FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about AsciiKit.

General

What is AsciiKit?

AsciiKit is a design intelligence MCP server that transforms Claude into a Senior UX Designer with deep understanding of human psychology, cognitive science, and behavioral design. When you describe what you need, Claude applies six integrated intelligence frameworks to create psychologically-informed wireframes.

How is this different from just asking Claude to draw wireframes?

Without AsciiKit, Claude generates competent wireframes but lacks systematic application of psychological principles. With AsciiKit, Claude automatically applies user psychology, cognitive science, emotional design, information architecture, conversion psychology, and accessibility frameworks based on your context - turning every design decision into a psychologically-informed choice.

Do I need design skills to use AsciiKit?

No! You just describe what users need to do in plain English. Claude automatically analyzes the psychological context and applies the appropriate intelligence frameworks. No design or psychology knowledge required.

Does this generate code?

No. AsciiKit creates ASCII wireframes only. You use these wireframes to guide your own coding, or hand them off to developers.

Design & Usage

What's the "A2 format" / 38-character width?

All AsciiKit wireframes are exactly 38 characters wide. This ensures consistent rendering across terminals, chat interfaces, and documentation. It's called "A2 format" as a standard size reference.

Can I customize designs after Claude generates them?

Yes. After Claude generates a wireframe, you can refine it with follow-ups:

  • "This feels too aggressive — make it calmer"
  • "The trust signals feel generic, make them more specific to fintech"
  • "Add a phone support option — seniors need that fallback"
  • "Show the mobile version of this"

Claude preserves the psychological intent while updating the design.

Can I combine elements from different domains in one screen?

Yes. Just describe the combination: "This is a healthcare app but the users are power users who need data density." Claude will balance the competing psychological needs in the design.

What if I want a different psychological approach?

Use /asciikit-explore to see multiple approaches side-by-side. Or explicitly redirect the psychology: "Less gamification, more intrinsic motivation" or "Skip the urgency mechanics — focus on value clarity instead."

Licensing & Pricing

How does the free trial work?

  • 10 command uses (each intelligent design session = 1 use)
  • Full access to all six psychology frameworks
  • No credit card required
  • Sign up at asciikit.com/trial

What counts as a "use"?

Each time you invoke an /asciikit-* command, that's 1 use. Iterating on the same design within a session — asking for modifications, exploring alternatives, or adding screens — doesn't count as additional uses.

Trial users: 10 uses total. Usage is tracked server-side and does not reset when you restart Claude Code.

Paid users: Unlimited uses.

What are the subscription plans?

  • Monthly: $19/month
  • 3-Month: $49 ($16.33/month, save $8)
  • Yearly: $149 ($12.42/month, save $79)

All plans include unlimited intelligent wireframe generation and full access to all six psychology frameworks.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes! Cancel your subscription anytime through the billing portal. You keep access until the end of your billing period.

What if I run out of trial uses?

Your trial expires after 10 uses. To continue, subscribe at asciikit.com. If you have questions, email hello@asciikit.com.

Do you offer refunds?

Yes, we offer refunds within 14 days of purchase if AsciiKit isn't working as expected. Email hello@asciikit.com.

I just upgraded from trial to paid, but still see trial limit errors

Cause: License validation is cached per session. The MCP server validated your old trial key and won't recheck until restart.

Fix:

  1. Update your license key in ~/.claude.json with your new paid key
  2. Completely exit Claude Code
  3. Start a fresh session

The new paid license will be validated on startup.

Technical

What platforms does this work on?

AsciiKit works with Claude Code on:

  • macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
  • Windows (10 and 11)
  • Linux (most distributions)

Do I need an internet connection?

Yes. AsciiKit requires internet for license validation. After initial validation, it works with brief offline periods, but will revalidate periodically.

Can I use this with ChatGPT or other AI assistants?

Not yet. AsciiKit uses the MCP (Model Context Protocol) which is currently Claude-specific. We'll expand to other platforms when they support MCP.

Can I use this in Cursor or other IDEs?

Not yet. AsciiKit is built for Claude Code's MCP implementation. Support for other tools depends on their MCP adoption.

Does this work with Claude.ai (web version)?

No. AsciiKit is an MCP server, which only works with Claude Code (the desktop app). The web version doesn't support MCP.

What's the minimum Node.js version?

Node.js 18.0.0 or higher is required.

Can I self-host the MCP server?

The MCP server is distributed via npm, so yes - it runs locally on your machine. The only cloud component is license validation (connects to our API).

