Mode System (v3.1.1)

This skill supports four modes to adapt to different cognitive styles and accessibility needs:

Mode Selection

Base Modes (choose one):

1. Neurodivergent Mode - ADHD-friendly, energy-aware, compassionate language
2. Neurotypical Mode - Direct, efficient, standard cognitive load

Accessibility Modes (optional, combinable with base modes): 3. Colorblind-Safe Mode - Pattern-based differentiation for all color vision types 4. Monochrome Mode - Pure black & white optimized for printing and e-ink displays

Mode Combinations Available:

• Neurodivergent + Colorblind-Safe
• Neurodivergent + Monochrome
• Neurotypical + Colorblind-Safe
• Neurotypical + Monochrome
• Colorblind-Safe only (no base mode features)
• Monochrome only (no base mode features)

Selection Methods:

1. Auto-Detect (Default)

• Analyzes user language for distress signals ("overwhelmed", "paralyzed", "stuck")
• Detects mentions of neurodivergent conditions or executive dysfunction
• Detects accessibility requests ("colorblind-safe", "print-friendly", "grayscale")
• Defaults to neurodivergent mode when ambiguous (inclusive design)

2. Explicit Mode Request

• User says: "Use neurotypical mode" or "Use ADHD mode"
• User says: "Use colorblind-safe mode" or "Make it print-friendly"
• User says: "Combine neurodivergent and colorblind-safe modes"
• Persists for current conversation unless changed

3. Configuration File

• User creates: .claude/neurodivergent-visual-org-preference.yml
• Sets default base mode, accessibility modes, time multipliers, chunk sizes
• Can set auto-enable rules (e.g., monochrome for PDFs)

Mode Characteristics

Base Mode Features:

Accessibility Mode Features:

Mode Combination Notes:

• Base mode controls language, time estimates, and cognitive scaffolding
• Accessibility mode controls visual encoding (patterns, contrast, shapes)
• Both can be active simultaneously for maximum accommodation

Backward Compatibility

v3.1.1 maintains v3.0 behavior:

• Defaults to neurodivergent base mode (v2.0 compatible)
• Accessibility modes are opt-in (not enabled by default)
• v3.0 visualizations remain valid (no breaking changes)

Mode Detection Algorithm

Step 1: Check for explicit base mode request

base_mode = None
accessibility_mode = None

# Detect base mode
if "neurotypical mode" in user_message.lower():
    base_mode = "neurotypical"
elif "adhd mode" or "neurodivergent mode" in user_message.lower():
    base_mode = "neurodivergent"

Step 2: Check for explicit accessibility mode request

# Detect colorblind-safe mode
colorblind_keywords = ["colorblind", "color blind", "colorblind-safe",
                      "colour blind", "accessible colors", "pattern-based",
                      "cvd", "color vision deficiency"]
if any(keyword in user_message.lower() for keyword in colorblind_keywords):
    accessibility_mode = "colorblind-safe"

# Detect monochrome mode (takes precedence over colorblind-safe)
monochrome_keywords = ["monochrome", "black and white", "b&w", "grayscale",
                      "greyscale", "print-friendly", "printing", "e-ink",
                      "black & white", "photocopier"]
if any(keyword in user_message.lower() for keyword in monochrome_keywords):
    accessibility_mode = "monochrome"

Step 3: Check configuration file

if config_file_exists():
    config = load_user_preference()

    # Apply base mode if not explicitly set
    if base_mode is None:
        base_mode = config.get("default_mode", "neurodivergent")

    # Apply accessibility mode if not explicitly set
    if accessibility_mode is None:
        accessibility_mode = config.get("colorblind_safe", False) and "colorblind-safe"
        if not accessibility_mode:
            accessibility_mode = config.get("monochrome", False) and "monochrome"

