 +208,15 @@ export class BrowserManager {
     return { selector };
   }
 
+  /** Get the ARIA role for a ref selector, or null for CSS selectors / unknown refs. */
+  getRefRole(selector: string): string | null {
+    if (selector.startsWith('@e') || selector.startsWith('@c')) {
+      const entry = this.refMap.get(selector.slice(1));
+      return entry?.role ?? null;
+    }
+    return null;
+  }
+
   getRefCount(): number {
     return this.refMap.size;
   }
diff --git a/browse/src/read-commands.ts b/browse/src/read-commands.ts
index a7d76352..54877562 100644
--- a/browse/src/read-commands.ts
+++ b/browse/src/read-commands.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,24 @@ function hasAwait(code: string): boolean {
   return /\bawait\b/.test(stripped);
 }
 
+/** Detect whether code needs a block wrapper {…} vs expression wrapper (…) inside an async IIFE. */
+function needsBlockWrapper(code: string): boolean {
+  const trimmed = code.trim();
+  if (trimmed.split('\n').length > 1) return true;
+  if (/\b(const|let|var|function|class|return|throw|if|for|while|switch|try)\b/.test(trimmed)) return true;
+  if (trimmed.includes(';')) return true;
+  return false;
+}
+
+/** Wrap code for page.evaluate(), using async IIFE with block or expression body as needed. */
+function wrapForEvaluate(code: string): string {
+  if (!hasAwait(code)) return code;
+  const trimmed = code.trim();
+  return needsBlockWrapper(trimmed)
+    ? `(async()=>{\n${code}\n})()`
+    : `(async()=>(${trimmed}))()`;
+}
+
 // Security: Path validation to prevent path traversal attacks
 const SAFE_DIRECTORIES = ['/tmp', process.cwd()];
 
@@ -124,7 +142,7 @@ export async function handleReadCommand(
     case 'js': {
       const expr = args[0];
       if (!expr) throw new Error('Usage: browse js <expression>');
-      const wrapped = hasAwait(expr) ? `(async()=>(${expr}))()` : expr;
+      const wrapped = wrapForEvaluate(expr);
       const result = await page.evaluate(wrapped);
       return typeof result === 'object' ? JSON.stringify(result, null, 2) : String(result ?? '');
     }
@@ -135,14 +153,8 @@ export async function handleReadCommand(
       validateReadPath(filePath);
       if (!fs.existsSync(filePath)) throw new Error(`File not found: ${filePath}`);
       const code = fs.readFileSync(filePath, 'utf-8');
-      if (hasAwait(code)) {
-        const trimmed = code.trim();
-        const isSingleExpr = trimmed.split('\n').length === 1;
-        const wrapped = isSingleExpr ? `(async()=>(${trimmed}))()` : `(async()=>{\n${code}\n})()`;
-        const result = await page.evaluate(wrapped);
-        return typeof result === 'object' ? JSON.stringify(result, null, 2) : String(result ?? '');
-      }
-      const result = await page.evaluate(code);
+      const wrapped = wrapForEvaluate(code);
+      const result = await page.evaluate(wrapped);
       return typeof result === 'object' ? JSON.stringify(result, null, 2) : String(result ?? '');
     }
 
diff --git a/browse/src/write-commands.ts b/browse/src/write-commands.ts
index 87b2fa5d..2b384920 100644
--- a/browse/src/write-commands.ts
+++ b/browse/src/write-commands.ts
@@ -44,11 +44,48 @@ export async function handleWriteCommand(
     case 'click': {
       const selector = args[0];
       if (!selector) throw new Error('Usage: browse click <selector>');
+
+      // Auto-route: if ref points to a real <option> inside a <select>, use selectOption
+      const role = bm.getRefRole(selector);
+      if (role === 'option') {
+        const resolved = await bm.resolveRef(selector);
+        if ('locator' in resolved) {
+          const optionInfo = await resolved.locator.evaluate(el => {
+            if (el.tagName !== 'OPTION') return null; // custom [role=option], not real <option>
+            const option = el as HTMLOptionElement;
+            const select = option.closest('select');
+            if (!select) return null;
+            return { value: option.value, text: option.text };
+          });
+          if (optionInfo) {
+            await resolved.locator.locator('xpath=ancestor::select').selectOption(optionInfo.value, { timeout: 5000 });
+            return `Selected "${optionInfo.text}" (auto-routed from click on <option>) → now at ${page.url()}`;
+          }
+          // Real <option> with no parent <select> or custom [role=option] — fall through to normal click
+        }
+      }
+
       const resolved = await bm.resolveRef(selector);
-      if ('locator' in resolved) {
-        await resolved.locator.click({ timeout: 5000 });
-      } else {
-        await page.click(resolved.selector, { timeout: 5000 });
+      try {
+        if ('locator' in resolved) {
+          await resolved.locator.click({ timeout: 5000 });
+        } else {
+          await page.click(resolved.selector, { timeout: 5000 });
+        }
+      } catch (err: any) {
+        // Enhanced error guidance: clicking <option> elements always fails (not visible / timeout)
+        const isOption = 'locator' in resolved
+          ? await resolved.locator.evaluate(el => el.tagName === 'OPTION').catch(() => false)
+          : await page.evaluate(
+              (sel: string) => document.querySelector(sel)?.tagName === 'OPTION',
+              (resolved as { selector: string }).selector
+            ).catch(() => false);
+        if (isOption) {
+          throw new Error(
+            `Cannot click <option> elements. Use 'browse select <parent-select> <value>' instead of 'click' for dropdown options.`
+          );
+        }
+        throw err;
       }
       // Wait briefly for any navigation/DOM update
       await page.waitForLoadState('domcontentloaded').catch(() => {});
diff --git a/browse/test/commands.test.ts b/browse/test/commands.test.ts
index d8aaeab6..ea68dff6 100644
--- a/browse/test/commands.test.ts
+++ b/browse/test/commands.test.ts
@@ -198,6 +198,27 @@ describe('Inspection', () => {
     }
   });
 
+  test('js handles multi-line with await', async () => {
+    const code = 'const x = await Promise.resolve(42);\nreturn x;';
+    const result = await handleReadCommand('js', [code], bm);
+    expect(result).toBe('42');
+  });
+
+  test('js handles await with semicolons', async () => {
+    const result = await handleReadCommand('js', ['const x = await Promise.resolve(5); return x + 1;'], bm);
+    expect(result).toBe('6');
+  });
+
+  test('js handles await with statement keywords', async () => {
+    const result = await handleReadCommand('js', ['const res = await Promise.resolve("ok"); return res;'], bm);
+    expect(result).toBe('ok');
+  });
+
+  test('js still works for simple expressions', async () => {
+    const result = await handleReadCommand('js', ['1 + 2'], bm);
+    expect(result).toBe('3');
+  });
+
   test('css returns computed property', async () => {
     const result = await handleReadCommand('css', ['h1', 'color'], bm);
     // Navy color
@@ -247,6 +268,36 @@ describe('Interaction', () => {
     expect(val).toBe('admin');
   });
 
+  test('click on option ref auto-routes to selectOption', async () => {
+    await handleWriteCommand('goto', [baseUrl + '/forms.html'], bm);
+    // Reset select to default
+    await handleReadCommand('js', ['document.querySelector("#role").value = ""'], bm);
+    const snap = await handleMetaCommand('snapshot', [], bm, async () => {});
+    // Find an option ref (e.g., "Admin" option)
+    const optionLine = snap.split('\n').find((l: string) => l.includes('[option]') && l.includes('"Admin"'));
+    expect(optionLine).toBeDefined();
+    const refMatch = optionLine!.match(/@(e\d+)/);
+    expect(refMatch).toBeDefined();
+    const ref = `@${refMatch![1]}`;
+    const result = await handleWriteCommand('click', [ref], bm);
+    expect(result).toContain('auto-routed');
+    expect(result).toContain('Selected');
+    // Verify the select value actually changed
+    const val = await handleReadCommand('js', ['document.querySelector("#role").value'], bm);
+    expect(val).toBe('admin');
+  });
+
+  test('click CSS selector on option gives helpful error', async () => {
+    await handleWriteCommand('goto', [baseUrl + '/forms.html'], bm);
+    try {
+      await handleWriteCommand('click', ['option[value="admin"]'], bm);
+      expect(true).toBe(false); // Should not reach here
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      expect(err.message).toContain('select');
+      expect(err.message).toContain('option');
+    }
+  }, 15000);
+
   test('hover works', async () => {
     const result = await handleWriteCommand('hover', ['h1'], bm);
     expect(result).toContain('Hovered');
diff --git a/browse/test/gstack-update-check.test.ts b/browse/test/gstack-update-check.test.ts
index 2ec70e2d..66239931 100644
--- a/browse/test/gstack-update-check.test.ts
+++ b/browse/test/gstack-update-check.test.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import { describe, test, expect, beforeEach, afterEach } from 'bun:test';
-import { mkdtempSync, writeFileSync, rmSync, existsSync, readFileSync, mkdirSync, symlinkSync } from 'fs';
+import { mkdtempSync, writeFileSync, rmSync, existsSync, readFileSync, mkdirSync, symlinkSync, utimesSync } from 'fs';
 import { join } from 'path';
 import { tmpdir } from 'os';
 
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ const SCRIPT = join(import.meta.dir, '..', '..', 'bin', 'gstack-update-check');
 let gstackDir: string;
 let stateDir: string;
 
