tvos-design-guidelines

What it does

This skill provides access to Apple's official Human Interface Guidelines specifically tailored for the tvOS platform. It enables developers and designers to ensure their applications meet the strict visual, interaction, and accessibility standards required by the Apple TV ecosystem.

When to use it

• Designing user interfaces that leverage the unique remote control navigation patterns of Apple TV.
• Ensuring compliance with Apple's mandatory accessibility requirements for blind and low-vision users on television screens.
• Creating consistent layouts that adapt correctly to various aspect ratios found in modern living room displays.
• Validating UI components against platform-specific constraints before submission to the App Store.

Key capabilities

• Remote Interaction Patterns: Guidelines for handling input from Siri Remote, including focus rings and selection behaviors.
• Accessibility Standards: Specific rules for VoiceOver support, high-contrast modes, and screen reader compatibility on TV.
• Visual Design System: Approved typography scales, color palettes, and iconography suitable for large-distance viewing.
• Layout Adaptation: Strategies for managing dynamic content sizes and aspect ratios across different TV models.

Example prompts

• "What are the specific focus ring requirements for a tvOS settings menu?"
• "How should I structure my navigation flow to comply with Apple's remote control guidelines?"
• "List the accessibility best practices for displaying text on a 4K Apple TV screen."

Tips & gotchas

Ensure you reference the most recent version of the Human Interface Guidelines, as tvOS standards evolve frequently. Remember that television interfaces prioritize quick comprehension over dense information, so avoid cluttering screens with too much text or complex animations.