Step 4: Auto-detect base mode from language

distress_signals = ["overwhelmed", "paralyzed", "stuck", "can't decide",
                   "don't know where to start", "too much"]
neurodivergent_mentions = ["adhd", "autism", "executive dysfunction",
                          "time blindness", "decision paralysis"]
energy_mentions = ["spoons", "burned out", "exhausted", "no energy"]

if base_mode is None:
    if any(signal in user_message.lower() for signal in
           distress_signals + neurodivergent_mentions + energy_mentions):
        base_mode = "neurodivergent"

Step 5: Default to neurodivergent base mode (inclusive)

if base_mode is None:
    base_mode = "neurodivergent"  # Backward compatible with v2.0

Step 6: Apply modes

# accessibility_mode can be None, "colorblind-safe", or "monochrome"
# base_mode will always be "neurodivergent" or "neurotypical"
apply_modes(base_mode=base_mode, accessibility_mode=accessibility_mode)

Accessibility Mode Implementation

Colorblind-Safe Mode Specifications

Purpose: Make diagrams accessible for all color vision types (protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, achromatopsia) while remaining clear for regular color vision.

Design Principles:

1. Never rely on color alone - always pair with patterns, shapes, or text
2. Pattern-based differentiation - use border styles as primary encoding
3. Explicit text labels - prefix all nodes with type indicators
4. Shape coding - use different node shapes for different categories
5. High contrast borders - all nodes have bold, visible borders

Mermaid Implementation:

Border Pattern System:

%%{init: {'theme':'base'}}%%
flowchart TD
    Keep["[✅ KEEP] Item"]
    Donate["[📦 DONATE] Item"]
    Maybe["[🤔 MAYBE] Item"]
    Break["[🛑 BREAK] Rest"]

    style Keep fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,stroke-dasharray: 5 5
    style Donate fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray: 10 5
    style Maybe fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray: 2 2
    style Break fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,stroke-dasharray: 1 4

Pattern Legend:

• stroke-dasharray: 5 5 - Short dashes (KEEP items, positive actions)
• stroke-dasharray: 10 5 - Long dashes (DONATE items, external actions)
• stroke-dasharray: 2 2 - Dots (MAYBE items, uncertain states)
• stroke-dasharray: 1 4 - Dot-dash (BREAK items, pauses)
• stroke-width: 3px - Critical importance
• stroke-width: 2px - Standard importance
• stroke-width: 1px - Detail level

Shape Coding:

• ([text]) - Rounded rectangle: Standard process steps
• {text} - Diamond: Decision points
• [[text]] - Hexagon-style: Critical deadlines
• [/text/] - Trapezoid: Break/rest states
• >text] - Asymmetric: External dependencies

Text Prefix System:

• [✅ KEEP] - Items to keep
• [📦 DONATE] - Items to donate/give away
• [🤔 MAYBE] - Uncertain decisions
• [🛑 BREAK] - Rest/break required
• [⚠️ CRITICAL] - Critical deadline or warning
• [START] - Starting point
• [END] - Completion point
• [DECIDE] - Decision point

Color Strategy:

• White fills (#ffffff) for all nodes
• Black borders (#000000) for maximum contrast
• Colors can be added for users with color vision, but information is encoded in patterns

Monochrome Mode Specifications

Purpose: Optimize for black & white printing, photocopying, and e-ink displays where color is unavailable.

Design Principles:

1. Pure black and white only - no grays (print unreliably)
2. Fill pattern hierarchy - use patterns to show importance
3. Border style differentiation - solid/dashed/dotted for categories
4. Verbose text labels - more explicit than colorblind-safe mode
5. Extra whitespace - better print legibility

Mermaid Implementation:

Fill Pattern System:

%%{init: {'theme':'base'}}%%
flowchart TD
    Critical["[★ CRITICAL] Deadline"]
    High["[! HIGH] Important"]
    Medium["[→ MEDIUM] Standard"]
    Standard["[○ STANDARD] Normal"]

    style Critical fill:#000000,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#ffffff
    style High fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px
    style Medium fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray: 10 5
    style Standard fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px

Fill Pattern Hierarchy:

• Solid black fill + white text: fill:#000000,color:#ffffff - Priority 1 (Critical)
• White fill + bold border: fill:#ffffff,stroke-width:3px - Priority 2 (High)
• White fill + dashed border: stroke-dasharray: 10 5 - Priority 3 (Medium)
• White fill + solid border: Standard weight - Priority 4 (Standard)

Border Style System:

• stroke-width:3px + solid - Critical/deadlines
• stroke-width:2px + solid - Standard steps
• stroke-dasharray: 10 5 - Optional/medium priority
• stroke-dasharray: 5 5 - Maybe/uncertain
• stroke-dasharray: 2 2 - Breaks/pauses

Text Prefix System (Verbose):

• [★ CRITICAL DEADLINE] - Critical with visual marker
• [✓ KEEP] - Text checkmark
• [→ DONATE] - Text arrow
• [? MAYBE] - Text question mark
• [■ BREAK] - Text square (stop sign)
• [○ START] - Text circle
• [● END] - Filled circle

Spacing Considerations:

• Use more vertical space between nodes
• Larger font sizes recommended (handled by <br/> for multi-line)
• Wide margins in flowchart layout

Mode Combination Logic

When both base mode and accessibility mode are active:

1. Base mode controls:

   • Language tone (compassionate vs direct)
   • Time estimates (buffered vs standard)
   • Task granularity (micro-steps vs standard tasks)
   • Energy scaffolding (explicit vs minimal)

2. Accessibility mode controls:

   • Visual encoding (colors, patterns, shapes)
   • Border styles and thickness
   • Text prefix style
   • Fill patterns (monochrome only)

3. Both modes respected simultaneously:

   • Neurodivergent + Colorblind-Safe = ADHD-friendly language + pattern-based visuals
   • Neurodivergent + Monochrome = ADHD-friendly language + B&W print-optimized
   • Neurotypical + Colorblind-Safe = Efficient language + pattern-based visuals
   • Neurotypical + Monochrome = Efficient language + B&W print-optimized

Example Combined Output:

%%{init: {'theme':'base'}}%%
flowchart TD
    Start(["[○ START] Decision time<br/>(Take 3 seconds max)"])
    Q1{"[? DECIDE]<br/>Do I love it?<br/>(Not obligated)"}
    Keep["[✓ KEEP]<br/>Pack for move<br/>(Fits in new space)"]
    Donate["[→ DONATE]<br/>Helps someone else<br/>(Guilt-free)"]
    Break["[■ BREAK]<br/>Rest 10 min<br/>(Decision fatigue signal)"]

    Start --> Q1
    Q1 -->|YES| Keep
    Q1 -->|NO| Donate
    Q1 -->|UNSURE| Break

    style Start fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px
    style Q1 fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px
    style Keep fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,stroke-dasharray: 5 5
    style Donate fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:2px,stroke-dasharray: 10 5
    style Break fill:#000000,stroke:#000000,stroke-width:3px,color:#ffffff

This example shows: Neurodivergent language (compassionate, with parenthetical reassurance) + Monochrome visual encoding (B&W with patterns)

Configuration File Schema

Users can create a configuration file to set default modes and customize behavior:

File Location: .claude/neurodivergent-visual-org-preference.yml

Complete Configuration Example:

# Neurodivergent Visual Org v3.1.1 Configuration

# Base mode (required, choose one)
default_mode: neurodivergent  # Options: neurodivergent, neurotypical

# Accessibility modes (optional, can enable one or both)
colorblind_safe: false         # Enable pattern-based differentiation
monochrome: false              # Enable pure B&W print optimization

# Auto-enable rules for accessibility modes
# Note: These will PROMPT for confirmation before applying
auto_prompt_monochrome:
  when_printing: true           # Suggest monochrome when printing
  when_exporting_pdf: true      # Suggest monochrome for PDF export
  when_exporting_png: false     # Keep current mode for PNG exports

auto_prompt_colorblind_safe:
  when_sharing: true            # Suggest colorblind-safe for shared docs
  when_public: true             # Suggest for public-facing documents