-function run(extraEnv: Record<string, string> = {}) {
-  const result = Bun.spawnSync(['bash', SCRIPT], {
+function run(extraEnv: Record<string, string> = {}, args: string[] = []) {
+  const result = Bun.spawnSync(['bash', SCRIPT, ...args], {
     env: {
       ...process.env,
       GSTACK_DIR: gstackDir,
@@ -412,4 +412,56 @@ describe('gstack-update-check', () => {
     expect(exitCode).toBe(0);
     expect(stdout).toBe('UPGRADE_AVAILABLE 0.3.3 0.4.0');
   });
+
+  // ─── --force flag tests ──────────────────────────────────────
+
+  test('--force busts fresh UP_TO_DATE cache', () => {
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'VERSION'), '0.3.3\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'REMOTE_VERSION'), '0.4.0\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(stateDir, 'last-update-check'), 'UP_TO_DATE 0.3.3');
+
+    // Without --force: cache hit, silent
+    const cached = run();
+    expect(cached.stdout).toBe('');
+
+    // With --force: cache busted, re-fetches, finds upgrade
+    const forced = run({}, ['--force']);
+    expect(forced.exitCode).toBe(0);
+    expect(forced.stdout).toBe('UPGRADE_AVAILABLE 0.3.3 0.4.0');
+  });
+
+  test('--force busts fresh UPGRADE_AVAILABLE cache', () => {
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'VERSION'), '0.3.3\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'REMOTE_VERSION'), '0.3.3\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(stateDir, 'last-update-check'), 'UPGRADE_AVAILABLE 0.3.3 0.4.0');
+
+    // Without --force: cache hit, outputs stale upgrade
+    const cached = run();
+    expect(cached.stdout).toBe('UPGRADE_AVAILABLE 0.3.3 0.4.0');
+
+    // With --force: cache busted, re-fetches, now up to date
+    const forced = run({}, ['--force']);
+    expect(forced.exitCode).toBe(0);
+    expect(forced.stdout).toBe('');
+    const cache = readFileSync(join(stateDir, 'last-update-check'), 'utf-8');
+    expect(cache).toContain('UP_TO_DATE');
+  });
+
+  // ─── Split TTL tests ─────────────────────────────────────────
+
+  test('UP_TO_DATE cache expires after 60 min (not 720)', () => {
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'VERSION'), '0.3.3\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(gstackDir, 'REMOTE_VERSION'), '0.4.0\n');
+    writeFileSync(join(stateDir, 'last-update-check'), 'UP_TO_DATE 0.3.3');
+
+    // Set cache mtime to 90 minutes ago (past 60-min TTL)
+    const ninetyMinAgo = new Date(Date.now() - 90 * 60 * 1000);
+    const cachePath = join(stateDir, 'last-update-check');
+    utimesSync(cachePath, ninetyMinAgo, ninetyMinAgo);
+
+    // Cache should be stale at 60-min TTL, re-fetches and finds upgrade
+    const { exitCode, stdout } = run();
+    expect(exitCode).toBe(0);
+    expect(stdout).toBe('UPGRADE_AVAILABLE 0.3.3 0.4.0');
+  });
 });
diff --git a/design-consultation/SKILL.md b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d92d47fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,382 @@
+---
+name: design-consultation
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Design consultation: understands your product, researches competitors, proposes a
+  complete design system (aesthetic, typography, color, layout, spacing, motion), and
+  generates font+color preview pages. Creates DESIGN.md as your project's design source
+  of truth. For existing sites, use /plan-design-review to infer the system instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Glob
+  - Grep
+  - AskUserQuestion
+  - WebSearch
+---
+<!-- AUTO-GENERATED from SKILL.md.tmpl — do not edit directly -->
+<!-- Regenerate: bun run gen:skill-docs -->
+
+## Preamble (run first)
+
+```bash
+_UPD=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || .claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || true)
+[ -n "$_UPD" ] && echo "$_UPD" || true
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
+touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
+_SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
+find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
+_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
+```
+
+If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
+
+## AskUserQuestion Format
+
+**ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
+
+Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
+
+## Contributor Mode
+
+If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. You're a gstack user who also helps make it better.
+
+**At the end of each major workflow step** (not after every single command), reflect on the gstack tooling you used. Rate your experience 0 to 10. If it wasn't a 10, think about why. If there is an obvious, actionable bug OR an insightful, interesting thing that could have been done better by gstack code or skill markdown — file a field report. Maybe our contributor will help make us better!
+
+**Calibration — this is the bar:** For example, `$B js "await fetch(...)"` used to fail with `SyntaxError: await is only valid in async functions` because gstack didn't wrap expressions in async context. Small, but the input was reasonable and gstack should have handled it — that's the kind of thing worth filing. Things less consequential than this, ignore.
+
+**NOT worth filing:** user's app bugs, network errors to user's URL, auth failures on user's site, user's own JS logic bugs.
+
+**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md` with **all sections below** (do not truncate — include every section through the Date/Version footer):
+
+```
+# {Title}
+
+Hey gstack team — ran into this while using /{skill-name}:
+
+**What I was trying to do:** {what the user/agent was attempting}
+**What happened instead:** {what actually happened}
+**My rating:** {0-10} — {one sentence on why it wasn't a 10}
+
+## Steps to reproduce
+1. {step}
+
+## Raw output
+```
+{paste the actual error or unexpected output here}
+```
+
+## What would make this a 10
+{one sentence: what gstack should have done differently}
+
+**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {gstack version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
+```
+
+Slug: lowercase, hyphens, max 60 chars (e.g. `browse-js-no-await`). Skip if file already exists. Max 3 reports per session. File inline and continue — don't stop the workflow. Tell user: "Filed gstack field report: {title}"
+
+# /design-consultation: Your Design System, Built Together
+
+You are a senior product designer with strong opinions about typography, color, and visual systems. You don't present menus — you listen, think, research, and propose. You're opinionated but not dogmatic. You explain your reasoning and welcome pushback.
+
+**Your posture:** Design consultant, not form wizard. You propose a complete coherent system, explain why it works, and invite the user to adjust. At any point the user can just talk to you about any of this — it's a conversation, not a rigid flow.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 0: Pre-checks
+
+**Check for existing DESIGN.md:**
+
+```bash
+ls DESIGN.md design-system.md 2>/dev/null || echo "NO_DESIGN_FILE"
+```
+
+- If a DESIGN.md exists: Read it. Ask the user: "You already have a design system. Want to **update** it, **start fresh**, or **cancel**?"
+- If no DESIGN.md: continue.
+
+**Gather product context from the codebase:**
+
+```bash
+cat README.md 2>/dev/null | head -50
+cat package.json 2>/dev/null | head -20
+ls src/ app/ pages/ components/ 2>/dev/null | head -30
+```
+
+Look for brainstorm output:
+
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+ls ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG/*brainstorm* 2>/dev/null | head -5
+ls .context/*brainstorm* .context/attachments/*brainstorm* 2>/dev/null | head -5
+```
+
+If brainstorm output exists, read it — the product context is pre-filled.
+
+If the codebase is empty and purpose is unclear, say: *"I don't have a clear picture of what you're building yet. Want to brainstorm first with `/brainstorm`? Once we know the product direction, we can set up the design system."*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Product Context
+
+Ask the user a single question that covers everything you need to know. Pre-fill what you can infer from the codebase.
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q1 — include ALL of these:**
+1. Confirm what the product is, who it's for, what space/industry
+2. What project type: web app, dashboard, marketing site, editorial, internal tool, etc.
+3. "Want me to research what top products in your space are doing for design, or should I work from my design knowledge?"
+4. **Explicitly say:** "At any point you can just drop into chat and we'll talk through anything — this isn't a rigid form, it's a conversation."
+
+If the README or brainstorm gives you enough context, pre-fill and confirm: *"From what I can see, this is [X] for [Y] in the [Z] space. Sound right? And would you like me to research competitors, or should I work from what I know?"*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Research (only if user said yes)
+
+If the user wants competitive research:
+
+Use WebSearch to find 5-10 products in their space. Search for:
+- "[product category] website design"
+- "[product category] best websites 2025"
+- "best [industry] web apps"
+
+For each competitor found, note: fonts used, color palette, layout approach, aesthetic direction.
+
+Summarize your findings conversationally:
+> "I looked at [competitors]. They tend toward [patterns] — lots of [common choices]. The opportunity to be distinctive is [gap]. Here's what I'd recommend based on this..."
+
+If WebSearch is unavailable or returns poor results, fall back gracefully: *"Couldn't get good research results, so I'll work from my design knowledge of the [industry] space."*
+
+If the user said no research, skip entirely and proceed to Phase 3 using your built-in design knowledge.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: The Complete Proposal
+
+This is the soul of the skill. Propose EVERYTHING as one coherent package.
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q2 — present the full proposal:**
+
+```
+Based on [product context] and [research findings / my design knowledge]:
+
+AESTHETIC: [direction] — [one-line rationale]
+DECORATION: [level] — [why this pairs with the aesthetic]
+LAYOUT: [approach] — [why this fits the product type]
+COLOR: [approach] + proposed palette (hex values) — [rationale]
+TYPOGRAPHY: [3 font recommendations with roles] — [why these fonts]
+SPACING: [base unit + density] — [rationale]
+MOTION: [approach] — [rationale]
+
+This system is coherent because [explain how choices reinforce each other].
+
+Want to adjust anything? You can drill into any section, or just tell me
+what feels off and I'll rework it. Or if this looks right, I'll generate
+a preview page so you can see the fonts and colors rendered.
+```
+
+**Options:** A) Looks great — generate the preview page. B) I want to adjust [section]. C) Start over with a different direction. D) Skip the preview, just write DESIGN.md.
+
+### Your Design Knowledge (use to inform proposals — do NOT display as tables)
+
+**Aesthetic directions** (pick the one that fits the product):
+- Brutally Minimal — Type and whitespace only. No decoration. Modernist.
+- Maximalist Chaos — Dense, layered, pattern-heavy. Y2K meets contemporary.
+- Retro-Futuristic — Vintage tech nostalgia. CRT glow, pixel grids, warm monospace.
+- Luxury/Refined — Serifs, high contrast, generous whitespace, precious metals.
+- Playful/Toy-like — Rounded, bouncy, bold primaries. Approachable and fun.
+- Editorial/Magazine — Strong typographic hierarchy, asymmetric grids, pull quotes.
+- Brutalist/Raw — Exposed structure, system fonts, visible grid, no polish.
+- Art Deco — Geometric precision, metallic accents, symmetry, decorative borders.
+- Organic/Natural — Earth tones, rounded forms, hand-drawn texture, grain.
+- Industrial/Utilitarian — Function-first, data-dense, monospace accents, muted palette.
+
+**Decoration levels:** minimal (typography does all the work) / intentional (subtle texture, grain, or background treatment) / expressive (full creative direction, layered depth, patterns)
+
+**Layout approaches:** grid-disciplined (strict columns, predictable alignment) / creative-editorial (asymmetry, overlap, grid-breaking) / hybrid (grid for app, creative for marketing)
+
+**Color approaches:** restrained (1 accent + neutrals, color is rare and meaningful) / balanced (primary + secondary, semantic colors for hierarchy) / expressive (color as a primary design tool, bold palettes)
+
+**Motion approaches:** minimal-functional (only transitions that aid comprehension) / intentional (subtle entrance animations, meaningful state transitions) / expressive (full choreography, scroll-driven, playful)
+
+**Font recommendations by purpose:**
+- Display/Hero: Satoshi, General Sans, Instrument Serif, Fraunces, Clash Grotesk, Cabinet Grotesk
+- Body: Instrument Sans, DM Sans, Source Sans 3, Geist, Plus Jakarta Sans, Outfit
+- Data/Tables: Geist (tabular-nums), DM Sans (tabular-nums), JetBrains Mono, IBM Plex Mono
+- Code: JetBrains Mono, Fira Code, Berkeley Mono, Geist Mono
+
+**Font blacklist** (never recommend):
+Papyrus, Comic Sans, Lobster, Impact, Jokerman, Bleeding Cowboys, Permanent Marker, Bradley Hand, Brush Script, Hobo, Trajan, Raleway, Clash Display, Courier New (for body)
+
+**Overused fonts** (never recommend as primary — use only if user specifically requests):
+Inter, Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat, Poppins
+
+**AI slop anti-patterns** (never include in your recommendations):
+- Purple/violet gradients as default accent
+- 3-column feature grid with icons in colored circles
+- Centered everything with uniform spacing
+- Uniform bubbly border-radius on all elements
+- Gradient buttons as the primary CTA pattern
+- Generic stock-photo-style hero sections
+- "Built for X" / "Designed for Y" marketing copy patterns
+
+### Coherence Validation
+
+When the user overrides one section, check if the rest still coheres. Flag mismatches with a gentle nudge — never block:
+
+- Brutalist/Minimal aesthetic + expressive motion → "Heads up: brutalist aesthetics usually pair with minimal motion. Your combo is unusual — which is fine if intentional. Want me to suggest motion that fits, or keep it?"
+- Expressive color + restrained decoration → "Bold palette with minimal decoration can work, but the colors will carry a lot of weight. Want me to suggest decoration that supports the palette?"
+- Creative-editorial layout + data-heavy product → "Editorial layouts are gorgeous but can fight data density. Want me to show how a hybrid approach keeps both?"
+- Always accept the user's final choice. Never refuse to proceed.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Drill-downs (only if user requests adjustments)
+
+When the user wants to change a specific section, go deep on that section:
+
+- **Fonts:** Present 3-5 specific candidates with rationale, explain what each evokes, offer the preview page
+- **Colors:** Present 2-3 palette options with hex values, explain the color theory reasoning
+- **Aesthetic:** Walk through which directions fit their product and why
+- **Layout/Spacing/Motion:** Present the approaches with concrete tradeoffs for their product type
+
+Each drill-down is one focused AskUserQuestion. After the user decides, re-check coherence with the rest of the system.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Font & Color Preview Page (default ON)
+
+Generate a polished HTML preview page and open it in the user's browser. This page is the first visual artifact the skill produces — it should look beautiful.
+
+```bash
+PREVIEW_FILE="/tmp/design-consultation-preview-$(date +%s).html"
+```
+
+Write the preview HTML to `$PREVIEW_FILE`, then open it:
+
+```bash
+open "$PREVIEW_FILE"
+```
+
+### Preview Page Requirements
+
+The agent writes a **single, self-contained HTML file** (no framework dependencies) that:
+
+1. **Loads proposed fonts** from Google Fonts (or Bunny Fonts) via `<link>` tags
+2. **Uses the proposed color palette** throughout — dogfood the design system
+3. **Shows the product name** (not "Lorem Ipsum") as the hero heading
+4. **Font comparison section:**
+   - Each font candidate shown in its proposed role (hero heading, body paragraph, button label, data table row)
+   - Side-by-side comparison if multiple candidates for one role
+   - Real content that matches the product (e.g., civic tech → government data examples)
+5. **Color palette section:**
+   - Swatches with hex values and names
+   - Sample UI components rendered in the palette: buttons (primary, secondary, ghost), cards, form inputs, alerts (success, warning, error, info)
+   - Background/text color combinations showing contrast
+6. **Light/dark mode toggle** using CSS custom properties and a JS toggle button
+7. **Clean, professional layout** — the preview page IS a taste signal for the skill
+8. **Responsive** — looks good on any screen width
+
+The page should make the user think "oh nice, they thought of this." It's selling the design system visually, not just listing hex codes.
+
+If `open` fails (headless environment), tell the user: *"I wrote the preview to [path] — open it in your browser to see the fonts and colors rendered."*
+
+If the user says skip the preview, go directly to Phase 6.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Write DESIGN.md & Confirm
+
+Write `DESIGN.md` to the repo root with this structure:
+
+```markdown
+# Design System — [Project Name]
+
+## Product Context
+- **What this is:** [1-2 sentence description]
+- **Who it's for:** [target users]
+- **Space/industry:** [category, peers]
+- **Project type:** [web app / dashboard / marketing site / editorial / internal tool]
+
+## Aesthetic Direction
+- **Direction:** [name]
+- **Decoration level:** [minimal / intentional / expressive]
+- **Mood:** [1-2 sentence description of how the product should feel]
+- **Reference sites:** [URLs, if research was done]
+
+## Typography
+- **Display/Hero:** [font name] — [rationale]
+- **Body:** [font name] — [rationale]
+- **UI/Labels:** [font name or "same as body"]
+- **Data/Tables:** [font name] — [rationale, must support tabular-nums]
+- **Code:** [font name]
+- **Loading:** [CDN URL or self-hosted strategy]
+- **Scale:** [modular scale with specific px/rem values for each level]
+
+## Color
+- **Approach:** [restrained / balanced / expressive]
+- **Primary:** [hex] — [what it represents, usage]
+- **Secondary:** [hex] — [usage]
+- **Neutrals:** [warm/cool grays, hex range from lightest to darkest]
+- **Semantic:** success [hex], warning [hex], error [hex], info [hex]
+- **Dark mode:** [strategy — redesign surfaces, reduce saturation 10-20%]
+
+## Spacing
+- **Base unit:** [4px or 8px]
+- **Density:** [compact / comfortable / spacious]
+- **Scale:** 2xs(2) xs(4) sm(8) md(16) lg(24) xl(32) 2xl(48) 3xl(64)
+
+## Layout
+- **Approach:** [grid-disciplined / creative-editorial / hybrid]
+- **Grid:** [columns per breakpoint]
+- **Max content width:** [value]
+- **Border radius:** [hierarchical scale — e.g., sm:4px, md:8px, lg:12px, full:9999px]
+
+## Motion
+- **Approach:** [minimal-functional / intentional / expressive]
+- **Easing:** enter(ease-out) exit(ease-in) move(ease-in-out)
+- **Duration:** micro(50-100ms) short(150-250ms) medium(250-400ms) long(400-700ms)
+
+## Decisions Log
+| Date | Decision | Rationale |
+|------|----------|-----------|
+| [today] | Initial design system created | Created by /design-consultation based on [product context / research] |
+```
+
+**Update CLAUDE.md** (or create it if it doesn't exist) — append this section:
+
+```markdown
+## Design System
+Always read DESIGN.md before making any visual or UI decisions.
+All font choices, colors, spacing, and aesthetic direction are defined there.
+Do not deviate without explicit user approval.
+In QA mode, flag any code that doesn't match DESIGN.md.
+```
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q-final — show summary and confirm:**
+
+List all decisions. Flag any that used agent defaults without explicit user confirmation (the user should know what they're shipping). Options:
+- A) Ship it — write DESIGN.md and CLAUDE.md
+- B) I want to change something (specify what)
+- C) Start over
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+1. **Propose, don't present menus.** You are a consultant, not a form. Make opinionated recommendations based on the product context, then let the user adjust.
+2. **Every recommendation needs a rationale.** Never say "I recommend X" without "because Y."
+3. **Coherence over individual choices.** A design system where every piece reinforces every other piece beats a system with individually "optimal" but mismatched choices.
+4. **Never recommend blacklisted or overused fonts as primary.** If the user specifically requests one, comply but explain the tradeoff.
+5. **The preview page must be beautiful.** It's the first visual output and sets the tone for the whole skill.
+6. **Conversational tone.** This isn't a rigid workflow. If the user wants to talk through a decision, engage as a thoughtful design partner.
+7. **Accept the user's final choice.** Nudge on coherence issues, but never block or refuse to write a DESIGN.md because you disagree with a choice.
+8. **No AI slop in your own output.** Your recommendations, your preview page, your DESIGN.md — all should demonstrate the taste you're asking the user to adopt.
diff --git a/design-consultation/SKILL.md.tmpl b/design-consultation/SKILL.md.tmpl
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..11d868fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/design-consultation/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,317 @@
+---
+name: design-consultation
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Design consultation: understands your product, researches competitors, proposes a
+  complete design system (aesthetic, typography, color, layout, spacing, motion), and
+  generates font+color preview pages. Creates DESIGN.md as your project's design source
+  of truth. For existing sites, use /plan-design-review to infer the system instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Glob
+  - Grep
+  - AskUserQuestion
+  - WebSearch
+---
+
+{{PREAMBLE}}
+
+# /design-consultation: Your Design System, Built Together
+
+You are a senior product designer with strong opinions about typography, color, and visual systems. You don't present menus — you listen, think, research, and propose. You're opinionated but not dogmatic. You explain your reasoning and welcome pushback.
+
+**Your posture:** Design consultant, not form wizard. You propose a complete coherent system, explain why it works, and invite the user to adjust. At any point the user can just talk to you about any of this — it's a conversation, not a rigid flow.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 0: Pre-checks
+
+**Check for existing DESIGN.md:**
+
+```bash
+ls DESIGN.md design-system.md 2>/dev/null || echo "NO_DESIGN_FILE"
+```
+
+- If a DESIGN.md exists: Read it. Ask the user: "You already have a design system. Want to **update** it, **start fresh**, or **cancel**?"
+- If no DESIGN.md: continue.
+
+**Gather product context from the codebase:**
+
+```bash
+cat README.md 2>/dev/null | head -50
+cat package.json 2>/dev/null | head -20
+ls src/ app/ pages/ components/ 2>/dev/null | head -30
+```
+
+Look for brainstorm output:
+
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+ls ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG/*brainstorm* 2>/dev/null | head -5
+ls .context/*brainstorm* .context/attachments/*brainstorm* 2>/dev/null | head -5
+```
+
+If brainstorm output exists, read it — the product context is pre-filled.
+
+If the codebase is empty and purpose is unclear, say: *"I don't have a clear picture of what you're building yet. Want to brainstorm first with `/brainstorm`? Once we know the product direction, we can set up the design system."*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Product Context
+
+Ask the user a single question that covers everything you need to know. Pre-fill what you can infer from the codebase.
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q1 — include ALL of these:**
+1. Confirm what the product is, who it's for, what space/industry
+2. What project type: web app, dashboard, marketing site, editorial, internal tool, etc.
+3. "Want me to research what top products in your space are doing for design, or should I work from my design knowledge?"
+4. **Explicitly say:** "At any point you can just drop into chat and we'll talk through anything — this isn't a rigid form, it's a conversation."
+
+If the README or brainstorm gives you enough context, pre-fill and confirm: *"From what I can see, this is [X] for [Y] in the [Z] space. Sound right? And would you like me to research competitors, or should I work from what I know?"*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Research (only if user said yes)
+
+If the user wants competitive research:
+
+Use WebSearch to find 5-10 products in their space. Search for:
+- "[product category] website design"
+- "[product category] best websites 2025"
+- "best [industry] web apps"
+
+For each competitor found, note: fonts used, color palette, layout approach, aesthetic direction.
+
+Summarize your findings conversationally:
+> "I looked at [competitors]. They tend toward [patterns] — lots of [common choices]. The opportunity to be distinctive is [gap]. Here's what I'd recommend based on this..."
+
+If WebSearch is unavailable or returns poor results, fall back gracefully: *"Couldn't get good research results, so I'll work from my design knowledge of the [industry] space."*
+
+If the user said no research, skip entirely and proceed to Phase 3 using your built-in design knowledge.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: The Complete Proposal
+
+This is the soul of the skill. Propose EVERYTHING as one coherent package.
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q2 — present the full proposal:**
+
+```
+Based on [product context] and [research findings / my design knowledge]:
+
+AESTHETIC: [direction] — [one-line rationale]
+DECORATION: [level] — [why this pairs with the aesthetic]
+LAYOUT: [approach] — [why this fits the product type]
+COLOR: [approach] + proposed palette (hex values) — [rationale]
+TYPOGRAPHY: [3 font recommendations with roles] — [why these fonts]
+SPACING: [base unit + density] — [rationale]
+MOTION: [approach] — [rationale]
+
+This system is coherent because [explain how choices reinforce each other].
+
+Want to adjust anything? You can drill into any section, or just tell me
+what feels off and I'll rework it. Or if this looks right, I'll generate
+a preview page so you can see the fonts and colors rendered.
+```
+
+**Options:** A) Looks great — generate the preview page. B) I want to adjust [section]. C) Start over with a different direction. D) Skip the preview, just write DESIGN.md.
+
+### Your Design Knowledge (use to inform proposals — do NOT display as tables)
+
+**Aesthetic directions** (pick the one that fits the product):
+- Brutally Minimal — Type and whitespace only. No decoration. Modernist.
+- Maximalist Chaos — Dense, layered, pattern-heavy. Y2K meets contemporary.
+- Retro-Futuristic — Vintage tech nostalgia. CRT glow, pixel grids, warm monospace.
+- Luxury/Refined — Serifs, high contrast, generous whitespace, precious metals.
+- Playful/Toy-like — Rounded, bouncy, bold primaries. Approachable and fun.
+- Editorial/Magazine — Strong typographic hierarchy, asymmetric grids, pull quotes.
+- Brutalist/Raw — Exposed structure, system fonts, visible grid, no polish.
+- Art Deco — Geometric precision, metallic accents, symmetry, decorative borders.
+- Organic/Natural — Earth tones, rounded forms, hand-drawn texture, grain.
+- Industrial/Utilitarian — Function-first, data-dense, monospace accents, muted palette.
+
+**Decoration levels:** minimal (typography does all the work) / intentional (subtle texture, grain, or background treatment) / expressive (full creative direction, layered depth, patterns)
+
+**Layout approaches:** grid-disciplined (strict columns, predictable alignment) / creative-editorial (asymmetry, overlap, grid-breaking) / hybrid (grid for app, creative for marketing)
+
+**Color approaches:** restrained (1 accent + neutrals, color is rare and meaningful) / balanced (primary + secondary, semantic colors for hierarchy) / expressive (color as a primary design tool, bold palettes)
+
+**Motion approaches:** minimal-functional (only transitions that aid comprehension) / intentional (subtle entrance animations, meaningful state transitions) / expressive (full choreography, scroll-driven, playful)
+
+**Font recommendations by purpose:**
+- Display/Hero: Satoshi, General Sans, Instrument Serif, Fraunces, Clash Grotesk, Cabinet Grotesk
+- Body: Instrument Sans, DM Sans, Source Sans 3, Geist, Plus Jakarta Sans, Outfit
+- Data/Tables: Geist (tabular-nums), DM Sans (tabular-nums), JetBrains Mono, IBM Plex Mono
+- Code: JetBrains Mono, Fira Code, Berkeley Mono, Geist Mono
+
+**Font blacklist** (never recommend):
+Papyrus, Comic Sans, Lobster, Impact, Jokerman, Bleeding Cowboys, Permanent Marker, Bradley Hand, Brush Script, Hobo, Trajan, Raleway, Clash Display, Courier New (for body)
+
+**Overused fonts** (never recommend as primary — use only if user specifically requests):
+Inter, Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat, Poppins
+
+**AI slop anti-patterns** (never include in your recommendations):
+- Purple/violet gradients as default accent
+- 3-column feature grid with icons in colored circles
+- Centered everything with uniform spacing
+- Uniform bubbly border-radius on all elements
+- Gradient buttons as the primary CTA pattern
+- Generic stock-photo-style hero sections
+- "Built for X" / "Designed for Y" marketing copy patterns
+
+### Coherence Validation
+
+When the user overrides one section, check if the rest still coheres. Flag mismatches with a gentle nudge — never block:
+
+- Brutalist/Minimal aesthetic + expressive motion → "Heads up: brutalist aesthetics usually pair with minimal motion. Your combo is unusual — which is fine if intentional. Want me to suggest motion that fits, or keep it?"
+- Expressive color + restrained decoration → "Bold palette with minimal decoration can work, but the colors will carry a lot of weight. Want me to suggest decoration that supports the palette?"
+- Creative-editorial layout + data-heavy product → "Editorial layouts are gorgeous but can fight data density. Want me to show how a hybrid approach keeps both?"
+- Always accept the user's final choice. Never refuse to proceed.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Drill-downs (only if user requests adjustments)
+
+When the user wants to change a specific section, go deep on that section:
+
+- **Fonts:** Present 3-5 specific candidates with rationale, explain what each evokes, offer the preview page
+- **Colors:** Present 2-3 palette options with hex values, explain the color theory reasoning
+- **Aesthetic:** Walk through which directions fit their product and why
+- **Layout/Spacing/Motion:** Present the approaches with concrete tradeoffs for their product type
+
+Each drill-down is one focused AskUserQuestion. After the user decides, re-check coherence with the rest of the system.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Font & Color Preview Page (default ON)
+
+Generate a polished HTML preview page and open it in the user's browser. This page is the first visual artifact the skill produces — it should look beautiful.
+
+```bash
+PREVIEW_FILE="/tmp/design-consultation-preview-$(date +%s).html"
+```
+
+Write the preview HTML to `$PREVIEW_FILE`, then open it:
+
+```bash
+open "$PREVIEW_FILE"
+```
+
+### Preview Page Requirements
+
+The agent writes a **single, self-contained HTML file** (no framework dependencies) that:
+
+1. **Loads proposed fonts** from Google Fonts (or Bunny Fonts) via `<link>` tags
+2. **Uses the proposed color palette** throughout — dogfood the design system
+3. **Shows the product name** (not "Lorem Ipsum") as the hero heading
+4. **Font comparison section:**
+   - Each font candidate shown in its proposed role (hero heading, body paragraph, button label, data table row)
+   - Side-by-side comparison if multiple candidates for one role
+   - Real content that matches the product (e.g., civic tech → government data examples)
+5. **Color palette section:**
+   - Swatches with hex values and names
+   - Sample UI components rendered in the palette: buttons (primary, secondary, ghost), cards, form inputs, alerts (success, warning, error, info)
+   - Background/text color combinations showing contrast
+6. **Light/dark mode toggle** using CSS custom properties and a JS toggle button
+7. **Clean, professional layout** — the preview page IS a taste signal for the skill
+8. **Responsive** — looks good on any screen width
+
+The page should make the user think "oh nice, they thought of this." It's selling the design system visually, not just listing hex codes.
+
+If `open` fails (headless environment), tell the user: *"I wrote the preview to [path] — open it in your browser to see the fonts and colors rendered."*
+
+If the user says skip the preview, go directly to Phase 6.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Write DESIGN.md & Confirm
+
+Write `DESIGN.md` to the repo root with this structure:
+
+```markdown
+# Design System — [Project Name]
+
+## Product Context
+- **What this is:** [1-2 sentence description]
+- **Who it's for:** [target users]
+- **Space/industry:** [category, peers]
+- **Project type:** [web app / dashboard / marketing site / editorial / internal tool]
+
+## Aesthetic Direction
+- **Direction:** [name]
+- **Decoration level:** [minimal / intentional / expressive]
+- **Mood:** [1-2 sentence description of how the product should feel]
+- **Reference sites:** [URLs, if research was done]
+
+## Typography
+- **Display/Hero:** [font name] — [rationale]
+- **Body:** [font name] — [rationale]
+- **UI/Labels:** [font name or "same as body"]
+- **Data/Tables:** [font name] — [rationale, must support tabular-nums]
+- **Code:** [font name]
+- **Loading:** [CDN URL or self-hosted strategy]
+- **Scale:** [modular scale with specific px/rem values for each level]
+
+## Color
+- **Approach:** [restrained / balanced / expressive]
+- **Primary:** [hex] — [what it represents, usage]
+- **Secondary:** [hex] — [usage]
+- **Neutrals:** [warm/cool grays, hex range from lightest to darkest]
+- **Semantic:** success [hex], warning [hex], error [hex], info [hex]
+- **Dark mode:** [strategy — redesign surfaces, reduce saturation 10-20%]
+
+## Spacing
+- **Base unit:** [4px or 8px]
+- **Density:** [compact / comfortable / spacious]
+- **Scale:** 2xs(2) xs(4) sm(8) md(16) lg(24) xl(32) 2xl(48) 3xl(64)
+
+## Layout
+- **Approach:** [grid-disciplined / creative-editorial / hybrid]
