AsciiKit MCP Server

v6.1.7 - Rich Visual Elements

Transform Claude and Cursor into Senior UX Designers with deep psychological understanding. AsciiKit doesn't just generate wireframes - it applies cognitive science, behavioral psychology, and emotional design principles to create interfaces that truly understand human behavior.

Quick Installation (Recommended)

One command does everything:

npm install -g asciikit-mcp && asciikit-mcp init

This will:

1. Install AsciiKit globally
2. Prompt for your license key
3. Auto-configure Claude Code
4. Validate your installation
5. Check if Claude Code needs restart

Get your license key:

• Sign up (one free thread): asciikit.com/auth/login
• Subscribe ($29/mo, $79/3mo, or $199/yr): asciikit.com/workspace/upgrade — one subscription unlocks onsite tool + unlimited MCP

After setup, restart Claude Code and try:

/asciikit:asciikit-quick
/asciikit:asciikit-flow
/asciikit:asciikit-explore
/asciikit:asciikit-spec
/asciikit:asciikit-build

Manual Installation (Advanced)

If you prefer to configure manually:

1. Install Package

npm install -g asciikit-mcp

2. Configure Claude Code

Edit ~/.claude.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "asciikit": {
      "command": "asciikit-mcp",
      "env": {
        "ASCIIKIT_LICENSE_KEY": "your-license-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

3. Verify Installation

asciikit-mcp test

4. Restart Claude Code

For Cursor Users

Run the setup wizard and select Cursor:

asciikit-mcp setup

This creates ~/.cursor/mcp.json with the same structure.

Usage

5 Specialized Commands (v3.0+)

AsciiKit provides 5 dedicated commands, each optimized for a specific design workflow:

1. /asciikit:asciikit-quick - Design 1-2 specific screens with multiple options
2. /asciikit:asciikit-flow - Map a complete user journey (3-8 connected screens)
3. /asciikit:asciikit-explore - Explore design alternatives and variations
4. /asciikit:asciikit-spec - Systematically design all screens for a complete app
5. /asciikit:asciikit-build - Turn wireframes into developer-ready technical spec

What's New in v5.0

Design Intelligence System: Claude now understands the psychology behind every design decision.

When you describe what you need, Claude automatically applies:

• User Psychology - Motivation drivers, trust mechanics, cognitive biases
• Cognitive Science - Load optimization, attention management, Miller's Law
• Emotional Design - Visceral, behavioral, and reflective design levels
• Conversion Psychology - Persuasion principles, behavioral economics
• Accessibility - WCAG compliance, inclusive design patterns
• Information Architecture - Organization schemes, navigation patterns

Starting a Design Session

In Claude Code, type the command for your workflow goal:

/asciikit:asciikit-quick    # For quick screen designs
/asciikit:asciikit-flow     # For user journey mapping
/asciikit:asciikit-explore  # For design exploration
/asciikit:asciikit-spec     # For complete app specs
/asciikit:asciikit-build    # For build specifications

Example session (v5.0):

You: /asciikit:asciikit-quick Design a checkout for elderly users

Claude: I'll design a checkout optimized for elderly users. Based on
cognitive science and accessibility research, I'm focusing on larger
touch targets, clear visual hierarchy, and reduced cognitive load.

Here are two approaches:

OPTION A: Single-Page Progressive
[38-char ASCII wireframe with large buttons, high contrast]
Psychology: Reduces anxiety by showing complete process upfront
Cognitive: All information visible (no memory burden)
Accessibility: 48x48px touch targets, 18px minimum font

OPTION B: Step-by-Step Wizard
[38-char ASCII wireframe with clear steps]
Psychology: Reduces overwhelm through chunking
Cognitive: Focus on one task at a time (Miller's Law)
Accessibility: Clear progress indicators, error prevention

Recommendation: Option B for first-time users (reduces anxiety),
Option A for returning users (faster completion).