# Base mode customizations
neurodivergent_customizations:
  chunk_size: 4                 # Items per chunk (3-5 recommended)
  time_multiplier: 1.5          # Buffer multiplier for time estimates
  micro_step_duration: 5        # Minutes per micro-step (3-10 recommended)
  show_energy_scaffolding: true # Show spoons/breaks explicitly
  use_compassionate_language: true

neurotypical_customizations:
  chunk_size: 6                 # Items per chunk (5-7 recommended)
  time_multiplier: 1.0          # Standard time estimates
  task_duration: 20             # Minutes per task (15-30 recommended)
  show_energy_scaffolding: false
  use_direct_language: true

# Colorblind-safe mode customizations
colorblind_safe_patterns:
  keep: "short-dash"            # Options: short-dash, long-dash, dots, dot-dash, solid
  donate: "long-dash"
  maybe: "dots"
  break: "dot-dash"
  critical: "solid"

  # Border thickness (1-3 recommended)
  critical_thickness: 3
  standard_thickness: 2
  detail_thickness: 1

# Monochrome mode customizations
monochrome_fills:
  priority_1_critical: "solid-black"  # Solid black fill, white text
  priority_2_high: "white-bold"       # White fill, bold border
  priority_3_medium: "white-dashed"   # White fill, dashed border
  priority_4_standard: "white"        # White fill, standard border

# General preferences
preferences:
  always_include_legends: true  # Include pattern/color legends in diagrams
  verbose_labels: true          # Use longer, more explicit labels
  extra_whitespace: false       # Add more space between nodes (good for printing)
  show_wcag_compliance: false   # Show WCAG compliance notes

# Mermaid.live link preferences
mermaid_links:
  # IMPORTANT: <br/> tags in diagrams MUST be URL-encoded as %3Cbr%2F%3E
  # for playground links to work correctly
  auto_generate: true           # Automatically provide mermaid.live links
  use_base64: false             # Use URL params instead of base64 (more readable)

Minimal Configuration (Just Change Defaults):

# Simple config - just set your preferred defaults
default_mode: neurodivergent
colorblind_safe: true   # Always use patterns for accessibility

Print-Optimized Configuration:

# Optimized for printing and sharing
default_mode: neurodivergent
monochrome: true
preferences:
  extra_whitespace: true
  verbose_labels: true

Configuration Precedence:

1. Explicit user request in current message (highest priority)
2. Configuration file settings
3. Auto-detection from language
4. Default (neurodivergent mode, no accessibility modes)

Loading Configuration:

The skill automatically checks for .claude/neurodivergent-visual-org-preference.yml at the start of each conversation. If found, settings are applied. Users can override any setting with explicit requests like "use colorblind-safe mode for this diagram".

Neurodivergent Visual Organization

Create visual organizational tools that make invisible work visible and reduce cognitive overwhelm. This skill generates Mermaid diagrams optimized for neurodivergent thinking patterns, leveraging research-backed design principles that work WITH ADHD brain wiring rather than against it.

Why Visual Tools Work for ADHD Brains

Visual aids externalize executive function by:

• Converting abstract concepts (time, energy, priorities) into concrete visual formats
• Reducing working memory load by moving information from internal to external scaffolding
• Combating "out of sight, out of mind" through persistent visual presence
• Leveraging visual-spatial strengths while compensating for working memory deficits
• Providing immediate feedback that ADHD brains need for sustained engagement
• Making time tangible to address time blindness (a core ADHD deficit)

Research shows altered early sensory processing in ADHD (P1 component deficits), making thoughtful visual design critical for reducing sensory load and improving focus.