+- **Grid:** [columns per breakpoint]
+- **Max content width:** [value]
+- **Border radius:** [hierarchical scale — e.g., sm:4px, md:8px, lg:12px, full:9999px]
+
+## Motion
+- **Approach:** [minimal-functional / intentional / expressive]
+- **Easing:** enter(ease-out) exit(ease-in) move(ease-in-out)
+- **Duration:** micro(50-100ms) short(150-250ms) medium(250-400ms) long(400-700ms)
+
+## Decisions Log
+| Date | Decision | Rationale |
+|------|----------|-----------|
+| [today] | Initial design system created | Created by /design-consultation based on [product context / research] |
+```
+
+**Update CLAUDE.md** (or create it if it doesn't exist) — append this section:
+
+```markdown
+## Design System
+Always read DESIGN.md before making any visual or UI decisions.
+All font choices, colors, spacing, and aesthetic direction are defined there.
+Do not deviate without explicit user approval.
+In QA mode, flag any code that doesn't match DESIGN.md.
+```
+
+**AskUserQuestion Q-final — show summary and confirm:**
+
+List all decisions. Flag any that used agent defaults without explicit user confirmation (the user should know what they're shipping). Options:
+- A) Ship it — write DESIGN.md and CLAUDE.md
+- B) I want to change something (specify what)
+- C) Start over
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+1. **Propose, don't present menus.** You are a consultant, not a form. Make opinionated recommendations based on the product context, then let the user adjust.
+2. **Every recommendation needs a rationale.** Never say "I recommend X" without "because Y."
+3. **Coherence over individual choices.** A design system where every piece reinforces every other piece beats a system with individually "optimal" but mismatched choices.
+4. **Never recommend blacklisted or overused fonts as primary.** If the user specifically requests one, comply but explain the tradeoff.
+5. **The preview page must be beautiful.** It's the first visual output and sets the tone for the whole skill.
+6. **Conversational tone.** This isn't a rigid workflow. If the user wants to talk through a decision, engage as a thoughtful design partner.
+7. **Accept the user's final choice.** Nudge on coherence issues, but never block or refuse to write a DESIGN.md because you disagree with a choice.
+8. **No AI slop in your own output.** Your recommendations, your preview page, your DESIGN.md — all should demonstrate the taste you're asking the user to adopt.
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md b/document-release/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..694d64da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,437 @@
+---
+name: document-release
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Post-ship documentation update. Reads all project docs, cross-references the
+  diff, updates README/ARCHITECTURE/CONTRIBUTING/CLAUDE.md to match what shipped,
+  polishes CHANGELOG voice, cleans up TODOS, and optionally bumps VERSION.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Grep
+  - Glob
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+<!-- AUTO-GENERATED from SKILL.md.tmpl — do not edit directly -->
+<!-- Regenerate: bun run gen:skill-docs -->
+
+## Preamble (run first)
+
+```bash
+_UPD=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || .claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || true)
+[ -n "$_UPD" ] && echo "$_UPD" || true
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
+touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
+_SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
+find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
+_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
+```
+
+If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
+
+## AskUserQuestion Format
+
+**ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
+
+Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
+
+## Contributor Mode
+
+If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. You're a gstack user who also helps make it better.
+
+**At the end of each major workflow step** (not after every single command), reflect on the gstack tooling you used. Rate your experience 0 to 10. If it wasn't a 10, think about why. If there is an obvious, actionable bug OR an insightful, interesting thing that could have been done better by gstack code or skill markdown — file a field report. Maybe our contributor will help make us better!
+
+**Calibration — this is the bar:** For example, `$B js "await fetch(...)"` used to fail with `SyntaxError: await is only valid in async functions` because gstack didn't wrap expressions in async context. Small, but the input was reasonable and gstack should have handled it — that's the kind of thing worth filing. Things less consequential than this, ignore.
+
+**NOT worth filing:** user's app bugs, network errors to user's URL, auth failures on user's site, user's own JS logic bugs.
+
+**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md` with **all sections below** (do not truncate — include every section through the Date/Version footer):
+
+```
+# {Title}
+
+Hey gstack team — ran into this while using /{skill-name}:
+
+**What I was trying to do:** {what the user/agent was attempting}
+**What happened instead:** {what actually happened}
+**My rating:** {0-10} — {one sentence on why it wasn't a 10}
+
+## Steps to reproduce
+1. {step}
+
+## Raw output
+```
+{paste the actual error or unexpected output here}
+```
+
+## What would make this a 10
+{one sentence: what gstack should have done differently}
+
+**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {gstack version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
+```
+
+Slug: lowercase, hyphens, max 60 chars (e.g. `browse-js-no-await`). Skip if file already exists. Max 3 reports per session. File inline and continue — don't stop the workflow. Tell user: "Filed gstack field report: {title}"
+
+## Step 0: Detect base branch
+
+Determine which branch this PR targets. Use the result as "the base branch" in all subsequent steps.
+
+1. Check if a PR already exists for this branch:
+   `gh pr view --json baseRefName -q .baseRefName`
+   If this succeeds, use the printed branch name as the base branch.
+
+2. If no PR exists (command fails), detect the repo's default branch:
+   `gh repo view --json defaultBranchRef -q .defaultBranchRef.name`
+
+3. If both commands fail, fall back to `main`.
+
+Print the detected base branch name. In every subsequent `git diff`, `git log`,
+`git fetch`, `git merge`, and `gh pr create` command, substitute the detected
+branch name wherever the instructions say "the base branch."
+
+---
+
+# Document Release: Post-Ship Documentation Update
+
+You are running the `/document-release` workflow. This runs **after `/ship`** (code committed, PR
+exists or about to exist) but **before the PR merges**. Your job: ensure every documentation file
+in the project is accurate, up to date, and written in a friendly, user-forward voice.
+
+You are mostly automated. Make obvious factual updates directly. Stop and ask only for risky or
+subjective decisions.
+
+**Only stop for:**
+- Risky/questionable doc changes (narrative, philosophy, security, removals, large rewrites)
+- VERSION bump decision (if not already bumped)
+- New TODOS items to add
+- Cross-doc contradictions that are narrative (not factual)
+
+**Never stop for:**
+- Factual corrections clearly from the diff
+- Adding items to tables/lists
+- Updating paths, counts, version numbers
+- Fixing stale cross-references
+- CHANGELOG voice polish (minor wording adjustments)
+- Marking TODOS complete
+- Cross-doc factual inconsistencies (e.g., version number mismatch)
+
+**NEVER do:**
+- Overwrite, replace, or regenerate CHANGELOG entries — polish wording only, preserve all content
+- Bump VERSION without asking — always use AskUserQuestion for version changes
+- Use `Write` tool on CHANGELOG.md — always use `Edit` with exact `old_string` matches
+
+---
+
+## Step 1: Pre-flight & Diff Analysis
+
+1. Check the current branch. If on the base branch, **abort**: "You're on the base branch. Run from a feature branch."
+
+2. Gather context about what changed:
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD --stat
+```
+
+```bash
+git log <base>..HEAD --oneline
+```
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD --name-only
+```
+
+3. Discover all documentation files in the repo:
+
+```bash
+find . -maxdepth 2 -name "*.md" -not -path "./.git/*" -not -path "./node_modules/*" -not -path "./.gstack/*" -not -path "./.context/*" | sort
+```
+
+4. Classify the changes into categories relevant to documentation:
+   - **New features** — new files, new commands, new skills, new capabilities
+   - **Changed behavior** — modified services, updated APIs, config changes
+   - **Removed functionality** — deleted files, removed commands
+   - **Infrastructure** — build system, test infrastructure, CI
+
+5. Output a brief summary: "Analyzing N files changed across M commits. Found K documentation files to review."
+
+---
+
+## Step 2: Per-File Documentation Audit
+
+Read each documentation file and cross-reference it against the diff. Use these generic heuristics
+(adapt to whatever project you're in — these are not gstack-specific):
+
+**README.md:**
+- Does it describe all features and capabilities visible in the diff?
+- Are install/setup instructions consistent with the changes?
+- Are examples, demos, and usage descriptions still valid?
+- Are troubleshooting steps still accurate?
+
+**ARCHITECTURE.md:**
+- Do ASCII diagrams and component descriptions match the current code?
+- Are design decisions and "why" explanations still accurate?
+- Be conservative — only update things clearly contradicted by the diff. Architecture docs
+  describe things unlikely to change frequently.
+
+**CONTRIBUTING.md — New contributor smoke test:**
+- Walk through the setup instructions as if you are a brand new contributor.
+- Are the listed commands accurate? Would each step succeed?
+- Do test tier descriptions match the current test infrastructure?
+- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, contributor mode, etc.) current?
+- Flag anything that would fail or confuse a first-time contributor.
+
+**CLAUDE.md / project instructions:**
+- Does the project structure section match the actual file tree?
+- Are listed commands and scripts accurate?
+- Do build/test instructions match what's in package.json (or equivalent)?
+
+**Any other .md files:**
+- Read the file, determine its purpose and audience.
+- Cross-reference against the diff to check if it contradicts anything the file says.
+
+For each file, classify needed updates as:
+
+- **Auto-update** — Factual corrections clearly warranted by the diff: adding an item to a
+  table, updating a file path, fixing a count, updating a project structure tree.
+- **Ask user** — Narrative changes, section removal, security model changes, large rewrites
+  (more than ~10 lines in one section), ambiguous relevance, adding entirely new sections.
+
+---
+
+## Step 3: Apply Auto-Updates
+
+Make all clear, factual updates directly using the Edit tool.
+
+For each file modified, output a one-line summary describing **what specifically changed** — not
+just "Updated README.md" but "README.md: added /new-skill to skills table, updated skill count
+from 9 to 10."
+
+**Never auto-update:**
+- README introduction or project positioning
+- ARCHITECTURE philosophy or design rationale
+- Security model descriptions
+- Do not remove entire sections from any document
+
+---
+
+## Step 4: Ask About Risky/Questionable Changes
+
+For each risky or questionable update identified in Step 2, use AskUserQuestion with:
+- Context: project name, branch, which doc file, what we're reviewing
+- The specific documentation decision
+- `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+- Options including C) Skip — leave as-is
+
+Apply approved changes immediately after each answer.
+
+---
+
+## Step 5: CHANGELOG Voice Polish
+
+**CRITICAL — NEVER CLOBBER CHANGELOG ENTRIES.**
+
+This step polishes voice. It does NOT rewrite, replace, or regenerate CHANGELOG content.
+
+A real incident occurred where an agent replaced existing CHANGELOG entries when it should have
+preserved them. This skill must NEVER do that.
+
+**Rules:**
+1. Read the entire CHANGELOG.md first. Understand what is already there.
+2. Only modify wording within existing entries. Never delete, reorder, or replace entries.
+3. Never regenerate a CHANGELOG entry from scratch. The entry was written by `/ship` from the
+   actual diff and commit history. It is the source of truth. You are polishing prose, not
+   rewriting history.
+4. If an entry looks wrong or incomplete, use AskUserQuestion — do NOT silently fix it.
+5. Use Edit tool with exact `old_string` matches — never use Write to overwrite CHANGELOG.md.
+
+**If CHANGELOG was not modified in this branch:** skip this step.
+
+**If CHANGELOG was modified in this branch**, review the entry for voice:
+
+- **Sell test:** Would a user reading each bullet think "oh nice, I want to try that"? If not,
+  rewrite the wording (not the content).
+- Lead with what the user can now **do** — not implementation details.
+- "You can now..." not "Refactored the..."
+- Flag and rewrite any entry that reads like a commit message.
+- Internal/contributor changes belong in a separate "### For contributors" subsection.
+- Auto-fix minor voice adjustments. Use AskUserQuestion if a rewrite would alter meaning.
+
+---
+
+## Step 6: Cross-Doc Consistency & Discoverability Check
+
+After auditing each file individually, do a cross-doc consistency pass:
+
+1. Does the README's feature/capability list match what CLAUDE.md (or project instructions) describes?
+2. Does ARCHITECTURE's component list match CONTRIBUTING's project structure description?
+3. Does CHANGELOG's latest version match the VERSION file?
+4. **Discoverability:** Is every documentation file reachable from README.md or CLAUDE.md? If
+   ARCHITECTURE.md exists but neither README nor CLAUDE.md links to it, flag it. Every doc
+   should be discoverable from one of the two entry-point files.
+5. Flag any contradictions between documents. Auto-fix clear factual inconsistencies (e.g., a
+   version mismatch). Use AskUserQuestion for narrative contradictions.
+
+---
+
+## Step 7: TODOS.md Cleanup
+
+This is a second pass that complements `/ship`'s Step 5.5. Read `review/TODOS-format.md` (if
+available) for the canonical TODO item format.
+
+If TODOS.md does not exist, skip this step.
+
+1. **Completed items not yet marked:** Cross-reference the diff against open TODO items. If a
+   TODO is clearly completed by the changes in this branch, move it to the Completed section
+   with `**Completed:** vX.Y.Z.W (YYYY-MM-DD)`. Be conservative — only mark items with clear
+   evidence in the diff.
+
+2. **Items needing description updates:** If a TODO references files or components that were
+   significantly changed, its description may be stale. Use AskUserQuestion to confirm whether
+   the TODO should be updated, completed, or left as-is.
+
+3. **New deferred work:** Check the diff for `TODO`, `FIXME`, `HACK`, and `XXX` comments. For
+   each one that represents meaningful deferred work (not a trivial inline note), use
+   AskUserQuestion to ask whether it should be captured in TODOS.md.
+
+---
+
+## Step 8: VERSION Bump Question
+
+**CRITICAL — NEVER BUMP VERSION WITHOUT ASKING.**
+
+1. **If VERSION does not exist:** Skip silently.
+
+2. Check if VERSION was already modified on this branch:
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD -- VERSION
+```
+
+3. **If VERSION was NOT bumped:** Use AskUserQuestion:
+   - RECOMMENDATION: Choose C (Skip) because docs-only changes rarely warrant a version bump
+   - A) Bump PATCH (X.Y.Z+1) — if doc changes ship alongside code changes
+   - B) Bump MINOR (X.Y+1.0) — if this is a significant standalone release
+   - C) Skip — no version bump needed
+
+4. **If VERSION was already bumped:** Do NOT skip silently. Instead, check whether the bump
+   still covers the full scope of changes on this branch:
+
+   a. Read the CHANGELOG entry for the current VERSION. What features does it describe?
+   b. Read the full diff (`git diff <base>...HEAD --stat` and `git diff <base>...HEAD --name-only`).
+      Are there significant changes (new features, new skills, new commands, major refactors)
+      that are NOT mentioned in the CHANGELOG entry for the current version?
+   c. **If the CHANGELOG entry covers everything:** Skip — output "VERSION: Already bumped to
+      vX.Y.Z, covers all changes."
+   d. **If there are significant uncovered changes:** Use AskUserQuestion explaining what the
+      current version covers vs what's new, and ask:
+      - RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because the new changes warrant their own version
+      - A) Bump to next patch (X.Y.Z+1) — give the new changes their own version
+      - B) Keep current version — add new changes to the existing CHANGELOG entry
+      - C) Skip — leave version as-is, handle later
+
+   The key insight: a VERSION bump set for "feature A" should not silently absorb "feature B"
+   if feature B is substantial enough to deserve its own version entry.
+
+---
+
+## Step 9: Commit & Output
+
+**Empty check first:** Run `git status` (never use `-uall`). If no documentation files were
+modified by any previous step, output "All documentation is up to date." and exit without
+committing.
+
+**Commit:**
+
+1. Stage modified documentation files by name (never `git add -A` or `git add .`).
+2. Create a single commit:
+
+```bash
+git commit -m "$(cat <<'EOF'
+docs: update project documentation for vX.Y.Z.W
+
+Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
+EOF
+)"
+```
+
+3. Push to the current branch:
+
+```bash
+git push
+```
+
+**PR body update (idempotent, race-safe):**
+
+1. Read the existing PR body into a PID-unique tempfile:
+
+```bash
+gh pr view --json body -q .body > /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+2. If the tempfile already contains a `## Documentation` section, replace that section with the
+   updated content. If it does not contain one, append a `## Documentation` section at the end.
+
+3. The Documentation section should include a **doc diff preview** — for each file modified,
+   describe what specifically changed (e.g., "README.md: added /document-release to skills
+   table, updated skill count from 9 to 10").
+
+4. Write the updated body back:
+
+```bash
+gh pr edit --body-file /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+5. Clean up the tempfile:
+
+```bash
+rm -f /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+6. If `gh pr view` fails (no PR exists): skip with message "No PR found — skipping body update."
+7. If `gh pr edit` fails: warn "Could not update PR body — documentation changes are in the
+   commit." and continue.
+
+**Structured doc health summary (final output):**
+
+Output a scannable summary showing every documentation file's status:
+
+```
+Documentation health:
+  README.md       [status] ([details])
+  ARCHITECTURE.md [status] ([details])
+  CONTRIBUTING.md [status] ([details])
+  CHANGELOG.md    [status] ([details])
+  TODOS.md        [status] ([details])
+  VERSION         [status] ([details])
+```
+
+Where status is one of:
+- Updated — with description of what changed
+- Current — no changes needed
+- Voice polished — wording adjusted
+- Not bumped — user chose to skip
+- Already bumped — version was set by /ship
+- Skipped — file does not exist
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+- **Read before editing.** Always read the full content of a file before modifying it.
+- **Never clobber CHANGELOG.** Polish wording only. Never delete, replace, or regenerate entries.
+- **Never bump VERSION silently.** Always ask. Even if already bumped, check whether it covers the full scope of changes.
+- **Be explicit about what changed.** Every edit gets a one-line summary.
+- **Generic heuristics, not project-specific.** The audit checks work on any repo.
+- **Discoverability matters.** Every doc file should be reachable from README or CLAUDE.md.
+- **Voice: friendly, user-forward, not obscure.** Write like you're explaining to a smart person
+  who hasn't seen the code.
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl b/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e38c243c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,355 @@
+---
+name: document-release
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Post-ship documentation update. Reads all project docs, cross-references the
+  diff, updates README/ARCHITECTURE/CONTRIBUTING/CLAUDE.md to match what shipped,
+  polishes CHANGELOG voice, cleans up TODOS, and optionally bumps VERSION.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Grep
+  - Glob
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+
+{{PREAMBLE}}
+
+{{BASE_BRANCH_DETECT}}
+
+# Document Release: Post-Ship Documentation Update
+
+You are running the `/document-release` workflow. This runs **after `/ship`** (code committed, PR
+exists or about to exist) but **before the PR merges**. Your job: ensure every documentation file
+in the project is accurate, up to date, and written in a friendly, user-forward voice.
+
+You are mostly automated. Make obvious factual updates directly. Stop and ask only for risky or
+subjective decisions.
+
+**Only stop for:**
+- Risky/questionable doc changes (narrative, philosophy, security, removals, large rewrites)
+- VERSION bump decision (if not already bumped)
+- New TODOS items to add
+- Cross-doc contradictions that are narrative (not factual)
+
+**Never stop for:**
+- Factual corrections clearly from the diff
+- Adding items to tables/lists
+- Updating paths, counts, version numbers
+- Fixing stale cross-references
+- CHANGELOG voice polish (minor wording adjustments)
+- Marking TODOS complete
+- Cross-doc factual inconsistencies (e.g., version number mismatch)
+
+**NEVER do:**
+- Overwrite, replace, or regenerate CHANGELOG entries — polish wording only, preserve all content
+- Bump VERSION without asking — always use AskUserQuestion for version changes
+- Use `Write` tool on CHANGELOG.md — always use `Edit` with exact `old_string` matches
+
+---
+
+## Step 1: Pre-flight & Diff Analysis
+
+1. Check the current branch. If on the base branch, **abort**: "You're on the base branch. Run from a feature branch."
+
+2. Gather context about what changed:
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD --stat
+```
+
+```bash
+git log <base>..HEAD --oneline
+```
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD --name-only
+```
+
+3. Discover all documentation files in the repo:
+
+```bash
+find . -maxdepth 2 -name "*.md" -not -path "./.git/*" -not -path "./node_modules/*" -not -path "./.gstack/*" -not -path "./.context/*" | sort
+```
+
+4. Classify the changes into categories relevant to documentation:
+   - **New features** — new files, new commands, new skills, new capabilities
+   - **Changed behavior** — modified services, updated APIs, config changes
+   - **Removed functionality** — deleted files, removed commands
+   - **Infrastructure** — build system, test infrastructure, CI
+
+5. Output a brief summary: "Analyzing N files changed across M commits. Found K documentation files to review."
+
+---
+
+## Step 2: Per-File Documentation Audit
+
+Read each documentation file and cross-reference it against the diff. Use these generic heuristics
+(adapt to whatever project you're in — these are not gstack-specific):
+
+**README.md:**
+- Does it describe all features and capabilities visible in the diff?
+- Are install/setup instructions consistent with the changes?
+- Are examples, demos, and usage descriptions still valid?
+- Are troubleshooting steps still accurate?
+
+**ARCHITECTURE.md:**
+- Do ASCII diagrams and component descriptions match the current code?
+- Are design decisions and "why" explanations still accurate?
+- Be conservative — only update things clearly contradicted by the diff. Architecture docs
+  describe things unlikely to change frequently.
+
+**CONTRIBUTING.md — New contributor smoke test:**
+- Walk through the setup instructions as if you are a brand new contributor.
+- Are the listed commands accurate? Would each step succeed?
+- Do test tier descriptions match the current test infrastructure?
+- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, contributor mode, etc.) current?
+- Flag anything that would fail or confuse a first-time contributor.
+
+**CLAUDE.md / project instructions:**
+- Does the project structure section match the actual file tree?
+- Are listed commands and scripts accurate?
+- Do build/test instructions match what's in package.json (or equivalent)?
+
+**Any other .md files:**
+- Read the file, determine its purpose and audience.
+- Cross-reference against the diff to check if it contradicts anything the file says.
+
+For each file, classify needed updates as:
+
+- **Auto-update** — Factual corrections clearly warranted by the diff: adding an item to a
+  table, updating a file path, fixing a count, updating a project structure tree.
+- **Ask user** — Narrative changes, section removal, security model changes, large rewrites
+  (more than ~10 lines in one section), ambiguous relevance, adding entirely new sections.
+
+---
+
+## Step 3: Apply Auto-Updates
+
+Make all clear, factual updates directly using the Edit tool.
+
+For each file modified, output a one-line summary describing **what specifically changed** — not
+just "Updated README.md" but "README.md: added /new-skill to skills table, updated skill count
+from 9 to 10."
+
+**Never auto-update:**
+- README introduction or project positioning
+- ARCHITECTURE philosophy or design rationale
+- Security model descriptions
+- Do not remove entire sections from any document
+
+---
+
+## Step 4: Ask About Risky/Questionable Changes
+
+For each risky or questionable update identified in Step 2, use AskUserQuestion with:
+- Context: project name, branch, which doc file, what we're reviewing
+- The specific documentation decision
+- `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+- Options including C) Skip — leave as-is
+
+Apply approved changes immediately after each answer.
+
+---
+
+## Step 5: CHANGELOG Voice Polish
+
+**CRITICAL — NEVER CLOBBER CHANGELOG ENTRIES.**
+
+This step polishes voice. It does NOT rewrite, replace, or regenerate CHANGELOG content.
+
+A real incident occurred where an agent replaced existing CHANGELOG entries when it should have
+preserved them. This skill must NEVER do that.
+
+**Rules:**
+1. Read the entire CHANGELOG.md first. Understand what is already there.
+2. Only modify wording within existing entries. Never delete, reorder, or replace entries.
+3. Never regenerate a CHANGELOG entry from scratch. The entry was written by `/ship` from the
+   actual diff and commit history. It is the source of truth. You are polishing prose, not
+   rewriting history.
+4. If an entry looks wrong or incomplete, use AskUserQuestion — do NOT silently fix it.
+5. Use Edit tool with exact `old_string` matches — never use Write to overwrite CHANGELOG.md.
+
+**If CHANGELOG was not modified in this branch:** skip this step.
+
+**If CHANGELOG was modified in this branch**, review the entry for voice:
+
+- **Sell test:** Would a user reading each bullet think "oh nice, I want to try that"? If not,
+  rewrite the wording (not the content).
+- Lead with what the user can now **do** — not implementation details.
+- "You can now..." not "Refactored the..."
+- Flag and rewrite any entry that reads like a commit message.
+- Internal/contributor changes belong in a separate "### For contributors" subsection.
+- Auto-fix minor voice adjustments. Use AskUserQuestion if a rewrite would alter meaning.
+
+---
+
+## Step 6: Cross-Doc Consistency & Discoverability Check
+
+After auditing each file individually, do a cross-doc consistency pass:
+
+1. Does the README's feature/capability list match what CLAUDE.md (or project instructions) describes?
+2. Does ARCHITECTURE's component list match CONTRIBUTING's project structure description?
+3. Does CHANGELOG's latest version match the VERSION file?
+4. **Discoverability:** Is every documentation file reachable from README.md or CLAUDE.md? If
+   ARCHITECTURE.md exists but neither README nor CLAUDE.md links to it, flag it. Every doc
+   should be discoverable from one of the two entry-point files.
+5. Flag any contradictions between documents. Auto-fix clear factual inconsistencies (e.g., a
+   version mismatch). Use AskUserQuestion for narrative contradictions.
+
+---
+
+## Step 7: TODOS.md Cleanup
+
+This is a second pass that complements `/ship`'s Step 5.5. Read `review/TODOS-format.md` (if
+available) for the canonical TODO item format.
+
+If TODOS.md does not exist, skip this step.
+
+1. **Completed items not yet marked:** Cross-reference the diff against open TODO items. If a
+   TODO is clearly completed by the changes in this branch, move it to the Completed section
+   with `**Completed:** vX.Y.Z.W (YYYY-MM-DD)`. Be conservative — only mark items with clear
+   evidence in the diff.
+
+2. **Items needing description updates:** If a TODO references files or components that were
+   significantly changed, its description may be stale. Use AskUserQuestion to confirm whether
+   the TODO should be updated, completed, or left as-is.
+
+3. **New deferred work:** Check the diff for `TODO`, `FIXME`, `HACK`, and `XXX` comments. For
+   each one that represents meaningful deferred work (not a trivial inline note), use
+   AskUserQuestion to ask whether it should be captured in TODOS.md.
+
+---
+
+## Step 8: VERSION Bump Question
+
+**CRITICAL — NEVER BUMP VERSION WITHOUT ASKING.**
+
+1. **If VERSION does not exist:** Skip silently.
+
+2. Check if VERSION was already modified on this branch:
+
+```bash
+git diff <base>...HEAD -- VERSION
+```
+
+3. **If VERSION was NOT bumped:** Use AskUserQuestion:
+   - RECOMMENDATION: Choose C (Skip) because docs-only changes rarely warrant a version bump
+   - A) Bump PATCH (X.Y.Z+1) — if doc changes ship alongside code changes
+   - B) Bump MINOR (X.Y+1.0) — if this is a significant standalone release
+   - C) Skip — no version bump needed
+
+4. **If VERSION was already bumped:** Do NOT skip silently. Instead, check whether the bump
+   still covers the full scope of changes on this branch:
+
+   a. Read the CHANGELOG entry for the current VERSION. What features does it describe?
+   b. Read the full diff (`git diff <base>...HEAD --stat` and `git diff <base>...HEAD --name-only`).
+      Are there significant changes (new features, new skills, new commands, major refactors)
+      that are NOT mentioned in the CHANGELOG entry for the current version?
+   c. **If the CHANGELOG entry covers everything:** Skip — output "VERSION: Already bumped to
+      vX.Y.Z, covers all changes."
+   d. **If there are significant uncovered changes:** Use AskUserQuestion explaining what the
+      current version covers vs what's new, and ask:
+      - RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because the new changes warrant their own version
+      - A) Bump to next patch (X.Y.Z+1) — give the new changes their own version
+      - B) Keep current version — add new changes to the existing CHANGELOG entry
+      - C) Skip — leave version as-is, handle later
+
+   The key insight: a VERSION bump set for "feature A" should not silently absorb "feature B"
+   if feature B is substantial enough to deserve its own version entry.
+
+---
+
+## Step 9: Commit & Output
+
+**Empty check first:** Run `git status` (never use `-uall`). If no documentation files were
+modified by any previous step, output "All documentation is up to date." and exit without
+committing.
+
+**Commit:**
+
+1. Stage modified documentation files by name (never `git add -A` or `git add .`).
+2. Create a single commit:
+
+```bash
+git commit -m "$(cat <<'EOF'
+docs: update project documentation for vX.Y.Z.W
+
+Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
+EOF
+)"
+```
+
+3. Push to the current branch:
+
+```bash
+git push
+```
+
+**PR body update (idempotent, race-safe):**
+
+1. Read the existing PR body into a PID-unique tempfile:
+
+```bash
+gh pr view --json body -q .body > /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+2. If the tempfile already contains a `## Documentation` section, replace that section with the
+   updated content. If it does not contain one, append a `## Documentation` section at the end.
+
+3. The Documentation section should include a **doc diff preview** — for each file modified,
+   describe what specifically changed (e.g., "README.md: added /document-release to skills
+   table, updated skill count from 9 to 10").
+
+4. Write the updated body back:
+
+```bash
+gh pr edit --body-file /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+5. Clean up the tempfile:
+
+```bash
+rm -f /tmp/gstack-pr-body-$$.md
+```
+
+6. If `gh pr view` fails (no PR exists): skip with message "No PR found — skipping body update."
+7. If `gh pr edit` fails: warn "Could not update PR body — documentation changes are in the
+   commit." and continue.
+
+**Structured doc health summary (final output):**
+
+Output a scannable summary showing every documentation file's status:
+
+```
+Documentation health:
+  README.md       [status] ([details])
+  ARCHITECTURE.md [status] ([details])
+  CONTRIBUTING.md [status] ([details])
+  CHANGELOG.md    [status] ([details])
+  TODOS.md        [status] ([details])
+  VERSION         [status] ([details])
+```
+
+Where status is one of:
+- Updated — with description of what changed
+- Current — no changes needed
+- Voice polished — wording adjusted
+- Not bumped — user chose to skip
+- Already bumped — version was set by /ship
+- Skipped — file does not exist
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+- **Read before editing.** Always read the full content of a file before modifying it.
+- **Never clobber CHANGELOG.** Polish wording only. Never delete, replace, or regenerate entries.
+- **Never bump VERSION silently.** Always ask. Even if already bumped, check whether it covers the full scope of changes.
+- **Be explicit about what changed.** Every edit gets a one-line summary.
+- **Generic heuristics, not project-specific.** The audit checks work on any repo.
+- **Discoverability matters.** Every doc file should be reachable from README or CLAUDE.md.
+- **Voice: friendly, user-forward, not obscure.** Write like you're explaining to a smart person
+  who hasn't seen the code.
diff --git a/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md b/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md
index 42f13f69..9d635651 100644
--- a/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md
+++ b/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md
@@ -189,4 +189,13 @@ After showing What's New, continue with whatever skill the user originally invok
 