Key points:

• You describe what you need in natural language
• Claude applies six intelligence frameworks automatically
• You never have to memorize rules or browse catalogs
• Claude generates multiple options with psychological tradeoffs
• Each command provides a specialized, focused workflow

How It Works

Behind the scenes:

• Each command loads workflow-specific instructions into Claude
• Claude calls get_design_intelligence() with your context
• Applies psychology, IA, cognitive science, emotional design, conversion tactics, and accessibility
• Uses atomic visual elements to compose wireframes
• Validates all ASCII wireframes (exactly 38 characters wide)
• Generates options with explicit psychological tradeoffs
• Guides you through the selected workflow

You focus on: Describing your goals and choosing between options Claude handles: Intelligence application, composition, validation, and iteration

What's Included

• Six Intelligence Frameworks:

  • User Psychology Engine (motivation, trust, cognitive biases)
  • Information Architecture (organization, navigation, wayfinding)
  • Cognitive Science Layer (load optimization, attention management)
  • Emotional Design System (visceral, behavioral, reflective)
  • Conversion Psychology (persuasion, behavioral economics)
  • Accessibility Framework (WCAG, inclusive design)

• Atomic Visual Elements:

  • Navigation (back, menu, profile, close, etc.)
  • Inputs (text fields, dropdowns, search, etc.)
  • Buttons (primary, secondary, small)
  • Selection (checkboxes, radios, toggles, tabs)
  • Status & feedback (loading, progress, errors, success)
  • Containers (boxes, cards, modals)
  • All elements enforce 38-character width

• 5 Specialized Workflow Commands:

  • Quick screen design (/asciikit:asciikit-quick)
  • Flow mapping (/asciikit:asciikit-flow)
  • Design exploration (/asciikit:asciikit-explore)
  • App specification (/asciikit:asciikit-spec)
  • Build spec generation (/asciikit:asciikit-build)

• 3 MCP Tools:

  • get_design_intelligence() - Returns psychological guidance
  • get_visual_language() - Returns wireframe drawing vocabulary
  • validate_wireframe() - Validates 38-char width with auto-fix

Platform Compatibility

Supported Platforms

| Platform | Slash Commands | Tools | Autonomous Use | Notes | | ----------- | -------------- | ----- | -------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Claude Code | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Full support with autonomous tool usage | | Cursor | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Full support via slash commands |

What's the difference?

• Claude Code: Automatically uses AsciiKit when you ask design questions
• Cursor: Requires explicit slash commands (/asciikit:asciikit-*) to activate

Both platforms provide full access to all design intelligence features when invoked.

Troubleshooting

"License validation failed"

Check:

1. License key is correct (copy/paste from email)
2. Subscription is active at asciikit.com
3. No typos in MCP config file

Still not working? Email: [email protected]

"MCP server not loading"

Check:

1. npm package installed: npm list -g asciikit-mcp
2. License key is valid in config
3. Restart Claude Code

"Module not found"

Fix:

npm uninstall -g asciikit-mcp
npm install -g asciikit-mcp

Restart Claude Code.

License Management

Check License Status

Your license auto-validates every 24 hours. If your subscription expires or is cancelled, the MCP server will stop working at the next validation.

Trial Usage

Your trial includes 10 uses. Each command invocation counts as 1 use. You'll see warnings as you approach your limit:

⏰ You have 3 trial uses remaining!
   Subscribe at: https://asciikit.com/subscribe

Manage Subscription

• View/update payment: Stripe Customer Portal
• Cancel anytime (no questions asked)
• Reactivate anytime (same license key)

Updates

To get the latest intelligence and features:

npm update -g asciikit-mcp

Restart Claude Code to load the new version.

Support

• Email: [email protected]
• Documentation: docs.asciikit.com
• Examples: asciikit.com/examples

Privacy

• License validated on startup and every 24 hours
• Usage count tracked for trial licenses only
• No personal data collected beyond validation
• IP address logged for abuse prevention
• All intelligence data bundled in npm package

Version: 6.0.0 License: Proprietary Copyright: © 2026 AsciiKit