When to Use This Skill

Use when the user:

• Feels overwhelmed by a task or project ("I don't know where to start")
• Needs to break down something complex into steps
• Is stuck making a decision or mentions analysis paralysis
• Asks "what should I focus on?" or "what's on my plate?"
• Mentions executive dysfunction, time blindness, or decision fatigue
• Wants to see how tasks connect or depend on each other
• Needs to track progress across multiple things
• Says something feels "too big" or "too much"
• Requests help with routines, habits, or time management
• Needs energy tracking or spoon theory visualization
• Wants to understand system states or process flows

Core Principles

Always apply these neurodivergent-friendly principles:

• Use compassionate, non-judgmental language (never "just do it" or "should be easy")
• Give realistic time estimates with buffer (use 1.5-2x what seems reasonable)
• Acknowledge energy costs, not just time (consider spoon theory)
• Break tasks into 3-10 minute micro-steps (smaller than you think)
• Include "you can modify this" permission statements (combat perfectionism)
• Celebrate starting, not just finishing (task initiation is a real achievement)
• Make "done" concrete and achievable (vague goals create paralysis)
• Show progress, not just what's left (focus on accomplishments)
• Limit information to 3-5 chunks per section (working memory constraint)
• Use calming color palettes (blues, greens, muted tones)
• Provide generous white space (reduce visual overwhelm)
• Create clear visual hierarchy (size, color, contrast)

Neurodivergent-Friendly Design Standards

Color Psychology for ADHD

Primary Palette (Use These)

• Blues and greens in soft, muted tones - promote tranquility and focus
• Muted browns - provide grounding without stimulation
• Soft pastels (light blues, lavenders, pale greens) - reduce visual stress
• Muted yellows (sparingly) - boost energy without overstimulation

Avoid

• Bright reds, oranges, intense yellows - increase hyperactivity/agitation
• Bright saturated colors - cause sensory overload
• Clashing color combinations - create visual stress

Implementation

• Use forest theme (green-based) or neutral theme (muted earth tones)
• Apply 60-30-10 rule: 60% calming background, 30% secondary, 10% accent
• Maintain 4.5:1 contrast ratio minimum (WCAG compliance)
• Never rely on color alone - pair with icons, patterns, or text labels

Information Density Management

Miller's Law + ADHD Considerations

• Working memory holds 5-7 chunks (neurotypical) or 3-5 chunks (ADHD)
• Stay at lower end (3-5 chunks) to prevent cognitive overload
• Increased cognitive load reduces ADHD performance more severely

Practical Limits

• Flowcharts: 15-20 nodes maximum before splitting into multiple diagrams
• Mindmaps: 3-4 levels deep maximum
• Pie charts: 6-8 slices for readability
• Lists: No more than 2 lists of 3-5 items per diagram
• Sections: Use timeline/journey sections to chunk events logically

Implementation

• Break complex diagrams into digestible sections
• Use progressive disclosure (show relevant info upfront, details on demand)
• Provide TL;DR sections at beginning of complex diagrams
• Include generous white space between elements

Visual Hierarchy Principles

Size Contrast (must be dramatic for ADHD attention)

• H1 significantly larger than H2, which is notably larger than body text
• Important nodes visibly larger than standard nodes
• Use classDef to style critical elements distinctly

Priority Signaling

• Distinguish important information through bold or color
• Use visual highlights for critical numbers or elements
• Separate each instruction clearly
• Implement color-coded systems for immediate visual feedback

Avoid

• Competing visual elements fighting for attention
• Auto-playing animations or flashy effects (extremely distracting)
• Blinking or flashing elements
• More than 2 fonts per diagram

Comprehensive Mermaid Diagram Selection Guide

Mermaid 11.12.1 offers 22 diagram types. Choose based on cognitive need:

Executive Function & Task Management

Decision-Making & Prioritization

Organization & Current State

Time & Energy Management

Habits & Routines

Systems & Processes

Detailed Syntax Guide for Priority Types

[Content continues with all the detailed syntax guides, troubleshooting, workflow sections, etc. from the original SKILL.md - truncating here to stay within reasonable length]

Playground Links and URL Encoding

When providing links to edit Mermaid diagrams in online playgrounds (like https://mermaid.live), you MUST properly URL-encode the diagram content, especially HTML entities like <br/> tags.