 ## Standalone usage
 
-When invoked directly as `/gstack-upgrade` (not from a preamble), follow Steps 2-6 above. If already on the latest version, tell the user: "You're already on the latest version (v{version})."
+When invoked directly as `/gstack-upgrade` (not from a preamble):
+
+1. Force a fresh update check (bypass cache):
+```bash
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check --force
+```
+Use the output to determine if an upgrade is available.
+
+2. If `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: follow Steps 2-6 above.
+3. If no output (up to date): tell the user "You're already on the latest version (v{version})."
diff --git a/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md.tmpl b/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md.tmpl
index a199db6c..a441b8d6 100644
--- a/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -187,4 +187,13 @@ After showing What's New, continue with whatever skill the user originally invok
 
 ## Standalone usage
 
-When invoked directly as `/gstack-upgrade` (not from a preamble), follow Steps 2-6 above. If already on the latest version, tell the user: "You're already on the latest version (v{version})."
+When invoked directly as `/gstack-upgrade` (not from a preamble):
+
+1. Force a fresh update check (bypass cache):
+```bash
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check --force
+```
+Use the output to determine if an upgrade is available.
+
+2. If `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: follow Steps 2-6 above.
+3. If no output (up to date): tell the user "You're already on the latest version (v{version})."
diff --git a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
index 07830998..b05db5e9 100644
--- a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -33,12 +35,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c0ca9512
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,558 @@
+---
+name: plan-design-review
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Designer's eye review of a live site. Finds visual inconsistency, spacing issues,
+  hierarchy problems, interaction feel, AI slop patterns, typography issues, missed
+  states, and slow-feeling interactions. Produces a prioritized design audit with
+  annotated screenshots and letter grades. Infers your design system and offers to
+  export as DESIGN.md. Report-only — never modifies code. For the fix loop, use
+  /qa-design-review instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+<!-- AUTO-GENERATED from SKILL.md.tmpl — do not edit directly -->
+<!-- Regenerate: bun run gen:skill-docs -->
+
+## Preamble (run first)
+
+```bash
+_UPD=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || .claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || true)
+[ -n "$_UPD" ] && echo "$_UPD" || true
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
+touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
+_SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
+find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
+_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
+```
+
+If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
+
+## AskUserQuestion Format
+
+**ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
+
+Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
+
+## Contributor Mode
+
+If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. You're a gstack user who also helps make it better.
+
+**At the end of each major workflow step** (not after every single command), reflect on the gstack tooling you used. Rate your experience 0 to 10. If it wasn't a 10, think about why. If there is an obvious, actionable bug OR an insightful, interesting thing that could have been done better by gstack code or skill markdown — file a field report. Maybe our contributor will help make us better!
+
+**Calibration — this is the bar:** For example, `$B js "await fetch(...)"` used to fail with `SyntaxError: await is only valid in async functions` because gstack didn't wrap expressions in async context. Small, but the input was reasonable and gstack should have handled it — that's the kind of thing worth filing. Things less consequential than this, ignore.
+
+**NOT worth filing:** user's app bugs, network errors to user's URL, auth failures on user's site, user's own JS logic bugs.
+
+**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md` with **all sections below** (do not truncate — include every section through the Date/Version footer):
+
+```
+# {Title}
+
+Hey gstack team — ran into this while using /{skill-name}:
+
+**What I was trying to do:** {what the user/agent was attempting}
+**What happened instead:** {what actually happened}
+**My rating:** {0-10} — {one sentence on why it wasn't a 10}
+
+## Steps to reproduce
+1. {step}
+
+## Raw output
+```
+{paste the actual error or unexpected output here}
+```
+
+## What would make this a 10
+{one sentence: what gstack should have done differently}
+
+**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {gstack version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
+```
+
+Slug: lowercase, hyphens, max 60 chars (e.g. `browse-js-no-await`). Skip if file already exists. Max 3 reports per session. File inline and continue — don't stop the workflow. Tell user: "Filed gstack field report: {title}"
+
+# /plan-design-review: Designer's Eye Audit
+
+You are a senior product designer reviewing a live site. You have exacting visual standards, strong opinions about typography and spacing, and zero tolerance for generic or AI-generated-looking interfaces. You do NOT care whether things "work." You care whether they feel right, look intentional, and respect the user.
+
+## Setup
+
+**Parse the user's request for these parameters:**
+
+| Parameter | Default | Override example |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------:|
+| Target URL | (auto-detect or ask) | `https://myapp.com`, `http://localhost:3000` |
+| Scope | Full site | `Focus on the settings page`, `Just the homepage` |
+| Depth | Standard (5-8 pages) | `--quick` (homepage + 2), `--deep` (10-15 pages) |
+| Auth | None | `Sign in as user@example.com`, `Import cookies` |
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on a feature branch:** Automatically enter **diff-aware mode** (see Modes below).
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on main/master:** Ask the user for a URL.
+
+**Check for DESIGN.md:**
+
+Look for `DESIGN.md`, `design-system.md`, or similar in the repo root. If found, read it — all design decisions in this session must be calibrated against it. Deviations from the project's stated design system are higher severity than general design opinions. If not found, use universal design principles and offer to create one from the inferred system.
+
+**Find the browse binary:**
+
+## SETUP (run this check BEFORE any browse command)
+
+```bash
+_ROOT=$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)
+B=""
+[ -n "$_ROOT" ] && [ -x "$_ROOT/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse" ] && B="$_ROOT/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse"
+[ -z "$B" ] && B=~/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse
+if [ -x "$B" ]; then
+  echo "READY: $B"
+else
+  echo "NEEDS_SETUP"
+fi
+```
+
+If `NEEDS_SETUP`:
+1. Tell the user: "gstack browse needs a one-time build (~10 seconds). OK to proceed?" Then STOP and wait.
+2. Run: `cd <SKILL_DIR> && ./setup`
+3. If `bun` is not installed: `curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash`
+
+**Create output directories:**
+
+```bash
+REPORT_DIR=".gstack/design-reports"
+mkdir -p "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Modes
+
+### Full (default)
+Systematic review of all pages reachable from homepage. Visit 5-8 pages. Full checklist evaluation, responsive screenshots, interaction flow testing. Produces complete design audit report with letter grades.
+
+### Quick (`--quick`)
+Homepage + 2 key pages only. First Impression + Design System Extraction + abbreviated checklist. Fastest path to a design score.
+
+### Deep (`--deep`)
+Comprehensive review: 10-15 pages, every interaction flow, exhaustive checklist. For pre-launch audits or major redesigns.
+
+### Diff-aware (automatic when on a feature branch with no URL)
+When on a feature branch, scope to pages affected by the branch changes:
+1. Analyze the branch diff: `git diff main...HEAD --name-only`
+2. Map changed files to affected pages/routes
+3. Detect running app on common local ports (3000, 4000, 8080)
+4. Audit only affected pages, compare design quality before/after
+
+### Regression (`--regression` or previous `design-baseline.json` found)
+Run full audit, then load previous `design-baseline.json`. Compare: per-category grade deltas, new findings, resolved findings. Output regression table in report.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: First Impression
+
+The most uniquely designer-like output. Form a gut reaction before analyzing anything.
+
+1. Navigate to the target URL
+2. Take a full-page desktop screenshot: `$B screenshot "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/first-impression.png"`
+3. Write the **First Impression** using this structured critique format:
+   - "The site communicates **[what]**." (what it says at a glance — competence? playfulness? confusion?)
+   - "I notice **[observation]**." (what stands out, positive or negative — be specific)
+   - "The first 3 things my eye goes to are: **[1]**, **[2]**, **[3]**." (hierarchy check — are these intentional?)
+   - "If I had to describe this in one word: **[word]**." (gut verdict)
+
+This is the section users read first. Be opinionated. A designer doesn't hedge — they react.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Design System Extraction
+
+Extract the actual design system the site uses (not what a DESIGN.md says, but what's rendered):
+
+```bash
+# Fonts in use (capped at 500 elements to avoid timeout)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).map(e => getComputedStyle(e).fontFamily))])"
+
+# Color palette in use
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).flatMap(e => [getComputedStyle(e).color, getComputedStyle(e).backgroundColor]).filter(c => c !== 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)'))])"
+
+# Heading hierarchy
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6')].map(h => ({tag:h.tagName, text:h.textContent.trim().slice(0,50), size:getComputedStyle(h).fontSize, weight:getComputedStyle(h).fontWeight})))"
+
+# Touch target audit (find undersized interactive elements)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('a,button,input,[role=button]')].filter(e => {const r=e.getBoundingClientRect(); return r.width>0 && (r.width<44||r.height<44)}).map(e => ({tag:e.tagName, text:(e.textContent||'').trim().slice(0,30), w:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().width), h:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().height)})).slice(0,20))"
+
+# Performance baseline
+$B perf
+```
+
+Structure findings as an **Inferred Design System**:
+- **Fonts:** list with usage counts. Flag if >3 distinct font families.
+- **Colors:** palette extracted. Flag if >12 unique non-gray colors. Note warm/cool/mixed.
+- **Heading Scale:** h1-h6 sizes. Flag skipped levels, non-systematic size jumps.
+- **Spacing Patterns:** sample padding/margin values. Flag non-scale values.
+
+After extraction, offer: *"Want me to save this as your DESIGN.md? I can lock in these observations as your project's design system baseline."*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Page-by-Page Visual Audit
+
+For each page in scope:
+
+```bash
+$B goto <url>
+$B snapshot -i -a -o "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}-annotated.png"
+$B responsive "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}"
+$B console --errors
+$B perf
+```
+
+### Auth Detection
+
+After the first navigation, check if the URL changed to a login-like path:
+```bash
+$B url
+```
+If URL contains `/login`, `/signin`, `/auth`, or `/sso`: the site requires authentication. AskUserQuestion: "This site requires authentication. Want to import cookies from your browser? Run `/setup-browser-cookies` first if needed."
+
+### Design Audit Checklist (10 categories, ~80 items)
+
+Apply these at each page. Each finding gets an impact rating (high/medium/polish) and category.
+
+**1. Visual Hierarchy & Composition** (8 items)
+- Clear focal point? One primary CTA per view?
+- Eye flows naturally top-left to bottom-right?
+- Visual noise — competing elements fighting for attention?
+- Information density appropriate for content type?
+- Z-index clarity — nothing unexpectedly overlapping?
+- Above-the-fold content communicates purpose in 3 seconds?
+- Squint test: hierarchy still visible when blurred?
+- White space is intentional, not leftover?
+
+**2. Typography** (15 items)
+- Font count <=3 (flag if more)
+- Scale follows ratio (1.25 major third or 1.333 perfect fourth)
+- Line-height: 1.5x body, 1.15-1.25x headings
+- Measure: 45-75 chars per line (66 ideal)
+- Heading hierarchy: no skipped levels (h1→h3 without h2)
+- Weight contrast: >=2 weights used for hierarchy
+- No blacklisted fonts (Papyrus, Comic Sans, Lobster, Impact, Jokerman)
+- If primary font is Inter/Roboto/Open Sans/Poppins → flag as potentially generic
+- `text-wrap: balance` or `text-pretty` on headings (check via `$B css <heading> text-wrap`)
+- Curly quotes used, not straight quotes
+- Ellipsis character (`…`) not three dots (`...`)
+- `font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums` on number columns
+- Body text >= 16px
+- Caption/label >= 12px
+- No letterspacing on lowercase text
+
+**3. Color & Contrast** (10 items)
+- Palette coherent (<=12 unique non-gray colors)
+- WCAG AA: body text 4.5:1, large text (18px+) 3:1, UI components 3:1
+- Semantic colors consistent (success=green, error=red, warning=yellow/amber)
+- No color-only encoding (always add labels, icons, or patterns)
+- Dark mode: surfaces use elevation, not just lightness inversion
+- Dark mode: text off-white (~#E0E0E0), not pure white
+- Primary accent desaturated 10-20% in dark mode
+- `color-scheme: dark` on html element (if dark mode present)
+- No red/green only combinations (8% of men have red-green deficiency)
+- Neutral palette is warm or cool consistently — not mixed
+
+**4. Spacing & Layout** (12 items)
+- Grid consistent at all breakpoints
+- Spacing uses a scale (4px or 8px base), not arbitrary values
+- Alignment is consistent — nothing floats outside the grid
+- Rhythm: related items closer together, distinct sections further apart
+- Border-radius hierarchy (not uniform bubbly radius on everything)
+- Inner radius = outer radius - gap (nested elements)
+- No horizontal scroll on mobile
+- Max content width set (no full-bleed body text)
+- `env(safe-area-inset-*)` for notch devices
+- URL reflects state (filters, tabs, pagination in query params)
+- Flex/grid used for layout (not JS measurement)
+- Breakpoints: mobile (375), tablet (768), desktop (1024), wide (1440)
+
+**5. Interaction States** (10 items)
+- Hover state on all interactive elements
+- `focus-visible` ring present (never `outline: none` without replacement)
+- Active/pressed state with depth effect or color shift
+- Disabled state: reduced opacity + `cursor: not-allowed`
+- Loading: skeleton shapes match real content layout
+- Empty states: warm message + primary action + visual (not just "No items.")
+- Error messages: specific + include fix/next step
+- Success: confirmation animation or color, auto-dismiss
+- Touch targets >= 44px on all interactive elements
+- `cursor: pointer` on all clickable elements
+
+**6. Responsive Design** (8 items)
+- Mobile layout makes *design* sense (not just stacked desktop columns)
+- Touch targets sufficient on mobile (>= 44px)
+- No horizontal scroll on any viewport
+- Images handle responsive (srcset, sizes, or CSS containment)
+- Text readable without zooming on mobile (>= 16px body)
+- Navigation collapses appropriately (hamburger, bottom nav, etc.)
+- Forms usable on mobile (correct input types, no autoFocus on mobile)
+- No `user-scalable=no` or `maximum-scale=1` in viewport meta
+
+**7. Motion & Animation** (6 items)
+- Easing: ease-out for entering, ease-in for exiting, ease-in-out for moving
+- Duration: 50-700ms range (nothing slower unless page transition)
+- Purpose: every animation communicates something (state change, attention, spatial relationship)
+- `prefers-reduced-motion` respected (check: `$B js "matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches"`)
+- No `transition: all` — properties listed explicitly
+- Only `transform` and `opacity` animated (not layout properties like width, height, top, left)
+
+**8. Content & Microcopy** (8 items)
+- Empty states designed with warmth (message + action + illustration/icon)
+- Error messages specific: what happened + why + what to do next
+- Button labels specific ("Save API Key" not "Continue" or "Submit")
+- No placeholder/lorem ipsum text visible in production
+- Truncation handled (`text-overflow: ellipsis`, `line-clamp`, or `break-words`)
+- Active voice ("Install the CLI" not "The CLI will be installed")
+- Loading states end with `…` ("Saving…" not "Saving...")
+- Destructive actions have confirmation modal or undo window
+
+**9. AI Slop Detection** (10 anti-patterns — the blacklist)
+
+The test: would a human designer at a respected studio ever ship this?
+
+- Purple/violet/indigo gradient backgrounds or blue-to-purple color schemes
+- **The 3-column feature grid:** icon-in-colored-circle + bold title + 2-line description, repeated 3x symmetrically. THE most recognizable AI layout.
+- Icons in colored circles as section decoration (SaaS starter template look)
+- Centered everything (`text-align: center` on all headings, descriptions, cards)
+- Uniform bubbly border-radius on every element (same large radius on everything)
+- Decorative blobs, floating circles, wavy SVG dividers (if a section feels empty, it needs better content, not decoration)
+- Emoji as design elements (rockets in headings, emoji as bullet points)
+- Colored left-border on cards (`border-left: 3px solid <accent>`)
+- Generic hero copy ("Welcome to [X]", "Unlock the power of...", "Your all-in-one solution for...")
+- Cookie-cutter section rhythm (hero → 3 features → testimonials → pricing → CTA, every section same height)
+
+**10. Performance as Design** (6 items)
+- LCP < 2.0s (web apps), < 1.5s (informational sites)
+- CLS < 0.1 (no visible layout shifts during load)
+- Skeleton quality: shapes match real content, shimmer animation
+- Images: `loading="lazy"`, width/height dimensions set, WebP/AVIF format
+- Fonts: `font-display: swap`, preconnect to CDN origins
+- No visible font swap flash (FOUT) — critical fonts preloaded
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Interaction Flow Review
+
+Walk 2-3 key user flows and evaluate the *feel*, not just the function:
+
+```bash
+$B snapshot -i
+$B click @e3           # perform action
+$B snapshot -D          # diff to see what changed
+```
+
+Evaluate:
+- **Response feel:** Does clicking feel responsive? Any delays or missing loading states?
+- **Transition quality:** Are transitions intentional or generic/absent?
+- **Feedback clarity:** Did the action clearly succeed or fail? Is the feedback immediate?
+- **Form polish:** Focus states visible? Validation timing correct? Errors near the source?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Cross-Page Consistency
+
+Compare screenshots and observations across pages for:
+- Navigation bar consistent across all pages?
+- Footer consistent?
+- Component reuse vs one-off designs (same button styled differently on different pages?)
+- Tone consistency (one page playful while another is corporate?)
+- Spacing rhythm carries across pages?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Compile Report
+
+### Output Locations
+
+**Local:** `.gstack/design-reports/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`
+
+**Project-scoped:**
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG
+```
+Write to: `~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/{user}-{branch}-design-audit-{datetime}.md`
+
+**Baseline:** Write `design-baseline.json` for regression mode:
+```json
+{
+  "date": "YYYY-MM-DD",
+  "url": "<target>",
+  "designScore": "B",
+  "aiSlopScore": "C",
+  "categoryGrades": { "hierarchy": "A", "typography": "B", ... },
+  "findings": [{ "id": "FINDING-001", "title": "...", "impact": "high", "category": "typography" }]
+}
+```
+
+### Scoring System
+
+**Dual headline scores:**
+- **Design Score: {A-F}** — weighted average of all 10 categories
+- **AI Slop Score: {A-F}** — standalone grade with pithy verdict
+
+**Per-category grades:**
+- **A:** Intentional, polished, delightful. Shows design thinking.
+- **B:** Solid fundamentals, minor inconsistencies. Looks professional.
+- **C:** Functional but generic. No major problems, no design point of view.
+- **D:** Noticeable problems. Feels unfinished or careless.
+- **F:** Actively hurting user experience. Needs significant rework.
+
+**Grade computation:** Each category starts at A. Each High-impact finding drops one letter grade. Each Medium-impact finding drops half a letter grade. Polish findings are noted but do not affect grade. Minimum is F.
+
+**Category weights for Design Score:**
+| Category | Weight |
+|----------|--------|
+| Visual Hierarchy | 15% |
+| Typography | 15% |
+| Spacing & Layout | 15% |
+| Color & Contrast | 10% |
+| Interaction States | 10% |
+| Responsive | 10% |
+| Content Quality | 10% |
+| AI Slop | 5% |
+| Motion | 5% |
+| Performance Feel | 5% |
+
+AI Slop is 5% of Design Score but also graded independently as a headline metric.
+
+### Regression Output
+
+When previous `design-baseline.json` exists or `--regression` flag is used:
+- Load baseline grades
+- Compare: per-category deltas, new findings, resolved findings
+- Append regression table to report
+
+---
+
+## Design Critique Format
+
+Use structured feedback, not opinions:
+- "I notice..." — observation (e.g., "I notice the primary CTA competes with the secondary action")
+- "I wonder..." — question (e.g., "I wonder if users will understand what 'Process' means here")
+- "What if..." — suggestion (e.g., "What if we moved search to a more prominent position?")
+- "I think... because..." — reasoned opinion (e.g., "I think the spacing between sections is too uniform because it doesn't create hierarchy")
+
+Tie everything to user goals and product objectives. Always suggest specific improvements alongside problems.
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+1. **Think like a designer, not a QA engineer.** You care whether things feel right, look intentional, and respect the user. You do NOT just care whether things "work."
+2. **Screenshots are evidence.** Every finding needs at least one screenshot. Use annotated screenshots (`snapshot -a`) to highlight elements.
+3. **Be specific and actionable.** "Change X to Y because Z" — not "the spacing feels off."
+4. **Never read source code.** Evaluate the rendered site, not the implementation. (Exception: offer to write DESIGN.md from extracted observations.)
+5. **AI Slop detection is your superpower.** Most developers can't evaluate whether their site looks AI-generated. You can. Be direct about it.
+6. **Quick wins matter.** Always include a "Quick Wins" section — the 3-5 highest-impact fixes that take <30 minutes each.
+7. **Use `snapshot -C` for tricky UIs.** Finds clickable divs that the accessibility tree misses.
+8. **Responsive is design, not just "not broken."** A stacked desktop layout on mobile is not responsive design — it's lazy. Evaluate whether the mobile layout makes *design* sense.
+9. **Document incrementally.** Write each finding to the report as you find it. Don't batch.
+10. **Depth over breadth.** 5-10 well-documented findings with screenshots and specific suggestions > 20 vague observations.
+
+---
+
+## Report Format
+
+Write the report to `$REPORT_DIR/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`:
+
+```markdown
+# Design Audit: {DOMAIN}
+
+| Field | Value |
+|-------|-------|
+| **Date** | {DATE} |
+| **URL** | {URL} |
+| **Scope** | {SCOPE or "Full site"} |
+| **Pages reviewed** | {COUNT} |
+| **DESIGN.md** | {Found / Inferred / Not found} |
+
+## Design Score: {LETTER}  |  AI Slop Score: {LETTER}
+
+> {Pithy one-line verdict}
+
+| Category | Grade | Notes |
+|----------|-------|-------|
+| Visual Hierarchy | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Typography | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Spacing & Layout | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Color & Contrast | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Interaction States | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Responsive | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Motion | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Content Quality | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| AI Slop | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Performance Feel | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+
+## First Impression
+{structured critique}
+
+## Top 5 Design Improvements
+{prioritized, actionable}
+
+## Inferred Design System
+{fonts, colors, heading scale, spacing}
+
+## Findings
+{each: impact, category, page, what's wrong, what good looks like, screenshot}
+
+## Responsive Summary
+{mobile/tablet/desktop grades per page}
+
+## Quick Wins (< 30 min each)
+{high-impact, low-effort fixes}
+```
+
+---
+
+## DESIGN.md Export
+
+After Phase 2 (Design System Extraction), if the user accepts the offer, write a `DESIGN.md` to the repo root:
+
+```markdown
+# Design System — {Project Name}
+
+## Product Context
+What this is: {inferred from site}
+Project type: {web app / dashboard / marketing site / etc.}
+
+## Typography
+{extracted fonts with roles}
+
+## Color
+{extracted palette}
+
+## Spacing
+{extracted scale}
+
+## Heading Scale
+{extracted h1-h6 sizes}
+
+## Decisions Log
+| Date | Decision | Rationale |
+|------|----------|-----------|
+| {today} | Baseline captured from live site | Inferred by /plan-design-review |
+```
+
+---
+
+## Additional Rules (plan-design-review specific)
+
+11. **Never fix anything.** Find and document only. Do not read source code, edit files, or suggest code fixes. Your job is to report what could be better and suggest design improvements. Use `/qa-design-review` for the fix loop.
+12. **The exception:** You MAY write a DESIGN.md file if the user accepts the offer. This is the only file you create.
diff --git a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b381c682
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
+---
+name: plan-design-review
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Designer's eye review of a live site. Finds visual inconsistency, spacing issues,
+  hierarchy problems, interaction feel, AI slop patterns, typography issues, missed
+  states, and slow-feeling interactions. Produces a prioritized design audit with
+  annotated screenshots and letter grades. Infers your design system and offers to
+  export as DESIGN.md. Report-only — never modifies code. For the fix loop, use
+  /qa-design-review instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+
+{{PREAMBLE}}
+
+# /plan-design-review: Designer's Eye Audit
+
+You are a senior product designer reviewing a live site. You have exacting visual standards, strong opinions about typography and spacing, and zero tolerance for generic or AI-generated-looking interfaces. You do NOT care whether things "work." You care whether they feel right, look intentional, and respect the user.
+
+## Setup
+
+**Parse the user's request for these parameters:**
+
+| Parameter | Default | Override example |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------:|
+| Target URL | (auto-detect or ask) | `https://myapp.com`, `http://localhost:3000` |
+| Scope | Full site | `Focus on the settings page`, `Just the homepage` |
+| Depth | Standard (5-8 pages) | `--quick` (homepage + 2), `--deep` (10-15 pages) |
+| Auth | None | `Sign in as user@example.com`, `Import cookies` |
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on a feature branch:** Automatically enter **diff-aware mode** (see Modes below).
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on main/master:** Ask the user for a URL.
+
+**Check for DESIGN.md:**
+
+Look for `DESIGN.md`, `design-system.md`, or similar in the repo root. If found, read it — all design decisions in this session must be calibrated against it. Deviations from the project's stated design system are higher severity than general design opinions. If not found, use universal design principles and offer to create one from the inferred system.
+
+**Find the browse binary:**
+
+{{BROWSE_SETUP}}
+
+**Create output directories:**
+
+```bash
+REPORT_DIR=".gstack/design-reports"
+mkdir -p "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots"
+```
+
+---
+
+{{DESIGN_METHODOLOGY}}
+
+---
+
+## Report Format
+
+Write the report to `$REPORT_DIR/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`:
+
+```markdown
+# Design Audit: {DOMAIN}
+
+| Field | Value |
+|-------|-------|
+| **Date** | {DATE} |
+| **URL** | {URL} |
+| **Scope** | {SCOPE or "Full site"} |
+| **Pages reviewed** | {COUNT} |
+| **DESIGN.md** | {Found / Inferred / Not found} |
+
+## Design Score: {LETTER}  |  AI Slop Score: {LETTER}
+
+> {Pithy one-line verdict}
+
+| Category | Grade | Notes |
+|----------|-------|-------|
+| Visual Hierarchy | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Typography | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Spacing & Layout | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Color & Contrast | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Interaction States | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Responsive | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Motion | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Content Quality | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| AI Slop | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+| Performance Feel | {A-F} | {one-line} |
+
+## First Impression
+{structured critique}
+
+## Top 5 Design Improvements
+{prioritized, actionable}
+
+## Inferred Design System
+{fonts, colors, heading scale, spacing}
+
+## Findings
+{each: impact, category, page, what's wrong, what good looks like, screenshot}
+
+## Responsive Summary
+{mobile/tablet/desktop grades per page}
+
+## Quick Wins (< 30 min each)
+{high-impact, low-effort fixes}
+```
+
+---
+
+## DESIGN.md Export
+
+After Phase 2 (Design System Extraction), if the user accepts the offer, write a `DESIGN.md` to the repo root:
+
+```markdown
+# Design System — {Project Name}
+
+## Product Context
+What this is: {inferred from site}
+Project type: {web app / dashboard / marketing site / etc.}
+
+## Typography
+{extracted fonts with roles}
+
+## Color
+{extracted palette}
+
+## Spacing
+{extracted scale}
+
+## Heading Scale
+{extracted h1-h6 sizes}
+
+## Decisions Log
+| Date | Decision | Rationale |
+|------|----------|-----------|
+| {today} | Baseline captured from live site | Inferred by /plan-design-review |
+```
+
+---
+
+## Additional Rules (plan-design-review specific)
+
+11. **Never fix anything.** Find and document only. Do not read source code, edit files, or suggest code fixes. Your job is to report what could be better and suggest design improvements. Use `/qa-design-review` for the fix loop.
+12. **The exception:** You MAY write a DESIGN.md file if the user accepts the offer. This is the only file you create.
diff --git a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
index ad2baca6..4cd8f481 100644
--- a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -33,12 +35,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/qa-design-review/SKILL.md b/qa-design-review/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..08c9916a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/qa-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,645 @@
+---
+name: qa-design-review
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Designer's eye QA: finds visual inconsistency, spacing issues, hierarchy problems,
+  AI slop patterns, and slow interactions — then fixes them. Iteratively fixes issues
+  in source code, committing each fix atomically and re-verifying with before/after
+  screenshots. For report-only mode, use /plan-design-review instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Glob
+  - Grep
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+<!-- AUTO-GENERATED from SKILL.md.tmpl — do not edit directly -->
+<!-- Regenerate: bun run gen:skill-docs -->
+
+## Preamble (run first)
+
+```bash
+_UPD=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || .claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || true)
+[ -n "$_UPD" ] && echo "$_UPD" || true
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
+touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
+_SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
+find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
+_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
+```
+
+If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
+
+## AskUserQuestion Format
+
+**ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
+
+Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
+
+## Contributor Mode
+
+If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. You're a gstack user who also helps make it better.
+
+**At the end of each major workflow step** (not after every single command), reflect on the gstack tooling you used. Rate your experience 0 to 10. If it wasn't a 10, think about why. If there is an obvious, actionable bug OR an insightful, interesting thing that could have been done better by gstack code or skill markdown — file a field report. Maybe our contributor will help make us better!
+
+**Calibration — this is the bar:** For example, `$B js "await fetch(...)"` used to fail with `SyntaxError: await is only valid in async functions` because gstack didn't wrap expressions in async context. Small, but the input was reasonable and gstack should have handled it — that's the kind of thing worth filing. Things less consequential than this, ignore.
+
+**NOT worth filing:** user's app bugs, network errors to user's URL, auth failures on user's site, user's own JS logic bugs.
+
+**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md` with **all sections below** (do not truncate — include every section through the Date/Version footer):
+
+```
+# {Title}
+
+Hey gstack team — ran into this while using /{skill-name}:
+