Is my data sent anywhere?

Your wireframes and conversations stay local in Claude Code. The only data sent to our servers is your license key for validation. We don't see your wireframes, prompts, or any project data.

Commands & Workflows

What are the "5 specialized commands"?

AsciiKit provides 5 specialized commands (v5):

  1. /asciikit-quick - Quick Screen Design (1-2 screens)
  2. /asciikit-flow - Flow Mapping (3-8 connected screens)
  3. /asciikit-explore - Exploration Mode (3-5 design alternatives)
  4. /asciikit-spec - App Specification (complete app structure)
  5. /asciikit-build - Build Spec Generation (developer handoff)

Each command is optimized for a different design task.

When should I use each command?

  • /asciikit-quick: "I need a login screen fast"
  • /asciikit-flow: "Map out the checkout flow: cart → shipping → payment → confirmation"
  • /asciikit-explore: "Show me different ways to display user notifications"
  • /asciikit-spec: "Design a complete fitness tracking app"
  • /asciikit-build: "Create developer handoff docs with technical specs"

See The 5 Commands guide for detailed examples.

Do I have to use the specialized commands?

Yes! You should use one of the 5 commands to access AsciiKit. Each command loads specific intelligence frameworks and instructions optimized for that workflow.

Platform-Specific

Does AsciiKit know iOS vs Android conventions?

Yes! Mention the platform in your prompt:

  • "I need a tab bar for an iOS app"
  • "Show me bottom navigation for Android"

Claude applies platform-appropriate psychology and interaction conventions automatically.

Can I get responsive web designs?

Yes! Ask for responsive versions:

  • "Show me this for desktop and mobile"
  • "Create a responsive dashboard"

Claude adapts layouts for different screen sizes.

Does this work for web apps, mobile apps, or both?

Both! AsciiKit's design intelligence works for:

  • Web applications
  • iOS apps
  • Android apps
  • Progressive web apps
  • Desktop applications

Specify your platform for tailored results.

Troubleshooting

Why isn't AsciiKit showing up in Claude Code?

Common causes:

  1. Didn't fully restart Claude Code
  2. Config file has syntax errors
  3. License key is invalid

See Troubleshooting Guide for detailed fixes.

"Invalid license key" error

  • Check for typos in your ~/.claude.json
  • Verify key starts with ak_trial_ or ak_live_
  • Make sure it's wrapped in quotes
  • Copy-paste from email (don't retype)

See Troubleshooting: License Issues.

Claude isn't applying specific enough psychology

Your prompt might lack emotional or contextual detail. Give Claude the human situation:

❌ "I need a dashboard" ✅ "I need a dashboard for stressed operations managers who need to spot problems fast"

The second prompt activates anxiety-reduction psychology and priority-first information architecture. See Writing Effective Prompts.

Wireframes are the wrong width

Tell Claude: "Please regenerate this at 38 characters wide (A2 format)"

Comparison Questions

How is this different from Figma/Sketch?

AsciiKit creates low-fidelity wireframes for early-stage design thinking. Figma/Sketch are for high-fidelity mockups and prototypes. AsciiKit is faster for exploring ideas and communicating structure.

How is this different from wireframe templates?

Templates give you visual structure. AsciiKit gives you structure that's been shaped by psychology — trust mechanics, cognitive load management, emotional arc design, accessibility adaptations. Templates don't know your users are anxious about fraud or that your senior users need phone support visible. AsciiKit does.

How is this different from Excalidraw/Balsamiq?

Those are drawing tools. AsciiKit generates wireframes from text descriptions through AI. No clicking or dragging - just describe what you need.

Why ASCII instead of visual wireframes?

ASCII wireframes are:

  • Fast to generate (conversation speed)
  • Easy to version control (text files)
  • Platform-agnostic (work everywhere)
  • Focus on structure over aesthetics
  • Perfect for AI generation

Support & Community

How do I get help?

  1. Documentation: Start with docs.asciikit.com
  2. Troubleshooting: See Troubleshooting Guide
  3. Email: hello@asciikit.com
  4. GitHub: Report bugs at github.com/asciikit/asciikit

How do I request new intelligence features?

Email hello@asciikit.com with:

  • Description of the domain or user segment
  • Psychological considerations we should add
  • Use cases where current intelligence could be improved

We prioritize intelligence enhancements based on user feedback.

Is there a Discord/Slack community?

Not yet. We'll create a community when we reach critical mass. For now, use hello@asciikit.com for questions and feedback.

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