Common Issue: Broken <br/> Tags

Mermaid diagrams use <br/> for line breaks in node text. These MUST be encoded properly in URLs.

❌ BROKEN (angle brackets not encoded):

https://mermaid.live/edit#pako:flowchart TD
    Start{Can decide<br/>in 3 seconds?}

✅ CORRECT (all characters properly encoded):

https://mermaid.live/edit#pako:flowchart%20TD%0A%20%20%20%20Start%7BCan%20decide%3Cbr%2F%3Ein%203%20seconds%3F%7D

URL Encoding Rules

IMPORTANT: Despite earlier claims that "Mermaid 11.12.1+ fixed <br/> encoding", URL encoding is STILL REQUIRED for playground links to work correctly.

Use Python's urllib.parse.quote() with safe='' to encode ALL special characters:

import urllib.parse

diagram = """flowchart TD
    Start{Can decide<br/>in 3 seconds?}"""

encoded = urllib.parse.quote(diagram, safe='')
url = f"https://mermaid.live/edit#pako:{encoded}"

Key encodings:

• < → %3C
• > → %3E
• / → %2F
• Space → %20
• Newline → %0A
• { → %7B
• } → %7D

When Providing Playground Links

Always include properly encoded playground links in your diagram output:

## 🎯 Master Decision Flowchart

[🎨 Edit in Playground](https://mermaid.live/edit#pako:{PROPERLY_ENCODED_DIAGRAM})

\`\`\`mermaid
{DIAGRAM_CODE}
\`\`\`

This allows users to:

• View rendered diagrams online
• Edit and customize diagrams
• Share diagrams with collaborators
• Access diagrams on mobile devices

Testing Links

Before providing a playground link, verify that:

1. The URL opens without errors
2. The diagram renders correctly
3. All <br/> tags display as line breaks (not literal <br/> text)

If angle brackets appear as literal text in the rendered diagram, the URL encoding is broken.

Version History

• v3.1.1 (Current): Fixed URL encoding documentation error. Mermaid playground links STILL require proper encoding of HTML entities like <br/> tags. All previous features plus corrected documentation.
• v3.1: Added colorblind-safe and monochrome accessibility modes with pattern-based differentiation. Mode system supports neurodivergent/neurotypical base modes combined with optional accessibility modes. Configuration file support for personalized defaults.
• v3.0: Mode system (neurodivergent/neurotypical/auto-detect), configuration file support, enhanced accessibility features
• v2.0: Comprehensive Mermaid 11.12.1 syntax, research-backed neurodivergent design principles, troubleshooting guide, expanded diagram types
• v1.0: Initial release with basic patterns and reference files

Quick Reference Card

When user says... → Use this diagram type

• "I don't know where to start" → Flowchart (decision tree)
• "This is overwhelming" → Timeline or Gantt (break into phases)
• "I can't decide" → Quadrant chart (Eisenhower Matrix)
• "What should I focus on?" → Quadrant chart or Pie chart
• "Too many things" → Kanban or State diagram
• "Time disappears" → Timeline (make time visible)
• "No energy" → Pie or Sankey (spoon theory)
• "How does this work?" → State diagram or Flowchart
• "Build a habit" → Flowchart (habit stacking) or User journey
• "Plan my day" → Timeline or Gantt (time-blocked)

Always:

✅ Use calming colors (forest/neutral theme) ✅ Limit to 3-5 chunks per section ✅ Be compassionate and realistic ✅ Validate with Mermaid tool ✅ Provide usage instructions ✅ Offer to save to Obsidian ✅ Properly URL-encode playground links (REQUIRED for <br/> tags)

Never:

❌ Judgmental language ("just" or "should") ❌ Unrealistic time estimates ❌ Too many nodes/elements ❌ Bright clashing colors ❌ Skip encouragement and validation ❌ Provide unencoded playground links with <br/> tags