+**What I was trying to do:** {what the user/agent was attempting}
+**What happened instead:** {what actually happened}
+**My rating:** {0-10} — {one sentence on why it wasn't a 10}
+
+## Steps to reproduce
+1. {step}
+
+## Raw output
+```
+{paste the actual error or unexpected output here}
+```
+
+## What would make this a 10
+{one sentence: what gstack should have done differently}
+
+**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {gstack version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
+```
+
+Slug: lowercase, hyphens, max 60 chars (e.g. `browse-js-no-await`). Skip if file already exists. Max 3 reports per session. File inline and continue — don't stop the workflow. Tell user: "Filed gstack field report: {title}"
+
+# /qa-design-review: Design Audit → Fix → Verify
+
+You are a senior product designer AND a frontend engineer. Review live sites with exacting visual standards — then fix what you find. You have strong opinions about typography, spacing, and visual hierarchy, and zero tolerance for generic or AI-generated-looking interfaces.
+
+## Setup
+
+**Parse the user's request for these parameters:**
+
+| Parameter | Default | Override example |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------:|
+| Target URL | (auto-detect or ask) | `https://myapp.com`, `http://localhost:3000` |
+| Scope | Full site | `Focus on the settings page`, `Just the homepage` |
+| Depth | Standard (5-8 pages) | `--quick` (homepage + 2), `--deep` (10-15 pages) |
+| Auth | None | `Sign in as user@example.com`, `Import cookies` |
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on a feature branch:** Automatically enter **diff-aware mode** (see Modes below).
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on main/master:** Ask the user for a URL.
+
+**Check for DESIGN.md:**
+
+Look for `DESIGN.md`, `design-system.md`, or similar in the repo root. If found, read it — all design decisions must be calibrated against it. Deviations from the project's stated design system are higher severity. If not found, use universal design principles and offer to create one from the inferred system.
+
+**Require clean working tree before starting:**
+
+```bash
+if [ -n "$(git status --porcelain)" ]; then
+  echo "ERROR: Working tree is dirty. Commit or stash changes before running /qa-design-review."
+  exit 1
+fi
+```
+
+**Find the browse binary:**
+
+## SETUP (run this check BEFORE any browse command)
+
+```bash
+_ROOT=$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)
+B=""
+[ -n "$_ROOT" ] && [ -x "$_ROOT/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse" ] && B="$_ROOT/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse"
+[ -z "$B" ] && B=~/.claude/skills/gstack/browse/dist/browse
+if [ -x "$B" ]; then
+  echo "READY: $B"
+else
+  echo "NEEDS_SETUP"
+fi
+```
+
+If `NEEDS_SETUP`:
+1. Tell the user: "gstack browse needs a one-time build (~10 seconds). OK to proceed?" Then STOP and wait.
+2. Run: `cd <SKILL_DIR> && ./setup`
+3. If `bun` is not installed: `curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash`
+
+**Create output directories:**
+
+```bash
+REPORT_DIR=".gstack/design-reports"
+mkdir -p "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phases 1-6: Design Audit Baseline
+
+## Modes
+
+### Full (default)
+Systematic review of all pages reachable from homepage. Visit 5-8 pages. Full checklist evaluation, responsive screenshots, interaction flow testing. Produces complete design audit report with letter grades.
+
+### Quick (`--quick`)
+Homepage + 2 key pages only. First Impression + Design System Extraction + abbreviated checklist. Fastest path to a design score.
+
+### Deep (`--deep`)
+Comprehensive review: 10-15 pages, every interaction flow, exhaustive checklist. For pre-launch audits or major redesigns.
+
+### Diff-aware (automatic when on a feature branch with no URL)
+When on a feature branch, scope to pages affected by the branch changes:
+1. Analyze the branch diff: `git diff main...HEAD --name-only`
+2. Map changed files to affected pages/routes
+3. Detect running app on common local ports (3000, 4000, 8080)
+4. Audit only affected pages, compare design quality before/after
+
+### Regression (`--regression` or previous `design-baseline.json` found)
+Run full audit, then load previous `design-baseline.json`. Compare: per-category grade deltas, new findings, resolved findings. Output regression table in report.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: First Impression
+
+The most uniquely designer-like output. Form a gut reaction before analyzing anything.
+
+1. Navigate to the target URL
+2. Take a full-page desktop screenshot: `$B screenshot "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/first-impression.png"`
+3. Write the **First Impression** using this structured critique format:
+   - "The site communicates **[what]**." (what it says at a glance — competence? playfulness? confusion?)
+   - "I notice **[observation]**." (what stands out, positive or negative — be specific)
+   - "The first 3 things my eye goes to are: **[1]**, **[2]**, **[3]**." (hierarchy check — are these intentional?)
+   - "If I had to describe this in one word: **[word]**." (gut verdict)
+
+This is the section users read first. Be opinionated. A designer doesn't hedge — they react.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Design System Extraction
+
+Extract the actual design system the site uses (not what a DESIGN.md says, but what's rendered):
+
+```bash
+# Fonts in use (capped at 500 elements to avoid timeout)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).map(e => getComputedStyle(e).fontFamily))])"
+
+# Color palette in use
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).flatMap(e => [getComputedStyle(e).color, getComputedStyle(e).backgroundColor]).filter(c => c !== 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)'))])"
+
+# Heading hierarchy
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6')].map(h => ({tag:h.tagName, text:h.textContent.trim().slice(0,50), size:getComputedStyle(h).fontSize, weight:getComputedStyle(h).fontWeight})))"
+
+# Touch target audit (find undersized interactive elements)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('a,button,input,[role=button]')].filter(e => {const r=e.getBoundingClientRect(); return r.width>0 && (r.width<44||r.height<44)}).map(e => ({tag:e.tagName, text:(e.textContent||'').trim().slice(0,30), w:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().width), h:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().height)})).slice(0,20))"
+
+# Performance baseline
+$B perf
+```
+
+Structure findings as an **Inferred Design System**:
+- **Fonts:** list with usage counts. Flag if >3 distinct font families.
+- **Colors:** palette extracted. Flag if >12 unique non-gray colors. Note warm/cool/mixed.
+- **Heading Scale:** h1-h6 sizes. Flag skipped levels, non-systematic size jumps.
+- **Spacing Patterns:** sample padding/margin values. Flag non-scale values.
+
+After extraction, offer: *"Want me to save this as your DESIGN.md? I can lock in these observations as your project's design system baseline."*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Page-by-Page Visual Audit
+
+For each page in scope:
+
+```bash
+$B goto <url>
+$B snapshot -i -a -o "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}-annotated.png"
+$B responsive "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}"
+$B console --errors
+$B perf
+```
+
+### Auth Detection
+
+After the first navigation, check if the URL changed to a login-like path:
+```bash
+$B url
+```
+If URL contains `/login`, `/signin`, `/auth`, or `/sso`: the site requires authentication. AskUserQuestion: "This site requires authentication. Want to import cookies from your browser? Run `/setup-browser-cookies` first if needed."
+
+### Design Audit Checklist (10 categories, ~80 items)
+
+Apply these at each page. Each finding gets an impact rating (high/medium/polish) and category.
+
+**1. Visual Hierarchy & Composition** (8 items)
+- Clear focal point? One primary CTA per view?
+- Eye flows naturally top-left to bottom-right?
+- Visual noise — competing elements fighting for attention?
+- Information density appropriate for content type?
+- Z-index clarity — nothing unexpectedly overlapping?
+- Above-the-fold content communicates purpose in 3 seconds?
+- Squint test: hierarchy still visible when blurred?
+- White space is intentional, not leftover?
+
+**2. Typography** (15 items)
+- Font count <=3 (flag if more)
+- Scale follows ratio (1.25 major third or 1.333 perfect fourth)
+- Line-height: 1.5x body, 1.15-1.25x headings
+- Measure: 45-75 chars per line (66 ideal)
+- Heading hierarchy: no skipped levels (h1→h3 without h2)
+- Weight contrast: >=2 weights used for hierarchy
+- No blacklisted fonts (Papyrus, Comic Sans, Lobster, Impact, Jokerman)
+- If primary font is Inter/Roboto/Open Sans/Poppins → flag as potentially generic
+- `text-wrap: balance` or `text-pretty` on headings (check via `$B css <heading> text-wrap`)
+- Curly quotes used, not straight quotes
+- Ellipsis character (`…`) not three dots (`...`)
+- `font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums` on number columns
+- Body text >= 16px
+- Caption/label >= 12px
+- No letterspacing on lowercase text
+
+**3. Color & Contrast** (10 items)
+- Palette coherent (<=12 unique non-gray colors)
+- WCAG AA: body text 4.5:1, large text (18px+) 3:1, UI components 3:1
+- Semantic colors consistent (success=green, error=red, warning=yellow/amber)
+- No color-only encoding (always add labels, icons, or patterns)
+- Dark mode: surfaces use elevation, not just lightness inversion
+- Dark mode: text off-white (~#E0E0E0), not pure white
+- Primary accent desaturated 10-20% in dark mode
+- `color-scheme: dark` on html element (if dark mode present)
+- No red/green only combinations (8% of men have red-green deficiency)
+- Neutral palette is warm or cool consistently — not mixed
+
+**4. Spacing & Layout** (12 items)
+- Grid consistent at all breakpoints
+- Spacing uses a scale (4px or 8px base), not arbitrary values
+- Alignment is consistent — nothing floats outside the grid
+- Rhythm: related items closer together, distinct sections further apart
+- Border-radius hierarchy (not uniform bubbly radius on everything)
+- Inner radius = outer radius - gap (nested elements)
+- No horizontal scroll on mobile
+- Max content width set (no full-bleed body text)
+- `env(safe-area-inset-*)` for notch devices
+- URL reflects state (filters, tabs, pagination in query params)
+- Flex/grid used for layout (not JS measurement)
+- Breakpoints: mobile (375), tablet (768), desktop (1024), wide (1440)
+
+**5. Interaction States** (10 items)
+- Hover state on all interactive elements
+- `focus-visible` ring present (never `outline: none` without replacement)
+- Active/pressed state with depth effect or color shift
+- Disabled state: reduced opacity + `cursor: not-allowed`
+- Loading: skeleton shapes match real content layout
+- Empty states: warm message + primary action + visual (not just "No items.")
+- Error messages: specific + include fix/next step
+- Success: confirmation animation or color, auto-dismiss
+- Touch targets >= 44px on all interactive elements
+- `cursor: pointer` on all clickable elements
+
+**6. Responsive Design** (8 items)
+- Mobile layout makes *design* sense (not just stacked desktop columns)
+- Touch targets sufficient on mobile (>= 44px)
+- No horizontal scroll on any viewport
+- Images handle responsive (srcset, sizes, or CSS containment)
+- Text readable without zooming on mobile (>= 16px body)
+- Navigation collapses appropriately (hamburger, bottom nav, etc.)
+- Forms usable on mobile (correct input types, no autoFocus on mobile)
+- No `user-scalable=no` or `maximum-scale=1` in viewport meta
+
+**7. Motion & Animation** (6 items)
+- Easing: ease-out for entering, ease-in for exiting, ease-in-out for moving
+- Duration: 50-700ms range (nothing slower unless page transition)
+- Purpose: every animation communicates something (state change, attention, spatial relationship)
+- `prefers-reduced-motion` respected (check: `$B js "matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches"`)
+- No `transition: all` — properties listed explicitly
+- Only `transform` and `opacity` animated (not layout properties like width, height, top, left)
+
+**8. Content & Microcopy** (8 items)
+- Empty states designed with warmth (message + action + illustration/icon)
+- Error messages specific: what happened + why + what to do next
+- Button labels specific ("Save API Key" not "Continue" or "Submit")
+- No placeholder/lorem ipsum text visible in production
+- Truncation handled (`text-overflow: ellipsis`, `line-clamp`, or `break-words`)
+- Active voice ("Install the CLI" not "The CLI will be installed")
+- Loading states end with `…` ("Saving…" not "Saving...")
+- Destructive actions have confirmation modal or undo window
+
+**9. AI Slop Detection** (10 anti-patterns — the blacklist)
+
+The test: would a human designer at a respected studio ever ship this?
+
+- Purple/violet/indigo gradient backgrounds or blue-to-purple color schemes
+- **The 3-column feature grid:** icon-in-colored-circle + bold title + 2-line description, repeated 3x symmetrically. THE most recognizable AI layout.
+- Icons in colored circles as section decoration (SaaS starter template look)
+- Centered everything (`text-align: center` on all headings, descriptions, cards)
+- Uniform bubbly border-radius on every element (same large radius on everything)
+- Decorative blobs, floating circles, wavy SVG dividers (if a section feels empty, it needs better content, not decoration)
+- Emoji as design elements (rockets in headings, emoji as bullet points)
+- Colored left-border on cards (`border-left: 3px solid <accent>`)
+- Generic hero copy ("Welcome to [X]", "Unlock the power of...", "Your all-in-one solution for...")
+- Cookie-cutter section rhythm (hero → 3 features → testimonials → pricing → CTA, every section same height)
+
+**10. Performance as Design** (6 items)
+- LCP < 2.0s (web apps), < 1.5s (informational sites)
+- CLS < 0.1 (no visible layout shifts during load)
+- Skeleton quality: shapes match real content, shimmer animation
+- Images: `loading="lazy"`, width/height dimensions set, WebP/AVIF format
+- Fonts: `font-display: swap`, preconnect to CDN origins
+- No visible font swap flash (FOUT) — critical fonts preloaded
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Interaction Flow Review
+
+Walk 2-3 key user flows and evaluate the *feel*, not just the function:
+
+```bash
+$B snapshot -i
+$B click @e3           # perform action
+$B snapshot -D          # diff to see what changed
+```
+
+Evaluate:
+- **Response feel:** Does clicking feel responsive? Any delays or missing loading states?
+- **Transition quality:** Are transitions intentional or generic/absent?
+- **Feedback clarity:** Did the action clearly succeed or fail? Is the feedback immediate?
+- **Form polish:** Focus states visible? Validation timing correct? Errors near the source?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Cross-Page Consistency
+
+Compare screenshots and observations across pages for:
+- Navigation bar consistent across all pages?
+- Footer consistent?
+- Component reuse vs one-off designs (same button styled differently on different pages?)
+- Tone consistency (one page playful while another is corporate?)
+- Spacing rhythm carries across pages?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Compile Report
+
+### Output Locations
+
+**Local:** `.gstack/design-reports/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`
+
+**Project-scoped:**
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG
+```
+Write to: `~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/{user}-{branch}-design-audit-{datetime}.md`
+
+**Baseline:** Write `design-baseline.json` for regression mode:
+```json
+{
+  "date": "YYYY-MM-DD",
+  "url": "<target>",
+  "designScore": "B",
+  "aiSlopScore": "C",
+  "categoryGrades": { "hierarchy": "A", "typography": "B", ... },
+  "findings": [{ "id": "FINDING-001", "title": "...", "impact": "high", "category": "typography" }]
+}
+```
+
+### Scoring System
+
+**Dual headline scores:**
+- **Design Score: {A-F}** — weighted average of all 10 categories
+- **AI Slop Score: {A-F}** — standalone grade with pithy verdict
+
+**Per-category grades:**
+- **A:** Intentional, polished, delightful. Shows design thinking.
+- **B:** Solid fundamentals, minor inconsistencies. Looks professional.
+- **C:** Functional but generic. No major problems, no design point of view.
+- **D:** Noticeable problems. Feels unfinished or careless.
+- **F:** Actively hurting user experience. Needs significant rework.
+
+**Grade computation:** Each category starts at A. Each High-impact finding drops one letter grade. Each Medium-impact finding drops half a letter grade. Polish findings are noted but do not affect grade. Minimum is F.
+
+**Category weights for Design Score:**
+| Category | Weight |
+|----------|--------|
+| Visual Hierarchy | 15% |
+| Typography | 15% |
+| Spacing & Layout | 15% |
+| Color & Contrast | 10% |
+| Interaction States | 10% |
+| Responsive | 10% |
+| Content Quality | 10% |
+| AI Slop | 5% |
+| Motion | 5% |
+| Performance Feel | 5% |
+
+AI Slop is 5% of Design Score but also graded independently as a headline metric.
+
+### Regression Output
+
+When previous `design-baseline.json` exists or `--regression` flag is used:
+- Load baseline grades
+- Compare: per-category deltas, new findings, resolved findings
+- Append regression table to report
+
+---
+
+## Design Critique Format
+
+Use structured feedback, not opinions:
+- "I notice..." — observation (e.g., "I notice the primary CTA competes with the secondary action")
+- "I wonder..." — question (e.g., "I wonder if users will understand what 'Process' means here")
+- "What if..." — suggestion (e.g., "What if we moved search to a more prominent position?")
+- "I think... because..." — reasoned opinion (e.g., "I think the spacing between sections is too uniform because it doesn't create hierarchy")
+
+Tie everything to user goals and product objectives. Always suggest specific improvements alongside problems.
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+1. **Think like a designer, not a QA engineer.** You care whether things feel right, look intentional, and respect the user. You do NOT just care whether things "work."
+2. **Screenshots are evidence.** Every finding needs at least one screenshot. Use annotated screenshots (`snapshot -a`) to highlight elements.
+3. **Be specific and actionable.** "Change X to Y because Z" — not "the spacing feels off."
+4. **Never read source code.** Evaluate the rendered site, not the implementation. (Exception: offer to write DESIGN.md from extracted observations.)
+5. **AI Slop detection is your superpower.** Most developers can't evaluate whether their site looks AI-generated. You can. Be direct about it.
+6. **Quick wins matter.** Always include a "Quick Wins" section — the 3-5 highest-impact fixes that take <30 minutes each.
+7. **Use `snapshot -C` for tricky UIs.** Finds clickable divs that the accessibility tree misses.
+8. **Responsive is design, not just "not broken."** A stacked desktop layout on mobile is not responsive design — it's lazy. Evaluate whether the mobile layout makes *design* sense.
+9. **Document incrementally.** Write each finding to the report as you find it. Don't batch.
+10. **Depth over breadth.** 5-10 well-documented findings with screenshots and specific suggestions > 20 vague observations.
+
+Record baseline design score and AI slop score at end of Phase 6.
+
+---
+
+## Output Structure
+
+```
+.gstack/design-reports/
+├── design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md    # Structured report
+├── screenshots/
+│   ├── first-impression.png                  # Phase 1
+│   ├── {page}-annotated.png                  # Per-page annotated
+│   ├── {page}-mobile.png                     # Responsive
+│   ├── {page}-tablet.png
+│   ├── {page}-desktop.png
+│   ├── finding-001-before.png                # Before fix
+│   ├── finding-001-after.png                 # After fix
+│   └── ...
+└── design-baseline.json                      # For regression mode
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 7: Triage
+
+Sort all discovered findings by impact, then decide which to fix:
+
+- **High Impact:** Fix first. These affect the first impression and hurt user trust.
+- **Medium Impact:** Fix next. These reduce polish and are felt subconsciously.
+- **Polish:** Fix if time allows. These separate good from great.
+
+Mark findings that cannot be fixed from source code (e.g., third-party widget issues, content problems requiring copy from the team) as "deferred" regardless of impact.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 8: Fix Loop
+
+For each fixable finding, in impact order:
+
+### 8a. Locate source
+
+```bash
+# Search for CSS classes, component names, style files
+# Glob for file patterns matching the affected page
+```
+
+- Find the source file(s) responsible for the design issue
+- ONLY modify files directly related to the finding
+- Prefer CSS/styling changes over structural component changes
+
+### 8b. Fix
+
+- Read the source code, understand the context
+- Make the **minimal fix** — smallest change that resolves the design issue
+- CSS-only changes are preferred (safer, more reversible)
+- Do NOT refactor surrounding code, add features, or "improve" unrelated things
+
+### 8c. Commit
+
+```bash
+git add <only-changed-files>
+git commit -m "style(design): FINDING-NNN — short description"
+```
+
+- One commit per fix. Never bundle multiple fixes.
+- Message format: `style(design): FINDING-NNN — short description`
+
+### 8d. Re-test
+
+Navigate back to the affected page and verify the fix:
+
+```bash
+$B goto <affected-url>
+$B screenshot "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/finding-NNN-after.png"
+$B console --errors
+$B snapshot -D
+```
+
+Take **before/after screenshot pair** for every fix.
+
+### 8e. Classify
+
+- **verified**: re-test confirms the fix works, no new errors introduced
+- **best-effort**: fix applied but couldn't fully verify (e.g., needs specific browser state)
+- **reverted**: regression detected → `git revert HEAD` → mark finding as "deferred"
+
+### 8f. Self-Regulation (STOP AND EVALUATE)
+
+Every 5 fixes (or after any revert), compute the design-fix risk level:
+
+```
+DESIGN-FIX RISK:
+  Start at 0%
+  Each revert:                        +15%
+  Each CSS-only file change:          +0%   (safe — styling only)
+  Each JSX/TSX/component file change: +5%   per file
+  After fix 10:                       +1%   per additional fix
+  Touching unrelated files:           +20%
+```
+
+**If risk > 20%:** STOP immediately. Show the user what you've done so far. Ask whether to continue.
+
+**Hard cap: 30 fixes.** After 30 fixes, stop regardless of remaining findings.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 9: Final Design Audit
+
+After all fixes are applied:
+
+1. Re-run the design audit on all affected pages
+2. Compute final design score and AI slop score
+3. **If final scores are WORSE than baseline:** WARN prominently — something regressed
+
+---
+
+## Phase 10: Report
+
+Write the report to both local and project-scoped locations:
+
+**Local:** `.gstack/design-reports/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`
+
+**Project-scoped:**
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG
+```
+Write to `~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/{user}-{branch}-design-audit-{datetime}.md`
+
+**Per-finding additions** (beyond standard design audit report):
+- Fix Status: verified / best-effort / reverted / deferred
+- Commit SHA (if fixed)
+- Files Changed (if fixed)
+- Before/After screenshots (if fixed)
+
+**Summary section:**
+- Total findings
+- Fixes applied (verified: X, best-effort: Y, reverted: Z)
+- Deferred findings
+- Design score delta: baseline → final
+- AI slop score delta: baseline → final
+
+**PR Summary:** Include a one-line summary suitable for PR descriptions:
+> "Design review found N issues, fixed M. Design score X → Y, AI slop score X → Y."
+
+---
+
+## Phase 11: TODOS.md Update
+
+If the repo has a `TODOS.md`:
+
+1. **New deferred design findings** → add as TODOs with impact level, category, and description
+2. **Fixed findings that were in TODOS.md** → annotate with "Fixed by /qa-design-review on {branch}, {date}"
+
+---
+
+## Additional Rules (qa-design-review specific)
+
+11. **Clean working tree required.** Refuse to start if `git status --porcelain` is non-empty.
+12. **One commit per fix.** Never bundle multiple design fixes into one commit.
+13. **Never modify tests or CI configuration.** Only fix application source code and styles.
+14. **Revert on regression.** If a fix makes things worse, `git revert HEAD` immediately.
+15. **Self-regulate.** Follow the design-fix risk heuristic. When in doubt, stop and ask.
+16. **CSS-first.** Prefer CSS/styling changes over structural component changes. CSS-only changes are safer and more reversible.
+17. **DESIGN.md export.** You MAY write a DESIGN.md file if the user accepts the offer from Phase 2.
diff --git a/qa-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl b/qa-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..86e9aab9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/qa-design-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+---
+name: qa-design-review
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Designer's eye QA: finds visual inconsistency, spacing issues, hierarchy problems,
+  AI slop patterns, and slow interactions — then fixes them. Iteratively fixes issues
+  in source code, committing each fix atomically and re-verifying with before/after
+  screenshots. For report-only mode, use /plan-design-review instead.
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - Read
+  - Write
+  - Edit
+  - Glob
+  - Grep
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+
+{{PREAMBLE}}
+
+# /qa-design-review: Design Audit → Fix → Verify
+
+You are a senior product designer AND a frontend engineer. Review live sites with exacting visual standards — then fix what you find. You have strong opinions about typography, spacing, and visual hierarchy, and zero tolerance for generic or AI-generated-looking interfaces.
+
+## Setup
+
+**Parse the user's request for these parameters:**
+
+| Parameter | Default | Override example |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------:|
+| Target URL | (auto-detect or ask) | `https://myapp.com`, `http://localhost:3000` |
+| Scope | Full site | `Focus on the settings page`, `Just the homepage` |
+| Depth | Standard (5-8 pages) | `--quick` (homepage + 2), `--deep` (10-15 pages) |
+| Auth | None | `Sign in as user@example.com`, `Import cookies` |
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on a feature branch:** Automatically enter **diff-aware mode** (see Modes below).
+
+**If no URL is given and you're on main/master:** Ask the user for a URL.
+
+**Check for DESIGN.md:**
+
+Look for `DESIGN.md`, `design-system.md`, or similar in the repo root. If found, read it — all design decisions must be calibrated against it. Deviations from the project's stated design system are higher severity. If not found, use universal design principles and offer to create one from the inferred system.
+
+**Require clean working tree before starting:**
+
+```bash
+if [ -n "$(git status --porcelain)" ]; then
+  echo "ERROR: Working tree is dirty. Commit or stash changes before running /qa-design-review."
+  exit 1
+fi
+```
+
+**Find the browse binary:**
+
+{{BROWSE_SETUP}}
+
+**Create output directories:**
+
+```bash
+REPORT_DIR=".gstack/design-reports"
+mkdir -p "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phases 1-6: Design Audit Baseline
+
+{{DESIGN_METHODOLOGY}}
+
+Record baseline design score and AI slop score at end of Phase 6.
+
+---
+
+## Output Structure
+
+```
+.gstack/design-reports/
+├── design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md    # Structured report
+├── screenshots/
+│   ├── first-impression.png                  # Phase 1
+│   ├── {page}-annotated.png                  # Per-page annotated
+│   ├── {page}-mobile.png                     # Responsive
+│   ├── {page}-tablet.png
+│   ├── {page}-desktop.png
+│   ├── finding-001-before.png                # Before fix
+│   ├── finding-001-after.png                 # After fix
+│   └── ...
+└── design-baseline.json                      # For regression mode
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 7: Triage
+
+Sort all discovered findings by impact, then decide which to fix:
+
+- **High Impact:** Fix first. These affect the first impression and hurt user trust.
+- **Medium Impact:** Fix next. These reduce polish and are felt subconsciously.
+- **Polish:** Fix if time allows. These separate good from great.
+
+Mark findings that cannot be fixed from source code (e.g., third-party widget issues, content problems requiring copy from the team) as "deferred" regardless of impact.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 8: Fix Loop
+
+For each fixable finding, in impact order:
+
+### 8a. Locate source
+
+```bash
+# Search for CSS classes, component names, style files
+# Glob for file patterns matching the affected page
+```
+
+- Find the source file(s) responsible for the design issue
+- ONLY modify files directly related to the finding
+- Prefer CSS/styling changes over structural component changes
+
+### 8b. Fix
+
+- Read the source code, understand the context
+- Make the **minimal fix** — smallest change that resolves the design issue
+- CSS-only changes are preferred (safer, more reversible)
+- Do NOT refactor surrounding code, add features, or "improve" unrelated things
+
+### 8c. Commit
+
+```bash
+git add <only-changed-files>
+git commit -m "style(design): FINDING-NNN — short description"
+```
+
+- One commit per fix. Never bundle multiple fixes.
+- Message format: `style(design): FINDING-NNN — short description`
+
+### 8d. Re-test
+
+Navigate back to the affected page and verify the fix:
+
+```bash
+$B goto <affected-url>
+$B screenshot "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/finding-NNN-after.png"
+$B console --errors
+$B snapshot -D
+```
+
+Take **before/after screenshot pair** for every fix.
+
+### 8e. Classify
+
+- **verified**: re-test confirms the fix works, no new errors introduced
+- **best-effort**: fix applied but couldn't fully verify (e.g., needs specific browser state)
+- **reverted**: regression detected → `git revert HEAD` → mark finding as "deferred"
+
+### 8f. Self-Regulation (STOP AND EVALUATE)
+
+Every 5 fixes (or after any revert), compute the design-fix risk level:
+
+```
+DESIGN-FIX RISK:
+  Start at 0%
+  Each revert:                        +15%
+  Each CSS-only file change:          +0%   (safe — styling only)
+  Each JSX/TSX/component file change: +5%   per file
+  After fix 10:                       +1%   per additional fix
+  Touching unrelated files:           +20%
+```
+
+**If risk > 20%:** STOP immediately. Show the user what you've done so far. Ask whether to continue.
+
+**Hard cap: 30 fixes.** After 30 fixes, stop regardless of remaining findings.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 9: Final Design Audit
+
+After all fixes are applied:
+
+1. Re-run the design audit on all affected pages
+2. Compute final design score and AI slop score
+3. **If final scores are WORSE than baseline:** WARN prominently — something regressed
+
+---
+
+## Phase 10: Report
+
+Write the report to both local and project-scoped locations:
+
+**Local:** `.gstack/design-reports/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`
+
+**Project-scoped:**
+```bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)\.git$|\1|;s|.*[:/]\([^/]*/[^/]*\)$|\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG
+```
+Write to `~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/{user}-{branch}-design-audit-{datetime}.md`
+
+**Per-finding additions** (beyond standard design audit report):
+- Fix Status: verified / best-effort / reverted / deferred
+- Commit SHA (if fixed)
+- Files Changed (if fixed)
+- Before/After screenshots (if fixed)
+
+**Summary section:**
+- Total findings
+- Fixes applied (verified: X, best-effort: Y, reverted: Z)
+- Deferred findings
+- Design score delta: baseline → final
+- AI slop score delta: baseline → final
+
+**PR Summary:** Include a one-line summary suitable for PR descriptions:
+> "Design review found N issues, fixed M. Design score X → Y, AI slop score X → Y."
+
+---
+
+## Phase 11: TODOS.md Update
+
+If the repo has a `TODOS.md`:
+
+1. **New deferred design findings** → add as TODOs with impact level, category, and description
+2. **Fixed findings that were in TODOS.md** → annotate with "Fixed by /qa-design-review on {branch}, {date}"
+
+---
+
+## Additional Rules (qa-design-review specific)
+
+11. **Clean working tree required.** Refuse to start if `git status --porcelain` is non-empty.
+12. **One commit per fix.** Never bundle multiple design fixes into one commit.
+13. **Never modify tests or CI configuration.** Only fix application source code and styles.
+14. **Revert on regression.** If a fix makes things worse, `git revert HEAD` immediately.
+15. **Self-regulate.** Follow the design-fix risk heuristic. When in doubt, stop and ask.
+16. **CSS-first.** Prefer CSS/styling changes over structural component changes. CSS-only changes are safer and more reversible.
+17. **DESIGN.md export.** You MAY write a DESIGN.md file if the user accepts the offer from Phase 2.
diff --git a/qa-only/SKILL.md b/qa-only/SKILL.md
index 27d939be..5e74f03e 100644
--- a/qa-only/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa-only/SKILL.md
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -32,12 +34,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/qa/SKILL.md b/qa/SKILL.md
index 3c75f96a..b5ae216f 100644
--- a/qa/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa/SKILL.md
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -37,12 +39,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/retro/SKILL.md b/retro/SKILL.md
index 66ed3fc0..2ff77358 100644
--- a/retro/SKILL.md
+++ b/retro/SKILL.md
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -32,12 +34,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/review/SKILL.md b/review/SKILL.md
index b94f8a30..3ad683d6 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md
+++ b/review/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -33,12 +35,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
@@ -155,14 +157,53 @@ Follow the output format specified in the checklist. Respect the suppressions 
 
 ---
 
-## Step 5: Output findings
+## Step 5: Fix-First Review
 
-**Always output ALL findings** — both critical and informational. The user must see every issue.
+**Every finding gets action — not just critical ones.**
 
-- If CRITICAL issues found: output all findings, then for EACH critical issue use a separate AskUserQuestion with the problem, then `RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because [one-line reason]`, then options (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive — skip).
-  After all critical questions are answered, output a summary of what the user chose for each issue. If the user chose A (fix) on any issue, apply the recommended fixes. If only B/C were chosen, no action needed.
-- If only non-critical issues found: output findings. No further action needed.
-- If no issues found: output `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.`
+Output a summary header: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues (X critical, Y informational)`
+
+### Step 5a: Classify each finding
+
+For each finding, classify as AUTO-FIX or ASK per the Fix-First Heuristic in
+checklist.md. Critical findings lean toward ASK; informational findings lean
+toward AUTO-FIX.
+
+### Step 5b: Auto-fix all AUTO-FIX items
+
+Apply each fix directly. For each one, output a one-line summary:
+`[AUTO-FIXED] [file:line] Problem → what you did`
+
+### Step 5c: Batch-ask about ASK items
+
+If there are ASK items remaining, present them in ONE AskUserQuestion:
+
+- List each item with a number, the severity label, the problem, and a recommended fix
+- For each item, provide options: A) Fix as recommended, B) Skip
+- Include an overall RECOMMENDATION
+
+Example format:
+```
+I auto-fixed 5 issues. 2 need your input:
+
+1. [CRITICAL] app/models/post.rb:42 — Race condition in status transition
+   Fix: Add `WHERE status = 'draft'` to the UPDATE
+   → A) Fix  B) Skip
+
+2. [INFORMATIONAL] app/services/generator.rb:88 — LLM output not type-checked before DB write
+   Fix: Add JSON schema validation
+   → A) Fix  B) Skip
+
+RECOMMENDATION: Fix both — #1 is a real race condition, #2 prevents silent data corruption.
+```
+
+If 3 or fewer ASK items, you may use individual AskUserQuestion calls instead of batching.
+
+### Step 5d: Apply user-approved fixes
+
+Apply fixes for items where the user chose "Fix." Output what was fixed.
+
+If no ASK items exist (everything was AUTO-FIX), skip the question entirely.
 
 ### Greptile comment resolution
 
@@ -172,7 +213,7 @@ After outputting your own findings, if Greptile comments were classified in Step
 
 Before replying to any comment, run the **Escalation Detection** algorithm from greptile-triage.md to determine whether to use Tier 1 (friendly) or Tier 2 (firm) reply templates.
 
-1. **VALID & ACTIONABLE comments:** These are already included in your CRITICAL findings — they follow the same AskUserQuestion flow (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive). If the user chooses A (fix), reply using the **Fix reply template** from greptile-triage.md (include inline diff + explanation). If the user chooses C (false positive), reply using the **False Positive reply template** (include evidence + suggested re-rank), save to both per-project and global greptile-history.
+1. **VALID & ACTIONABLE comments:** These are included in your findings — they follow the Fix-First flow (auto-fixed if mechanical, batched into ASK if not) (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive). If the user chooses A (fix), reply using the **Fix reply template** from greptile-triage.md (include inline diff + explanation). If the user chooses C (false positive), reply using the **False Positive reply template** (include evidence + suggested re-rank), save to both per-project and global greptile-history.
 
 2. **FALSE POSITIVE comments:** Present each one via AskUserQuestion:
    - Show the Greptile comment: file:line (or [top-level]) + body summary + permalink URL
@@ -204,10 +245,24 @@ If TODOS.md doesn't exist, skip this step silently.
 
 ---
 
+## Step 5.6: Documentation staleness check
+
+Cross-reference the diff against documentation files. For each `.md` file in the repo root (README.md, ARCHITECTURE.md, CONTRIBUTING.md, CLAUDE.md, etc.):
+
+1. Check if code changes in the diff affect features, components, or workflows described in that doc file.
+2. If the doc file was NOT updated in this branch but the code it describes WAS changed, flag it as an INFORMATIONAL finding:
+   "Documentation may be stale: [file] describes [feature/component] but code changed in this branch. Consider running `/document-release`."
+
+This is informational only — never critical. The fix action is `/document-release`.
+
+If no documentation files exist, skip this step silently.
+
+---
+
 ## Important Rules
 
 - **Read the FULL diff before commenting.** Do not flag issues already addressed in the diff.
-- **Read-only by default.** Only modify files if the user explicitly chooses "Fix it now" on a critical issue. Never commit, push, or create PRs.
+- **Fix-first, not read-only.** AUTO-FIX items are applied directly. ASK items are only applied after user approval. Never commit, push, or create PRs — that's /ship's job.
 - **Be terse.** One line problem, one line fix. No preamble.
 - **Only flag real problems.** Skip anything that's fine.
 - **Use Greptile reply templates from greptile-triage.md.** Every reply includes evidence. Never post vague replies.
diff --git a/review/SKILL.md.tmpl b/review/SKILL.md.tmpl
index dadd211a..c122ada1 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/review/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -75,14 +75,53 @@ Follow the output format specified in the checklist. Respect the suppressions 
 
 ---
 
-## Step 5: Output findings
+## Step 5: Fix-First Review
 
-**Always output ALL findings** — both critical and informational. The user must see every issue.
+**Every finding gets action — not just critical ones.**
 
-- If CRITICAL issues found: output all findings, then for EACH critical issue use a separate AskUserQuestion with the problem, then `RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because [one-line reason]`, then options (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive — skip).
-  After all critical questions are answered, output a summary of what the user chose for each issue. If the user chose A (fix) on any issue, apply the recommended fixes. If only B/C were chosen, no action needed.
-- If only non-critical issues found: output findings. No further action needed.
-- If no issues found: output `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.`
+Output a summary header: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues (X critical, Y informational)`
+
+### Step 5a: Classify each finding
+
+For each finding, classify as AUTO-FIX or ASK per the Fix-First Heuristic in
+checklist.md. Critical findings lean toward ASK; informational findings lean
+toward AUTO-FIX.
+
+### Step 5b: Auto-fix all AUTO-FIX items
+
+Apply each fix directly. For each one, output a one-line summary:
+`[AUTO-FIXED] [file:line] Problem → what you did`
+
+### Step 5c: Batch-ask about ASK items
+
+If there are ASK items remaining, present them in ONE AskUserQuestion:
+
+- List each item with a number, the severity label, the problem, and a recommended fix
+- For each item, provide options: A) Fix as recommended, B) Skip
+- Include an overall RECOMMENDATION
+
+Example format:
+```
+I auto-fixed 5 issues. 2 need your input:
+
+1. [CRITICAL] app/models/post.rb:42 — Race condition in status transition
+   Fix: Add `WHERE status = 'draft'` to the UPDATE
+   → A) Fix  B) Skip
+
+2. [INFORMATIONAL] app/services/generator.rb:88 — LLM output not type-checked before DB write
+   Fix: Add JSON schema validation
+   → A) Fix  B) Skip
+
+RECOMMENDATION: Fix both — #1 is a real race condition, #2 prevents silent data corruption.
+```
+
+If 3 or fewer ASK items, you may use individual AskUserQuestion calls instead of batching.
+
+### Step 5d: Apply user-approved fixes
+
+Apply fixes for items where the user chose "Fix." Output what was fixed.
+
+If no ASK items exist (everything was AUTO-FIX), skip the question entirely.
 
 ### Greptile comment resolution
 
@@ -92,7 +131,7 @@ After outputting your own findings, if Greptile comments were classified in Step
 
 Before replying to any comment, run the **Escalation Detection** algorithm from greptile-triage.md to determine whether to use Tier 1 (friendly) or Tier 2 (firm) reply templates.
 
-1. **VALID & ACTIONABLE comments:** These are already included in your CRITICAL findings — they follow the same AskUserQuestion flow (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive). If the user chooses A (fix), reply using the **Fix reply template** from greptile-triage.md (include inline diff + explanation). If the user chooses C (false positive), reply using the **False Positive reply template** (include evidence + suggested re-rank), save to both per-project and global greptile-history.
+1. **VALID & ACTIONABLE comments:** These are included in your findings — they follow the Fix-First flow (auto-fixed if mechanical, batched into ASK if not) (A: Fix it now, B: Acknowledge, C: False positive). If the user chooses A (fix), reply using the **Fix reply template** from greptile-triage.md (include inline diff + explanation). If the user chooses C (false positive), reply using the **False Positive reply template** (include evidence + suggested re-rank), save to both per-project and global greptile-history.
 
 2. **FALSE POSITIVE comments:** Present each one via AskUserQuestion:
    - Show the Greptile comment: file:line (or [top-level]) + body summary + permalink URL
@@ -124,10 +163,24 @@ If TODOS.md doesn't exist, skip this step silently.
 
 ---
 
+## Step 5.6: Documentation staleness check
+
+Cross-reference the diff against documentation files. For each `.md` file in the repo root (README.md, ARCHITECTURE.md, CONTRIBUTING.md, CLAUDE.md, etc.):
+
+1. Check if code changes in the diff affect features, components, or workflows described in that doc file.
+2. If the doc file was NOT updated in this branch but the code it describes WAS changed, flag it as an INFORMATIONAL finding:
+   "Documentation may be stale: [file] describes [feature/component] but code changed in this branch. Consider running `/document-release`."
+
+This is informational only — never critical. The fix action is `/document-release`.
+
+If no documentation files exist, skip this step silently.
+
+---
+
 ## Important Rules
 
 - **Read the FULL diff before commenting.** Do not flag issues already addressed in the diff.
-- **Read-only by default.** Only modify files if the user explicitly chooses "Fix it now" on a critical issue. Never commit, push, or create PRs.
+- **Fix-first, not read-only.** AUTO-FIX items are applied directly. ASK items are only applied after user approval. Never commit, push, or create PRs — that's /ship's job.
 - **Be terse.** One line problem, one line fix. No preamble.
 - **Only flag real problems.** Skip anything that's fine.
 - **Use Greptile reply templates from greptile-triage.md.** Every reply includes evidence. Never post vague replies.
diff --git a/review/checklist.md b/review/checklist.md
index 6052c33b..e2246050 100644
--- a/review/checklist.md
+++ b/review/checklist.md
@@ -5,21 +5,23 @@
 Review the `git diff origin/main` output for the issues listed below. Be specific — cite `file:line` and suggest fixes. Skip anything that's fine. Only flag real problems.
 
 **Two-pass review:**
-- **Pass 1 (CRITICAL):** Run SQL & Data Safety and LLM Output Trust Boundary first. These can block `/ship`.
-- **Pass 2 (INFORMATIONAL):** Run all remaining categories. These are included in the PR body but do not block.
+- **Pass 1 (CRITICAL):** Run SQL & Data Safety and LLM Output Trust Boundary first. Highest severity.
+- **Pass 2 (INFORMATIONAL):** Run all remaining categories. Lower severity but still actioned.
+
+All findings get action via Fix-First Review: obvious mechanical fixes are applied automatically,
+genuinely ambiguous issues are batched into a single user question.
 
 **Output format:**
 
 ```
 Pre-Landing Review: N issues (X critical, Y informational)
 
-**CRITICAL** (blocking /ship):
-- [file:line] Problem description
-  Fix: suggested fix
+**AUTO-FIXED:**
+- [file:line] Problem → fix applied
 
-**Issues** (non-blocking):
+**NEEDS INPUT:**
 - [file:line] Problem description
-  Fix: suggested fix
+  Recommended fix: suggested fix
 ```
 
 If no issues found: `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.`
@@ -102,10 +104,10 @@ To do this: use Grep to find all references to the sibling values (e.g., grep fo
 
 ---
 
-## Gate Classification
+## Severity Classification
 
 ```
-CRITICAL (blocks /ship):          INFORMATIONAL (in PR body):
+CRITICAL (highest severity):      INFORMATIONAL (lower severity):
 ├─ SQL & Data Safety              ├─ Conditional Side Effects
 ├─ Race Conditions & Concurrency  ├─ Magic Numbers & String Coupling
 ├─ LLM Output Trust Boundary      ├─ Dead Code & Consistency
@@ -115,10 +117,41 @@ CRITICAL (blocks /ship):          INFORMATIONAL (in PR body):
                                    ├─ Time Window Safety
                                    ├─ Type Coercion at Boundaries
                                    └─ View/Frontend
+
+All findings are actioned via Fix-First Review. Severity determines
+presentation order and classification of AUTO-FIX vs ASK — critical
+findings lean toward ASK (they're riskier), informational findings
+lean toward AUTO-FIX (they're more mechanical).
 ```
 
 ---
 
+## Fix-First Heuristic
+
+This heuristic is referenced by both `/review` and `/ship`. It determines whether
+the agent auto-fixes a finding or asks the user.
+
+```
+AUTO-FIX (agent fixes without asking):     ASK (needs human judgment):
+├─ Dead code / unused variables            ├─ Security (auth, XSS, injection)
+├─ N+1 queries (missing .includes())      ├─ Race conditions
+├─ Stale comments contradicting code       ├─ Design decisions
+├─ Magic numbers → named constants         ├─ Large fixes (>20 lines)
+├─ Missing LLM output validation           ├─ Enum completeness
+├─ Version/path mismatches                 ├─ Removing functionality
+├─ Variables assigned but never read       └─ Anything changing user-visible
+└─ Inline styles, O(n*m) view lookups        behavior
+```
+
+**Rule of thumb:** If the fix is mechanical and a senior engineer would apply it
+without discussion, it's AUTO-FIX. If reasonable engineers could disagree about
+the fix, it's ASK.
+
+**Critical findings default toward ASK** (they're inherently riskier).
+**Informational findings default toward AUTO-FIX** (they're more mechanical).
+
+---
+
 ## Suppressions — DO NOT flag these
 
 - "X is redundant with Y" when the redundancy is harmless and aids readability (e.g., `present?` redundant with `length > 20`)
diff --git a/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts b/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
index 5c1b9344..52f1145c 100644
--- a/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
+++ b/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
@@ -105,6 +105,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 \`\`\`
 
 If output shows \`UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>\`: read \`~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md\` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If \`JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>\`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -112,12 +114,12 @@ If output shows \`UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>\`: read \`~/.claude/skills/gstac
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. \`RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]\`
-4. Lettered options: \`A) ... B) ... C) ...\`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the \`_BRANCH\` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** \`RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]\`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: \`A) ... B) ... C) ...\`
 
-If \`_SESSIONS\` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
@@ -477,6 +479,339 @@ Minimum 0 per category.
 10. **Use \`snapshot -C\` for tricky UIs.** Finds clickable divs that the accessibility tree misses.`;
 }
 
+function generateDesignMethodology(): string {
+  return `## Modes
+
+### Full (default)
+Systematic review of all pages reachable from homepage. Visit 5-8 pages. Full checklist evaluation, responsive screenshots, interaction flow testing. Produces complete design audit report with letter grades.
+
+### Quick (\`--quick\`)
+Homepage + 2 key pages only. First Impression + Design System Extraction + abbreviated checklist. Fastest path to a design score.
+
+### Deep (\`--deep\`)
+Comprehensive review: 10-15 pages, every interaction flow, exhaustive checklist. For pre-launch audits or major redesigns.
+
+### Diff-aware (automatic when on a feature branch with no URL)
+When on a feature branch, scope to pages affected by the branch changes:
+1. Analyze the branch diff: \`git diff main...HEAD --name-only\`
+2. Map changed files to affected pages/routes
+3. Detect running app on common local ports (3000, 4000, 8080)
+4. Audit only affected pages, compare design quality before/after
+
+### Regression (\`--regression\` or previous \`design-baseline.json\` found)
+Run full audit, then load previous \`design-baseline.json\`. Compare: per-category grade deltas, new findings, resolved findings. Output regression table in report.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: First Impression
+
+The most uniquely designer-like output. Form a gut reaction before analyzing anything.
+
+1. Navigate to the target URL
+2. Take a full-page desktop screenshot: \`$B screenshot "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/first-impression.png"\`
+3. Write the **First Impression** using this structured critique format:
+   - "The site communicates **[what]**." (what it says at a glance — competence? playfulness? confusion?)
+   - "I notice **[observation]**." (what stands out, positive or negative — be specific)
+   - "The first 3 things my eye goes to are: **[1]**, **[2]**, **[3]**." (hierarchy check — are these intentional?)
+   - "If I had to describe this in one word: **[word]**." (gut verdict)
+
+This is the section users read first. Be opinionated. A designer doesn't hedge — they react.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Design System Extraction
+
+Extract the actual design system the site uses (not what a DESIGN.md says, but what's rendered):
+
+\`\`\`bash
+# Fonts in use (capped at 500 elements to avoid timeout)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).map(e => getComputedStyle(e).fontFamily))])"
+
+# Color palette in use
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...new Set([...document.querySelectorAll('*')].slice(0,500).flatMap(e => [getComputedStyle(e).color, getComputedStyle(e).backgroundColor]).filter(c => c !== 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)'))])"
+
+# Heading hierarchy
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6')].map(h => ({tag:h.tagName, text:h.textContent.trim().slice(0,50), size:getComputedStyle(h).fontSize, weight:getComputedStyle(h).fontWeight})))"
+
+# Touch target audit (find undersized interactive elements)
+$B js "JSON.stringify([...document.querySelectorAll('a,button,input,[role=button]')].filter(e => {const r=e.getBoundingClientRect(); return r.width>0 && (r.width<44||r.height<44)}).map(e => ({tag:e.tagName, text:(e.textContent||'').trim().slice(0,30), w:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().width), h:Math.round(e.getBoundingClientRect().height)})).slice(0,20))"
+
+# Performance baseline
+$B perf
+\`\`\`
+
+Structure findings as an **Inferred Design System**:
+- **Fonts:** list with usage counts. Flag if >3 distinct font families.
+- **Colors:** palette extracted. Flag if >12 unique non-gray colors. Note warm/cool/mixed.
+- **Heading Scale:** h1-h6 sizes. Flag skipped levels, non-systematic size jumps.
+- **Spacing Patterns:** sample padding/margin values. Flag non-scale values.
+
+After extraction, offer: *"Want me to save this as your DESIGN.md? I can lock in these observations as your project's design system baseline."*
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Page-by-Page Visual Audit
+
+For each page in scope:
+
+\`\`\`bash
+$B goto <url>
+$B snapshot -i -a -o "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}-annotated.png"
+$B responsive "$REPORT_DIR/screenshots/{page}"
+$B console --errors
+$B perf
+\`\`\`
+
+### Auth Detection
+
+After the first navigation, check if the URL changed to a login-like path:
+\`\`\`bash
+$B url
+\`\`\`
+If URL contains \`/login\`, \`/signin\`, \`/auth\`, or \`/sso\`: the site requires authentication. AskUserQuestion: "This site requires authentication. Want to import cookies from your browser? Run \`/setup-browser-cookies\` first if needed."
+
+### Design Audit Checklist (10 categories, ~80 items)
+
+Apply these at each page. Each finding gets an impact rating (high/medium/polish) and category.
+
+**1. Visual Hierarchy & Composition** (8 items)
+- Clear focal point? One primary CTA per view?
+- Eye flows naturally top-left to bottom-right?
+- Visual noise — competing elements fighting for attention?
+- Information density appropriate for content type?
+- Z-index clarity — nothing unexpectedly overlapping?
+- Above-the-fold content communicates purpose in 3 seconds?
+- Squint test: hierarchy still visible when blurred?
+- White space is intentional, not leftover?
+
+**2. Typography** (15 items)
+- Font count <=3 (flag if more)
+- Scale follows ratio (1.25 major third or 1.333 perfect fourth)
+- Line-height: 1.5x body, 1.15-1.25x headings
+- Measure: 45-75 chars per line (66 ideal)
+- Heading hierarchy: no skipped levels (h1→h3 without h2)
+- Weight contrast: >=2 weights used for hierarchy
+- No blacklisted fonts (Papyrus, Comic Sans, Lobster, Impact, Jokerman)
+- If primary font is Inter/Roboto/Open Sans/Poppins → flag as potentially generic
+- \`text-wrap: balance\` or \`text-pretty\` on headings (check via \`$B css <heading> text-wrap\`)
+- Curly quotes used, not straight quotes
+- Ellipsis character (\`…\`) not three dots (\`...\`)
+- \`font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums\` on number columns
+- Body text >= 16px
+- Caption/label >= 12px
+- No letterspacing on lowercase text
+
+**3. Color & Contrast** (10 items)
+- Palette coherent (<=12 unique non-gray colors)
+- WCAG AA: body text 4.5:1, large text (18px+) 3:1, UI components 3:1
+- Semantic colors consistent (success=green, error=red, warning=yellow/amber)
+- No color-only encoding (always add labels, icons, or patterns)
+- Dark mode: surfaces use elevation, not just lightness inversion
+- Dark mode: text off-white (~#E0E0E0), not pure white
+- Primary accent desaturated 10-20% in dark mode
+- \`color-scheme: dark\` on html element (if dark mode present)
+- No red/green only combinations (8% of men have red-green deficiency)
+- Neutral palette is warm or cool consistently — not mixed
+
+**4. Spacing & Layout** (12 items)
+- Grid consistent at all breakpoints
+- Spacing uses a scale (4px or 8px base), not arbitrary values
+- Alignment is consistent — nothing floats outside the grid
+- Rhythm: related items closer together, distinct sections further apart
+- Border-radius hierarchy (not uniform bubbly radius on everything)
+- Inner radius = outer radius - gap (nested elements)
+- No horizontal scroll on mobile
+- Max content width set (no full-bleed body text)
+- \`env(safe-area-inset-*)\` for notch devices
+- URL reflects state (filters, tabs, pagination in query params)
+- Flex/grid used for layout (not JS measurement)
+- Breakpoints: mobile (375), tablet (768), desktop (1024), wide (1440)
+
+**5. Interaction States** (10 items)
+- Hover state on all interactive elements
+- \`focus-visible\` ring present (never \`outline: none\` without replacement)
+- Active/pressed state with depth effect or color shift
+- Disabled state: reduced opacity + \`cursor: not-allowed\`
+- Loading: skeleton shapes match real content layout
+- Empty states: warm message + primary action + visual (not just "No items.")
+- Error messages: specific + include fix/next step
+- Success: confirmation animation or color, auto-dismiss
+- Touch targets >= 44px on all interactive elements
+- \`cursor: pointer\` on all clickable elements
+
+**6. Responsive Design** (8 items)
+- Mobile layout makes *design* sense (not just stacked desktop columns)
+- Touch targets sufficient on mobile (>= 44px)
+- No horizontal scroll on any viewport
+- Images handle responsive (srcset, sizes, or CSS containment)
+- Text readable without zooming on mobile (>= 16px body)
+- Navigation collapses appropriately (hamburger, bottom nav, etc.)
+- Forms usable on mobile (correct input types, no autoFocus on mobile)
+- No \`user-scalable=no\` or \`maximum-scale=1\` in viewport meta
+
+**7. Motion & Animation** (6 items)
+- Easing: ease-out for entering, ease-in for exiting, ease-in-out for moving
+- Duration: 50-700ms range (nothing slower unless page transition)
+- Purpose: every animation communicates something (state change, attention, spatial relationship)
+- \`prefers-reduced-motion\` respected (check: \`$B js "matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches"\`)
+- No \`transition: all\` — properties listed explicitly
+- Only \`transform\` and \`opacity\` animated (not layout properties like width, height, top, left)
+
+**8. Content & Microcopy** (8 items)
+- Empty states designed with warmth (message + action + illustration/icon)
+- Error messages specific: what happened + why + what to do next
+- Button labels specific ("Save API Key" not "Continue" or "Submit")
+- No placeholder/lorem ipsum text visible in production
+- Truncation handled (\`text-overflow: ellipsis\`, \`line-clamp\`, or \`break-words\`)
+- Active voice ("Install the CLI" not "The CLI will be installed")
+- Loading states end with \`…\` ("Saving…" not "Saving...")
+- Destructive actions have confirmation modal or undo window
+
+**9. AI Slop Detection** (10 anti-patterns — the blacklist)
+
+The test: would a human designer at a respected studio ever ship this?
+
+- Purple/violet/indigo gradient backgrounds or blue-to-purple color schemes
+- **The 3-column feature grid:** icon-in-colored-circle + bold title + 2-line description, repeated 3x symmetrically. THE most recognizable AI layout.
+- Icons in colored circles as section decoration (SaaS starter template look)
+- Centered everything (\`text-align: center\` on all headings, descriptions, cards)
+- Uniform bubbly border-radius on every element (same large radius on everything)
+- Decorative blobs, floating circles, wavy SVG dividers (if a section feels empty, it needs better content, not decoration)
+- Emoji as design elements (rockets in headings, emoji as bullet points)
+- Colored left-border on cards (\`border-left: 3px solid <accent>\`)
+- Generic hero copy ("Welcome to [X]", "Unlock the power of...", "Your all-in-one solution for...")
+- Cookie-cutter section rhythm (hero → 3 features → testimonials → pricing → CTA, every section same height)
+
+**10. Performance as Design** (6 items)
+- LCP < 2.0s (web apps), < 1.5s (informational sites)
+- CLS < 0.1 (no visible layout shifts during load)
+- Skeleton quality: shapes match real content, shimmer animation
+- Images: \`loading="lazy"\`, width/height dimensions set, WebP/AVIF format
+- Fonts: \`font-display: swap\`, preconnect to CDN origins
+- No visible font swap flash (FOUT) — critical fonts preloaded
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Interaction Flow Review
+
+Walk 2-3 key user flows and evaluate the *feel*, not just the function:
+
+\`\`\`bash
+$B snapshot -i
+$B click @e3           # perform action
+$B snapshot -D          # diff to see what changed
+\`\`\`
+
+Evaluate:
+- **Response feel:** Does clicking feel responsive? Any delays or missing loading states?
+- **Transition quality:** Are transitions intentional or generic/absent?
+- **Feedback clarity:** Did the action clearly succeed or fail? Is the feedback immediate?
+- **Form polish:** Focus states visible? Validation timing correct? Errors near the source?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Cross-Page Consistency
+
+Compare screenshots and observations across pages for:
+- Navigation bar consistent across all pages?
+- Footer consistent?
+- Component reuse vs one-off designs (same button styled differently on different pages?)
+- Tone consistency (one page playful while another is corporate?)
+- Spacing rhythm carries across pages?
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Compile Report
+
+### Output Locations
+
+**Local:** \`.gstack/design-reports/design-audit-{domain}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md\`
+
+**Project-scoped:**
+\`\`\`bash
+SLUG=$(git remote get-url origin 2>/dev/null | sed 's|.*[:/]\\([^/]*/[^/]*\\)\\.git$|\\1|;s|.*[:/]\\([^/]*/[^/]*\\)$|\\1|' | tr '/' '-')
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/projects/$SLUG
+\`\`\`
+Write to: \`~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/{user}-{branch}-design-audit-{datetime}.md\`
+
+**Baseline:** Write \`design-baseline.json\` for regression mode:
+\`\`\`json
+{
+  "date": "YYYY-MM-DD",
+  "url": "<target>",
+  "designScore": "B",
+  "aiSlopScore": "C",
+  "categoryGrades": { "hierarchy": "A", "typography": "B", ... },
+  "findings": [{ "id": "FINDING-001", "title": "...", "impact": "high", "category": "typography" }]
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Scoring System
+
+**Dual headline scores:**
+- **Design Score: {A-F}** — weighted average of all 10 categories
+- **AI Slop Score: {A-F}** — standalone grade with pithy verdict
+
+**Per-category grades:**
+- **A:** Intentional, polished, delightful. Shows design thinking.
+- **B:** Solid fundamentals, minor inconsistencies. Looks professional.
+- **C:** Functional but generic. No major problems, no design point of view.
+- **D:** Noticeable problems. Feels unfinished or careless.
+- **F:** Actively hurting user experience. Needs significant rework.
+
+**Grade computation:** Each category starts at A. Each High-impact finding drops one letter grade. Each Medium-impact finding drops half a letter grade. Polish findings are noted but do not affect grade. Minimum is F.
+
+**Category weights for Design Score:**
+| Category | Weight |
+|----------|--------|
+| Visual Hierarchy | 15% |
+| Typography | 15% |
+| Spacing & Layout | 15% |
+| Color & Contrast | 10% |
+| Interaction States | 10% |
+| Responsive | 10% |
+| Content Quality | 10% |
+| AI Slop | 5% |
+| Motion | 5% |
+| Performance Feel | 5% |
+
+AI Slop is 5% of Design Score but also graded independently as a headline metric.
+
+### Regression Output
+
+When previous \`design-baseline.json\` exists or \`--regression\` flag is used:
+- Load baseline grades
+- Compare: per-category deltas, new findings, resolved findings
+- Append regression table to report
+
+---
+
+## Design Critique Format
+
+Use structured feedback, not opinions:
+- "I notice..." — observation (e.g., "I notice the primary CTA competes with the secondary action")
+- "I wonder..." — question (e.g., "I wonder if users will understand what 'Process' means here")
+- "What if..." — suggestion (e.g., "What if we moved search to a more prominent position?")
+- "I think... because..." — reasoned opinion (e.g., "I think the spacing between sections is too uniform because it doesn't create hierarchy")
+
+Tie everything to user goals and product objectives. Always suggest specific improvements alongside problems.
+
+---
+
+## Important Rules
+
+1. **Think like a designer, not a QA engineer.** You care whether things feel right, look intentional, and respect the user. You do NOT just care whether things "work."
+2. **Screenshots are evidence.** Every finding needs at least one screenshot. Use annotated screenshots (\`snapshot -a\`) to highlight elements.
+3. **Be specific and actionable.** "Change X to Y because Z" — not "the spacing feels off."
+4. **Never read source code.** Evaluate the rendered site, not the implementation. (Exception: offer to write DESIGN.md from extracted observations.)
+5. **AI Slop detection is your superpower.** Most developers can't evaluate whether their site looks AI-generated. You can. Be direct about it.
+6. **Quick wins matter.** Always include a "Quick Wins" section — the 3-5 highest-impact fixes that take <30 minutes each.
+7. **Use \`snapshot -C\` for tricky UIs.** Finds clickable divs that the accessibility tree misses.
+8. **Responsive is design, not just "not broken."** A stacked desktop layout on mobile is not responsive design — it's lazy. Evaluate whether the mobile layout makes *design* sense.
+9. **Document incrementally.** Write each finding to the report as you find it. Don't batch.
+10. **Depth over breadth.** 5-10 well-documented findings with screenshots and specific suggestions > 20 vague observations.`;
+}
+
 const RESOLVERS: Record<string, () => string> = {
   COMMAND_REFERENCE: generateCommandReference,
   SNAPSHOT_FLAGS: generateSnapshotFlags,
@@ -484,6 +819,7 @@ const RESOLVERS: Record<string, () => string> = {
   BROWSE_SETUP: generateBrowseSetup,
   BASE_BRANCH_DETECT: generateBaseBranchDetect,
   QA_METHODOLOGY: generateQAMethodology,
+  DESIGN_METHODOLOGY: generateDesignMethodology,
 };
 
 // ─── Template Processing ────────────────────────────────────
@@ -538,6 +874,10 @@ function findTemplates(): string[] {
     path.join(ROOT, 'retro', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
     path.join(ROOT, 'gstack-upgrade', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
     path.join(ROOT, 'setup-team-sync', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
+    path.join(ROOT, 'plan-design-review', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
+    path.join(ROOT, 'qa-design-review', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
+    path.join(ROOT, 'design-consultation', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
+    path.join(ROOT, 'document-release', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'),
   ];
   for (const p of candidates) {
     if (fs.existsSync(p)) templates.push(p);
diff --git a/scripts/skill-check.ts b/scripts/skill-check.ts
index 591a0c81..97c417ef 100644
--- a/scripts/skill-check.ts
+++ b/scripts/skill-check.ts
@@ -27,6 +27,10 @@ const SKILL_FILES = [
   'plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md',
   'plan-eng-review/SKILL.md',
   'setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md',
+  'plan-design-review/SKILL.md',
+  'qa-design-review/SKILL.md',
+  'gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md',
+  'document-release/SKILL.md',
 ].filter(f => fs.existsSync(path.join(ROOT, f)));
 
 let hasErrors = false;
diff --git a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
index d522b270..faebe520 100644
--- a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -30,12 +32,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
diff --git a/ship/SKILL.md b/ship/SKILL.md
index 67e78ab1..89a50475 100644
--- a/ship/SKILL.md
+++ b/ship/SKILL.md
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
 _CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
 ```
 
 If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined). If `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: tell user "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)" and continue.
@@ -32,12 +34,12 @@ If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/g
 ## AskUserQuestion Format
 
 **ALWAYS follow this structure for every AskUserQuestion call:**
-1. Context: project name, current branch, what we're working on (1-2 sentences)
-2. The specific question or decision point
-3. `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
-4. Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
+1. **Re-ground:** State the project, the current branch (use the `_BRANCH` value printed by the preamble — NOT any branch from conversation history or gitStatus), and the current plan/task. (1-2 sentences)
+2. **Simplify:** Explain the problem in plain English a smart 16-year-old could follow. No raw function names, no internal jargon, no implementation details. Use concrete examples and analogies. Say what it DOES, not what it's called.
+3. **Recommend:** `RECOMMENDATION: Choose [X] because [one-line reason]`
+4. **Options:** Lettered options: `A) ... B) ... C) ...`
 
-If `_SESSIONS` is 3 or more: the user is juggling multiple gstack sessions and context-switching heavily. **ELI16 mode** — they may not remember what this conversation is about. Every AskUserQuestion MUST re-ground them: state the project, the branch, the current plan/task, then the specific problem, THEN the recommendation and options. Be extra clear and self-contained — assume they haven't looked at this window in 20 minutes.
+Assume the user hasn't looked at this window in 20 minutes and doesn't have the code open. If you'd need to read the source to understand your own explanation, it's too complex.
 
 Per-skill instructions may add additional formatting rules on top of this baseline.
 
@@ -105,7 +107,7 @@ You are running the `/ship` workflow. This is a **non-interactive, fully automat
 - On the base branch (abort)
 - Merge conflicts that can't be auto-resolved (stop, show conflicts)
 - Test failures (stop, show failures)
-- Pre-landing review finds CRITICAL issues and user chooses to fix (not acknowledge or skip)
+- Pre-landing review finds ASK items that need user judgment
 - MINOR or MAJOR version bump needed (ask — see Step 4)
 - Greptile review comments that need user decision (complex fixes, false positives)
 - TODOS.md missing and user wants to create one (ask — see Step 5.5)
@@ -118,6 +120,7 @@ You are running the `/ship` workflow. This is a **non-interactive, fully automat
 - Commit message approval (auto-commit)
 - Multi-file changesets (auto-split into bisectable commits)
 - TODOS.md completed-item detection (auto-mark)
+- Auto-fixable review findings (dead code, N+1, stale comments — fixed automatically)
 
 ---
 
@@ -241,19 +244,25 @@ Review the diff for structural issues that tests don't catch.
    - **Pass 1 (CRITICAL):** SQL & Data Safety, LLM Output Trust Boundary
    - **Pass 2 (INFORMATIONAL):** All remaining categories
 
-4. **Always output ALL findings** — both critical and informational. The user must see every issue found.
+4. **Classify each finding as AUTO-FIX or ASK** per the Fix-First Heuristic in
+   checklist.md. Critical findings lean toward ASK; informational lean toward AUTO-FIX.
 
-5. Output a summary header: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues (X critical, Y informational)`
+5. **Auto-fix all AUTO-FIX items.** Apply each fix. Output one line per fix:
+   `[AUTO-FIXED] [file:line] Problem → what you did`
 
-6. **If CRITICAL issues found:** For EACH critical issue, use a separate AskUserQuestion with:
-   - The problem (`file:line` + description)
-   - `RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because [one-line reason]`
-   - Options: A) Fix it now, B) Acknowledge and ship anyway, C) It's a false positive — skip
-   After resolving all critical issues: if the user chose A (fix) on any issue, apply the recommended fixes, then commit only the fixed files by name (`git add <fixed-files> && git commit -m "fix: apply pre-landing review fixes"`), then **STOP** and tell the user to run `/ship` again to re-test with the fixes applied. If the user chose only B (acknowledge) or C (false positive) on all issues, continue with Step 4.
+6. **If ASK items remain,** present them in ONE AskUserQuestion:
+   - List each with number, severity, problem, recommended fix
+   - Per-item options: A) Fix  B) Skip
+   - Overall RECOMMENDATION
+   - If 3 or fewer ASK items, you may use individual AskUserQuestion calls instead
 
-7. **If only non-critical issues found:** Output them and continue. They will be included in the PR body at Step 8.
+7. **After all fixes (auto + user-approved):**
+   - If ANY fixes were applied: commit fixed files by name (`git add <fixed-files> && git commit -m "fix: pre-landing review fixes"`), then **STOP** and tell the user to run `/ship` again to re-test.
+   - If no fixes applied (all ASK items skipped, or no issues found): continue to Step 4.
 
-8. **If no issues found:** Output `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.` and continue.
+8. Output summary: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues — M auto-fixed, K asked (J fixed, L skipped)`
+
+   If no issues found: `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.`
 
 Save the review output — it goes into the PR body in Step 8.
 
@@ -520,7 +529,7 @@ If leaderboard data is available, print the table. If sync is not configured or
 - **Never skip tests.** If tests fail, stop.
 - **Never skip the pre-landing review.** If checklist.md is unreadable, stop.
 - **Never force push.** Use regular `git push` only.
-- **Never ask for confirmation** except for MINOR/MAJOR version bumps and CRITICAL review findings (one AskUserQuestion per critical issue with fix recommendation).
+- **Never ask for confirmation** except for MINOR/MAJOR version bumps and pre-landing review ASK items (batched into at most one AskUserQuestion).
 - **Always use the 4-digit version format** from the VERSION file.
 - **Date format in CHANGELOG:** `YYYY-MM-DD`
 - **Split commits for bisectability** — each commit = one logical change.
diff --git a/ship/SKILL.md.tmpl b/ship/SKILL.md.tmpl
index 252e0660..9a38866f 100644
--- a/ship/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/ship/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ You are running the `/ship` workflow. This is a **non-interactive, fully automat
 - On the base branch (abort)
 - Merge conflicts that can't be auto-resolved (stop, show conflicts)
 - Test failures (stop, show failures)
-- Pre-landing review finds CRITICAL issues and user chooses to fix (not acknowledge or skip)
+- Pre-landing review finds ASK items that need user judgment
 - MINOR or MAJOR version bump needed (ask — see Step 4)
 - Greptile review comments that need user decision (complex fixes, false positives)
 - TODOS.md missing and user wants to create one (ask — see Step 5.5)
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ You are running the `/ship` workflow. This is a **non-interactive, fully automat
 - Commit message approval (auto-commit)
 - Multi-file changesets (auto-split into bisectable commits)
 - TODOS.md completed-item detection (auto-mark)
+- Auto-fixable review findings (dead code, N+1, stale comments — fixed automatically)
 
 ---
 
@@ -161,19 +162,25 @@ Review the diff for structural issues that tests don't catch.
    - **Pass 1 (CRITICAL):** SQL & Data Safety, LLM Output Trust Boundary
    - **Pass 2 (INFORMATIONAL):** All remaining categories
 
-4. **Always output ALL findings** — both critical and informational. The user must see every issue found.
+4. **Classify each finding as AUTO-FIX or ASK** per the Fix-First Heuristic in
+   checklist.md. Critical findings lean toward ASK; informational lean toward AUTO-FIX.
 
-5. Output a summary header: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues (X critical, Y informational)`
+5. **Auto-fix all AUTO-FIX items.** Apply each fix. Output one line per fix:
+   `[AUTO-FIXED] [file:line] Problem → what you did`
 
-6. **If CRITICAL issues found:** For EACH critical issue, use a separate AskUserQuestion with:
-   - The problem (`file:line` + description)
-   - `RECOMMENDATION: Choose A because [one-line reason]`
-   - Options: A) Fix it now, B) Acknowledge and ship anyway, C) It's a false positive — skip
-   After resolving all critical issues: if the user chose A (fix) on any issue, apply the recommended fixes, then commit only the fixed files by name (`git add <fixed-files> && git commit -m "fix: apply pre-landing review fixes"`), then **STOP** and tell the user to run `/ship` again to re-test with the fixes applied. If the user chose only B (acknowledge) or C (false positive) on all issues, continue with Step 4.
+6. **If ASK items remain,** present them in ONE AskUserQuestion:
+   - List each with number, severity, problem, recommended fix
+   - Per-item options: A) Fix  B) Skip
+   - Overall RECOMMENDATION
+   - If 3 or fewer ASK items, you may use individual AskUserQuestion calls instead
 
-7. **If only non-critical issues found:** Output them and continue. They will be included in the PR body at Step 8.
+7. **After all fixes (auto + user-approved):**
+   - If ANY fixes were applied: commit fixed files by name (`git add <fixed-files> && git commit -m "fix: pre-landing review fixes"`), then **STOP** and tell the user to run `/ship` again to re-test.
+   - If no fixes applied (all ASK items skipped, or no issues found): continue to Step 4.
 
-8. **If no issues found:** Output `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.` and continue.
+8. Output summary: `Pre-Landing Review: N issues — M auto-fixed, K asked (J fixed, L skipped)`
+
+   If no issues found: `Pre-Landing Review: No issues found.`
 
 Save the review output — it goes into the PR body in Step 8.
 
@@ -440,7 +447,7 @@ If leaderboard data is available, print the table. If sync is not configured or
 - **Never skip tests.** If tests fail, stop.
 - **Never skip the pre-landing review.** If checklist.md is unreadable, stop.
 - **Never force push.** Use regular `git push` only.
-- **Never ask for confirmation** except for MINOR/MAJOR version bumps and CRITICAL review findings (one AskUserQuestion per critical issue with fix recommendation).
+- **Never ask for confirmation** except for MINOR/MAJOR version bumps and pre-landing review ASK items (batched into at most one AskUserQuestion).
 - **Always use the 4-digit version format** from the VERSION file.
 - **Date format in CHANGELOG:** `YYYY-MM-DD`
 - **Split commits for bisectability** — each commit = one logical change.
diff --git a/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts b/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
index e77989f0..def042c9 100644
--- a/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
+++ b/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
@@ -69,6 +69,9 @@ describe('gen-skill-docs', () => {
     { dir: 'retro', name: 'retro' },
     { dir: 'setup-browser-cookies', name: 'setup-browser-cookies' },
     { dir: 'gstack-upgrade', name: 'gstack-upgrade' },
+    { dir: 'plan-design-review', name: 'plan-design-review' },
+    { dir: 'qa-design-review', name: 'qa-design-review' },
+    { dir: 'design-consultation', name: 'design-consultation' },
   ];
 
   test('every skill has a SKILL.md.tmpl template', () => {
@@ -144,7 +147,18 @@ describe('gen-skill-docs', () => {
     const content = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
     expect(content).toContain('_SESSIONS');
     expect(content).toContain('RECOMMENDATION');
-    expect(content).toContain('ELI16');
+  });
+
+  test('generated SKILL.md contains branch detection', () => {
+    const content = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
+    expect(content).toContain('_BRANCH');
+    expect(content).toContain('git branch --show-current');
+  });
+
+  test('generated SKILL.md contains ELI16 simplification rules', () => {
+    const content = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
+    expect(content).toContain('No raw function names');
+    expect(content).toContain('plain English');
   });
 
   test('qa and qa-only templates use QA_METHODOLOGY placeholder', () => {
diff --git a/test/skill-e2e.test.ts b/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
index fef3f2c8..cd5ad0f2 100644
--- a/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
+++ b/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
@@ -1547,6 +1547,110 @@ Write your retrospective to ${dir}/retro-output.md`,
   }, 300_000);
 });
 
+// --- Document-Release skill E2E ---
+
+describeE2E('Document-Release skill E2E', () => {
+  let docReleaseDir: string;
+
+  beforeAll(() => {
+    docReleaseDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-doc-release-'));
+
+    // Copy document-release skill files
+    copyDirSync(path.join(ROOT, 'document-release'), path.join(docReleaseDir, 'document-release'));
+
+    // Init git repo with initial docs
+    const run = (cmd: string, args: string[]) =>
+      spawnSync(cmd, args, { cwd: docReleaseDir, stdio: 'pipe', timeout: 5000 });
+
+    run('git', ['init']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.email', 'test@test.com']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.name', 'Test']);
+
+    // Create initial README with a features list
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'README.md'),
+      '# Test Project\n\n## Features\n\n- Feature A\n- Feature B\n\n## Install\n\n```bash\nnpm install\n```\n');
+
+    // Create initial CHANGELOG that must NOT be clobbered
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'CHANGELOG.md'),
+      '# Changelog\n\n## 1.0.0 — 2026-03-01\n\n- Initial release with Feature A and Feature B\n- Setup CI pipeline\n');
+
+    // Create VERSION file (already bumped)
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'VERSION'), '1.1.0\n');
+
+    run('git', ['add', '.']);
+    run('git', ['commit', '-m', 'initial']);
+
+    // Create feature branch with a code change
+    run('git', ['checkout', '-b', 'feat/add-feature-c']);
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'feature-c.ts'), 'export function featureC() { return "C"; }\n');
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'VERSION'), '1.1.1\n');
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'CHANGELOG.md'),
+      '# Changelog\n\n## 1.1.1 — 2026-03-16\n\n- Added Feature C\n\n## 1.0.0 — 2026-03-01\n\n- Initial release with Feature A and Feature B\n- Setup CI pipeline\n');
+    run('git', ['add', '.']);
+    run('git', ['commit', '-m', 'feat: add feature C']);
+  });
+
+  afterAll(() => {
+    try { fs.rmSync(docReleaseDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
+  });
+
+  test('/document-release updates docs without clobbering CHANGELOG', async () => {
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `Read the file document-release/SKILL.md for the document-release workflow instructions.
+
+Run the /document-release workflow on this repo. The base branch is "main".
+
+IMPORTANT:
+- Do NOT use AskUserQuestion — auto-approve everything or skip if unsure.
+- Do NOT push or create PRs (there is no remote).
+- Do NOT run gh commands (no remote).
+- Focus on updating README.md to reflect the new Feature C.
+- Do NOT overwrite or regenerate CHANGELOG entries.
+- Skip VERSION bump (it's already bumped).
+- After editing, just commit the changes locally.`,
+      workingDirectory: docReleaseDir,
+      maxTurns: 30,
+      allowedTools: ['Bash', 'Read', 'Write', 'Edit', 'Grep', 'Glob'],
+      timeout: 180_000,
+      testName: 'document-release',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/document-release', result);
+
+    // Read CHANGELOG to verify it was NOT clobbered
+    const changelog = fs.readFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'CHANGELOG.md'), 'utf-8');
+    const hasOriginalEntries = changelog.includes('Initial release with Feature A and Feature B')
+      && changelog.includes('Setup CI pipeline')
+      && changelog.includes('1.0.0');
+    if (!hasOriginalEntries) {
+      console.warn('CHANGELOG CLOBBERED — original entries missing!');
+    }
+
+    // Check if README was updated
+    const readme = fs.readFileSync(path.join(docReleaseDir, 'README.md'), 'utf-8');
+    const readmeUpdated = readme.includes('Feature C') || readme.includes('feature-c') || readme.includes('feature C');
+
+    const exitOk = ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason);
+    recordE2E('/document-release', 'Document-Release skill E2E', result, {
+      passed: exitOk && hasOriginalEntries,
+    });
+
+    // Critical guardrail: CHANGELOG must not be clobbered
+    expect(hasOriginalEntries).toBe(true);
+
+    // Accept error_max_turns — thorough doc review is not a failure
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+
+    // Informational: did it update README?
+    if (readmeUpdated) {
+      console.log('README updated to include Feature C');
+    } else {
+      console.warn('README was NOT updated — agent may not have found the feature');
+    }
+  }, 240_000);
+});
+
 // --- Deferred skill E2E tests (destructive or require interactive UI) ---
 
 describeE2E('Deferred skill E2E', () => {
@@ -1560,6 +1664,558 @@ describeE2E('Deferred skill E2E', () => {
   test.todo('/gstack-upgrade completes upgrade flow');
 });
 
+// --- Design Consultation E2E ---
+
+/**
+ * LLM judge for DESIGN.md quality — checks font blacklist compliance,
+ * coherence, specificity, and AI slop avoidance.
+ */
+async function designQualityJudge(designMd: string): Promise<{ passed: boolean; reasoning: string }> {
+  return callJudge<{ passed: boolean; reasoning: string }>(`You are evaluating a generated DESIGN.md file for quality.
+
+Evaluate against these criteria — ALL must pass for an overall "passed: true":
+1. Does NOT recommend Inter, Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat, or Poppins as primary fonts
+2. Aesthetic direction is coherent with color approach (e.g., brutalist aesthetic doesn't pair with expressive color without explanation)
+3. Font recommendations include specific font names (not generic like "a sans-serif font")
+4. Color palette includes actual hex values, not placeholders like "[hex]"
+5. Rationale is provided for major decisions (not just "because it looks good")
+6. No AI slop patterns: purple gradients mentioned positively, "3-column feature grid" language, generic marketing speak
+7. Product context is reflected in design choices (civic tech → should have appropriate, professional aesthetic)
+
+DESIGN.md content:
+\`\`\`
+${designMd}
+\`\`\`
+
+Return JSON: { "passed": true/false, "reasoning": "one paragraph explaining your evaluation" }`);
+}
+
+describeE2E('Design Consultation E2E', () => {
+  let designDir: string;
+
+  beforeAll(() => {
+    designDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-design-consultation-'));
+    const { spawnSync } = require('child_process');
+    const run = (cmd: string, args: string[]) =>
+      spawnSync(cmd, args, { cwd: designDir, stdio: 'pipe', timeout: 5000 });
+
+    run('git', ['init']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.email', 'test@test.com']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.name', 'Test']);
+
+    // Create a realistic project context
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(designDir, 'README.md'), `# CivicPulse
+
+A civic tech data platform for government employees to access, visualize, and share public data. Built with Next.js and PostgreSQL.
+
+## Features
+- Real-time data dashboards for municipal budgets
+- Public records search with faceted filtering
+- Data export and sharing tools for inter-department collaboration
+`);
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(designDir, 'package.json'), JSON.stringify({
+      name: 'civicpulse',
+      version: '0.1.0',
+      dependencies: { next: '^14.0.0', react: '^18.2.0', 'tailwindcss': '^3.4.0' },
+    }, null, 2));
+
+    run('git', ['add', '.']);
+    run('git', ['commit', '-m', 'initial project setup']);
+
+    // Copy design-consultation skill
+    fs.mkdirSync(path.join(designDir, 'design-consultation'), { recursive: true });
+    fs.copyFileSync(
+      path.join(ROOT, 'design-consultation', 'SKILL.md'),
+      path.join(designDir, 'design-consultation', 'SKILL.md'),
+    );
+  });
+
+  afterAll(() => {
+    try { fs.rmSync(designDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
+  });
+
+  test('Test 1: core flow produces valid DESIGN.md + CLAUDE.md', async () => {
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `Read design-consultation/SKILL.md for the design consultation workflow.
+
+This is a civic tech data platform called CivicPulse for government employees who need to access public data. Read the README.md for details.
+
+Skip research — work from your design knowledge. Skip the font preview page. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive. Accept your first design system proposal.
+
+Write DESIGN.md and CLAUDE.md (or update it) in the working directory.`,
+      workingDirectory: designDir,
+      maxTurns: 20,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'design-consultation-core',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/design-consultation core', result);
+
+    const designPath = path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md');
+    const claudePath = path.join(designDir, 'CLAUDE.md');
+    const designExists = fs.existsSync(designPath);
+    const claudeExists = fs.existsSync(claudePath);
+    let designContent = '';
+
+    if (designExists) {
+      designContent = fs.readFileSync(designPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    // Structural checks
+    const requiredSections = ['Product Context', 'Aesthetic', 'Typography', 'Color', 'Spacing', 'Layout', 'Motion'];
+    const missingSections = requiredSections.filter(s => !designContent.toLowerCase().includes(s.toLowerCase()));
+
+    // LLM judge for quality
+    let judgeResult = { passed: false, reasoning: 'judge not run' };
+    if (designExists && designContent.length > 100) {
+      try {
+        judgeResult = await designQualityJudge(designContent);
+        console.log('Design quality judge:', JSON.stringify(judgeResult, null, 2));
+      } catch (err) {
+        console.warn('Judge failed:', err);
+        judgeResult = { passed: true, reasoning: 'judge error — defaulting to pass' };
+      }
+    }
+
+    const structuralPass = designExists && claudeExists && missingSections.length === 0;
+    recordE2E('/design-consultation core', 'Design Consultation E2E', result, {
+      passed: structuralPass && judgeResult.passed && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    expect(designExists).toBe(true);
+    if (designExists) {
+      expect(missingSections).toHaveLength(0);
+    }
+    if (claudeExists) {
+      const claude = fs.readFileSync(claudePath, 'utf-8');
+      expect(claude.toLowerCase()).toContain('design.md');
+    }
+  }, 420_000);
+
+  test('Test 2: research integration uses WebSearch', async () => {
+    // Clean up from previous test
+    try { fs.unlinkSync(path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md')); } catch {}
+    try { fs.unlinkSync(path.join(designDir, 'CLAUDE.md')); } catch {}
+
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `Read design-consultation/SKILL.md for the design consultation workflow.
+
+This is a civic tech data platform called CivicPulse. Read the README.md.
+
+DO research competitors before proposing — search for civic tech and government data platform designs. Skip the font preview page. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive.
+
+Write DESIGN.md to the working directory.`,
+      workingDirectory: designDir,
+      maxTurns: 30,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'design-consultation-research',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/design-consultation research', result);
+
+    const designPath = path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md');
+    const designExists = fs.existsSync(designPath);
+    let designContent = '';
+    if (designExists) {
+      designContent = fs.readFileSync(designPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    // Check if WebSearch was used (may not be available in all envs)
+    const webSearchCalls = result.toolCalls.filter(tc => tc.tool === 'WebSearch');
+    if (webSearchCalls.length > 0) {
+      console.log(`WebSearch used ${webSearchCalls.length} times`);
+    } else {
+      console.warn('WebSearch not used — may be unavailable in test env');
+    }
+
+    // LLM judge
+    let judgeResult = { passed: false, reasoning: 'judge not run' };
+    if (designExists && designContent.length > 100) {
+      try {
+        judgeResult = await designQualityJudge(designContent);
+        console.log('Design quality judge (research):', JSON.stringify(judgeResult, null, 2));
+      } catch (err) {
+        console.warn('Judge failed:', err);
+        judgeResult = { passed: true, reasoning: 'judge error — defaulting to pass' };
+      }
+    }
+
+    recordE2E('/design-consultation research', 'Design Consultation E2E', result, {
+      passed: designExists && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    expect(designExists).toBe(true);
+  }, 420_000);
+
+  test('Test 3: handles existing DESIGN.md', async () => {
+    // Pre-create a minimal DESIGN.md
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md'), `# Design System — CivicPulse
+
+## Typography
+Body: system-ui
+`);
+
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `Read design-consultation/SKILL.md for the design consultation workflow.
+
+There is already a DESIGN.md in this repo. Update it with a complete design system for CivicPulse, a civic tech data platform for government employees.
+
+Skip research. Skip font preview. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive.`,
+      workingDirectory: designDir,
+      maxTurns: 20,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'design-consultation-existing',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/design-consultation existing', result);
+
+    const designPath = path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md');
+    const designExists = fs.existsSync(designPath);
+    let designContent = '';
+    if (designExists) {
+      designContent = fs.readFileSync(designPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    // Should have more content than the minimal version
+    const hasColor = designContent.toLowerCase().includes('color');
+    const hasSpacing = designContent.toLowerCase().includes('spacing');
+
+    recordE2E('/design-consultation existing', 'Design Consultation E2E', result, {
+      passed: designExists && hasColor && hasSpacing && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    expect(designExists).toBe(true);
+    if (designExists) {
+      expect(hasColor).toBe(true);
+      expect(hasSpacing).toBe(true);
+    }
+  }, 420_000);
+
+  test('Test 4: generates font + color preview HTML', async () => {
+    // Clean up
+    try { fs.unlinkSync(path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md')); } catch {}
+
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `Read design-consultation/SKILL.md for the design consultation workflow.
+
+This is CivicPulse, a civic tech data platform. Read the README.md.
+
+Skip research. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive. Generate the font and color preview page but write it to ./design-preview.html instead of /tmp/ (do NOT run the open command). Then write DESIGN.md.`,
+      workingDirectory: designDir,
+      maxTurns: 20,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'design-consultation-preview',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/design-consultation preview', result);
+
+    const previewPath = path.join(designDir, 'design-preview.html');
+    const designPath = path.join(designDir, 'DESIGN.md');
+    const previewExists = fs.existsSync(previewPath);
+    const designExists = fs.existsSync(designPath);
+
+    let previewContent = '';
+    if (previewExists) {
+      previewContent = fs.readFileSync(previewPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    const hasHtml = previewContent.includes('<html') || previewContent.includes('<!DOCTYPE');
+    const hasFontRef = previewContent.includes('font-family') || previewContent.includes('fonts.googleapis') || previewContent.includes('fonts.bunny');
+    const hasColorRef = previewContent.includes('#') && (previewContent.includes('background') || previewContent.includes('color:'));
+
+    // LLM judge on the DESIGN.md
+    let judgeResult = { passed: false, reasoning: 'judge not run' };
+    if (designExists) {
+      const designContent = fs.readFileSync(designPath, 'utf-8');
+      if (designContent.length > 100) {
+        try {
+          judgeResult = await designQualityJudge(designContent);
+          console.log('Design quality judge (preview):', JSON.stringify(judgeResult, null, 2));
+        } catch (err) {
+          console.warn('Judge failed:', err);
+          judgeResult = { passed: true, reasoning: 'judge error — defaulting to pass' };
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    recordE2E('/design-consultation preview', 'Design Consultation E2E', result, {
+      passed: previewExists && designExists && hasHtml && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    expect(previewExists).toBe(true);
+    if (previewExists) {
+      expect(hasHtml).toBe(true);
+      expect(hasFontRef).toBe(true);
+    }
+    expect(designExists).toBe(true);
+  }, 420_000);
+});
+
+// --- Plan Design Review E2E ---
+
+describeE2E('Plan Design Review E2E', () => {
+  let reviewDir: string;
+
+  beforeAll(() => {
+    testServer = testServer || startTestServer();
+    reviewDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-plan-design-'));
+    setupBrowseShims(reviewDir);
+
+    const { spawnSync } = require('child_process');
+    const run = (cmd: string, args: string[]) =>
+      spawnSync(cmd, args, { cwd: reviewDir, stdio: 'pipe', timeout: 5000 });
+
+    run('git', ['init']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.email', 'test@test.com']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.name', 'Test']);
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(reviewDir, 'index.html'), '<h1>Test</h1>\n');
+    run('git', ['add', '.']);
+    run('git', ['commit', '-m', 'initial']);
+
+    // Copy plan-design-review skill
+    fs.mkdirSync(path.join(reviewDir, 'plan-design-review'), { recursive: true });
+    fs.copyFileSync(
+      path.join(ROOT, 'plan-design-review', 'SKILL.md'),
+      path.join(reviewDir, 'plan-design-review', 'SKILL.md'),
+    );
+  });
+
+  afterAll(() => {
+    try { fs.rmSync(reviewDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
+  });
+
+  test('Test 5: /plan-design-review produces audit report', async () => {
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `IMPORTANT: The browse binary is already assigned below as B. Do NOT search for it or run the SKILL.md setup block — just use $B directly.
+
+B="${browseBin}"
+
+Read plan-design-review/SKILL.md for the design review workflow.
+
+Review the site at ${testServer.url}. Use --quick mode (homepage + 2 pages). Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive. Write your audit report to ./design-audit.md. Do not offer to create DESIGN.md.`,
+      workingDirectory: reviewDir,
+      maxTurns: 20,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'plan-design-review-audit',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/plan-design-review audit', result);
+
+    const reportPath = path.join(reviewDir, 'design-audit.md');
+    const reportExists = fs.existsSync(reportPath);
+    let reportContent = '';
+    if (reportExists) {
+      reportContent = fs.readFileSync(reportPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    const hasFirstImpression = reportContent.toLowerCase().includes('first impression') ||
+      reportContent.toLowerCase().includes('impression');
+
+    recordE2E('/plan-design-review audit', 'Plan Design Review E2E', result, {
+      passed: reportExists && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    expect(reportExists).toBe(true);
+    if (reportExists) {
+      expect(reportContent.length).toBeGreaterThan(200);
+    }
+  }, 420_000);
+
+  test('Test 6: /plan-design-review exports DESIGN.md', async () => {
+    // Clean up previous test artifacts
+    try { fs.unlinkSync(path.join(reviewDir, 'design-audit.md')); } catch {}
+
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `IMPORTANT: The browse binary is already assigned below as B. Do NOT search for it or run the SKILL.md setup block — just use $B directly.
+
+B="${browseBin}"
+
+Read plan-design-review/SKILL.md for the design review workflow.
+
+Review ${testServer.url} with --quick mode. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive. After Phase 2 (Design System Extraction), write a DESIGN.md to the working directory. Also write the audit report to ./design-audit.md.`,
+      workingDirectory: reviewDir,
+      maxTurns: 25,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'plan-design-review-export',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/plan-design-review export', result);
+
+    const designPath = path.join(reviewDir, 'DESIGN.md');
+    const reportPath = path.join(reviewDir, 'design-audit.md');
+    const designExists = fs.existsSync(designPath);
+    const reportExists = fs.existsSync(reportPath);
+
+    let designContent = '';
+    if (designExists) {
+      designContent = fs.readFileSync(designPath, 'utf-8');
+    }
+
+    const hasTypography = designContent.toLowerCase().includes('typography') || designContent.toLowerCase().includes('font');
+    const hasColor = designContent.toLowerCase().includes('color');
+
+    recordE2E('/plan-design-review export', 'Plan Design Review E2E', result, {
+      passed: designExists && ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+    // DESIGN.md export is best-effort — agent may not always produce it
+    if (designExists) {
+      expect(hasTypography || hasColor).toBe(true);
+    }
+  }, 420_000);
+});
+
+// --- QA Design Review E2E ---
+
+describeE2E('QA Design Review E2E', () => {
+  let qaDesignDir: string;
+  let qaDesignServer: ReturnType<typeof Bun.serve> | null = null;
+
+  beforeAll(() => {
+    qaDesignDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-qa-design-'));
+    setupBrowseShims(qaDesignDir);
+
+    const { spawnSync } = require('child_process');
+    const run = (cmd: string, args: string[]) =>
+      spawnSync(cmd, args, { cwd: qaDesignDir, stdio: 'pipe', timeout: 5000 });
+
+    run('git', ['init']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.email', 'test@test.com']);
+    run('git', ['config', 'user.name', 'Test']);
+
+    // Create HTML/CSS with intentional design issues
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(qaDesignDir, 'index.html'), `<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+  <meta charset="utf-8">
+  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
+  <title>Design Test App</title>
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
+</head>
+<body>
+  <header>
+    <h1 style="font-size: 48px; color: #333;">Welcome</h1>
+    <h2 style="font-size: 47px; color: #334;">Subtitle Here</h2>
+  </header>
+  <main>
+    <div class="card" style="padding: 10px; margin: 20px;">
+      <h3 style="color: blue;">Card Title</h3>
+      <p style="color: #666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2;">Some content here with tight line height.</p>
+    </div>
+    <div class="card" style="padding: 30px; margin: 5px;">
+      <h3 style="color: green;">Another Card</h3>
+      <p style="color: #999; font-size: 16px;">Different spacing and colors for no reason.</p>
+    </div>
+    <button style="background: red; color: white; padding: 5px 10px; border: none;">Click Me</button>
+    <button style="background: #007bff; color: white; padding: 12px 24px; border: none; border-radius: 20px;">Also Click</button>
+  </main>
+</body>
+</html>`);
+
+    fs.writeFileSync(path.join(qaDesignDir, 'style.css'), `body {
+  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 20px;
+}
+.card {
+  border: 1px solid #ddd;
+  border-radius: 4px;
+}
+`);
+
+    run('git', ['add', '.']);
+    run('git', ['commit', '-m', 'initial design test page']);
+
+    // Start a simple file server for the design test page
+    qaDesignServer = Bun.serve({
+      port: 0,
+      fetch(req) {
+        const url = new URL(req.url);
+        const filePath = path.join(qaDesignDir, url.pathname === '/' ? 'index.html' : url.pathname.slice(1));
+        try {
+          const content = fs.readFileSync(filePath);
+          const ext = path.extname(filePath);
+          const contentType = ext === '.css' ? 'text/css' : ext === '.html' ? 'text/html' : 'text/plain';
+          return new Response(content, { headers: { 'Content-Type': contentType } });
+        } catch {
+          return new Response('Not Found', { status: 404 });
+        }
+      },
+    });
+
+    // Copy qa-design-review skill
+    fs.mkdirSync(path.join(qaDesignDir, 'qa-design-review'), { recursive: true });
+    fs.copyFileSync(
+      path.join(ROOT, 'qa-design-review', 'SKILL.md'),
+      path.join(qaDesignDir, 'qa-design-review', 'SKILL.md'),
+    );
+  });
+
+  afterAll(() => {
+    qaDesignServer?.stop();
+    try { fs.rmSync(qaDesignDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
+  });
+
+  test('Test 7: /qa-design-review audits and fixes design issues', async () => {
+    const serverUrl = `http://localhost:${(qaDesignServer as any)?.port}`;
+
+    const result = await runSkillTest({
+      prompt: `IMPORTANT: The browse binary is already assigned below as B. Do NOT search for it or run the SKILL.md setup block — just use $B directly.
+
+B="${browseBin}"
+
+Read qa-design-review/SKILL.md for the design review + fix workflow.
+
+Review the site at ${serverUrl}. Use --quick mode. Skip any AskUserQuestion calls — this is non-interactive. Fix up to 3 issues max. Write your report to ./design-audit.md.`,
+      workingDirectory: qaDesignDir,
+      maxTurns: 30,
+      timeout: 360_000,
+      testName: 'qa-design-review-fix',
+      runId,
+    });
+
+    logCost('/qa-design-review fix', result);
+
+    const reportPath = path.join(qaDesignDir, 'design-audit.md');
+    const reportExists = fs.existsSync(reportPath);
+
+    // Check if any design fix commits were made
+    const gitLog = spawnSync('git', ['log', '--oneline'], {
+      cwd: qaDesignDir, stdio: 'pipe',
+    });
+    const commits = gitLog.stdout.toString().trim().split('\n');
+    const designFixCommits = commits.filter((c: string) => c.includes('style(design)'));
+
+    recordE2E('/qa-design-review fix', 'QA Design Review E2E', result, {
+      passed: ['success', 'error_max_turns'].includes(result.exitReason),
+    });
+
+    // Accept error_max_turns — the fix loop is complex
+    expect(['success', 'error_max_turns']).toContain(result.exitReason);
+
+    // Report and commits are best-effort — log what happened
+    if (reportExists) {
+      const report = fs.readFileSync(reportPath, 'utf-8');
+      console.log(`Design audit report: ${report.length} chars`);
+    } else {
+      console.warn('No design-audit.md generated');
+    }
+    console.log(`Design fix commits: ${designFixCommits.length}`);
+  }, 420_000);
+});
+
 // Module-level afterAll — finalize eval collector after all tests complete
 afterAll(async () => {
   if (evalCollector) {
diff --git a/test/skill-validation.test.ts b/test/skill-validation.test.ts
index 3ff5c356..83cdca6e 100644
--- a/test/skill-validation.test.ts
+++ b/test/skill-validation.test.ts
@@ -57,6 +57,34 @@ describe('SKILL.md command validation', () => {
     const result = validateSkill(qaOnlySkill);
     expect(result.snapshotFlagErrors).toHaveLength(0);
   });
+
+  test('all $B commands in plan-design-review/SKILL.md are valid browse commands', () => {
+    const skill = path.join(ROOT, 'plan-design-review', 'SKILL.md');
+    if (!fs.existsSync(skill)) return;
+    const result = validateSkill(skill);
+    expect(result.invalid).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  test('all snapshot flags in plan-design-review/SKILL.md are valid', () => {
+    const skill = path.join(ROOT, 'plan-design-review', 'SKILL.md');
+    if (!fs.existsSync(skill)) return;
+    const result = validateSkill(skill);
+    expect(result.snapshotFlagErrors).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  test('all $B commands in qa-design-review/SKILL.md are valid browse commands', () => {
+    const skill = path.join(ROOT, 'qa-design-review', 'SKILL.md');
+    if (!fs.existsSync(skill)) return;
+    const result = validateSkill(skill);
+    expect(result.invalid).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  test('all snapshot flags in qa-design-review/SKILL.md are valid', () => {
+    const skill = path.join(ROOT, 'qa-design-review', 'SKILL.md');
+    if (!fs.existsSync(skill)) return;
+    const result = validateSkill(skill);
+    expect(result.snapshotFlagErrors).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
 });
 
 describe('Command registry consistency', () => {
@@ -176,6 +204,10 @@ describe('Update check preamble', () => {
     'ship/SKILL.md', 'review/SKILL.md',
     'plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md', 'plan-eng-review/SKILL.md',
     'retro/SKILL.md',
+    'plan-design-review/SKILL.md',
+    'qa-design-review/SKILL.md',
+    'design-consultation/SKILL.md',
+    'document-release/SKILL.md',
   ];
 
   for (const skill of skillsWithUpdateCheck) {
@@ -397,6 +429,7 @@ describe('No hardcoded branch names in SKILL templates', () => {
     'qa/SKILL.md.tmpl',
     'plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl',
     'retro/SKILL.md.tmpl',
+    'document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl',
   ];
 
   // Patterns that indicate hardcoded 'main' in git commands
@@ -479,6 +512,10 @@ describe('v0.4.1 preamble features', () => {
     'ship/SKILL.md', 'review/SKILL.md',
     'plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md', 'plan-eng-review/SKILL.md',
     'retro/SKILL.md',
+    'plan-design-review/SKILL.md',
+    'qa-design-review/SKILL.md',
+    'design-consultation/SKILL.md',
+    'document-release/SKILL.md',
   ];
 
   for (const skill of skillsWithPreamble) {
@@ -491,7 +528,7 @@ describe('v0.4.1 preamble features', () => {
     test(`${skill} contains session awareness`, () => {
       const content = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, skill), 'utf-8');
       expect(content).toContain('_SESSIONS');
-      expect(content).toContain('ELI16');
+      expect(content).toContain('RECOMMENDATION');
     });
   }
 });
@@ -556,8 +593,8 @@ describe('Enum & Value Completeness in review checklist', () => {
     expect(checklist).toContain('allowlist');
   });
 
-  test('Enum & Value Completeness is in the gate classification as CRITICAL', () => {
-    const gateSection = checklist.slice(checklist.indexOf('## Gate Classification'));
+  test('Enum & Value Completeness is in the severity classification as CRITICAL', () => {
+    const gateSection = checklist.slice(checklist.indexOf('## Severity Classification'));
     // The ASCII art has CRITICAL on the left and INFORMATIONAL on the right
     // Enum & Value Completeness should appear on a line with the CRITICAL tree (├─ or └─)
     const enumLine = gateSection.split('\n').find(l => l.includes('Enum & Value Completeness'));
@@ -565,6 +602,19 @@ describe('Enum & Value Completeness in review checklist', () => {
     // It's on the left (CRITICAL) side — starts with ├─ or └─
     expect(enumLine!.trimStart().startsWith('├─') || enumLine!.trimStart().startsWith('└─')).toBe(true);
   });
+
+  test('Fix-First Heuristic exists in checklist and is referenced by review + ship', () => {
+    expect(checklist).toContain('## Fix-First Heuristic');
+    expect(checklist).toContain('AUTO-FIX');
+    expect(checklist).toContain('ASK');
+
+    const reviewSkill = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'review/SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
+    const shipSkill = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'ship/SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
+    expect(reviewSkill).toContain('AUTO-FIX');
+    expect(reviewSkill).toContain('[AUTO-FIXED]');
+    expect(shipSkill).toContain('AUTO-FIX');
+    expect(shipSkill).toContain('[AUTO-FIXED]');
+  });
 });
 
 // --- Part 7: Planted-bug fixture validation (A4) ---