RefineNotAddOnSecondPass [rule] v1.0.0

During a refinement or polish pass, improve cohesion and precision of existing elements — never introduce new shapes, components, or graphics.

On any iterative refinement pass: (1) tighten alignment, spacing, and visual rhythm of existing elements; (2) improve color consistency and weight hierarchy within existing components; (3) fix optical misalignments; (4) do NOT add new graphic elements, shapes, illustrations, or components. If a composition needs more elements, that is a scope addition — a separate pass, not a refinement.

Applies To

• Canvas artwork iteration passes
• UI component visual polish reviews
• Design system component refinement cycles
• Any second-or-later iteration on an existing composition

Counter Example

A 'polish pass' that adds a decorative gradient overlay, two new icon components, and a background illustration to a design that already had alignment issues — more visual noise, same underlying problems.

RefineNotAddOnSecondPass [rule] v1.0.0

During a refinement or polish pass, improve cohesion and precision of existing elements — never introduce new shapes, components, or graphics.

On any iterative refinement pass: (1) tighten alignment, spacing, and visual rhythm of existing elements; (2) improve color consistency and weight hierarchy within existing components; (3) fix optical misalignments; (4) do NOT add new graphic elements, shapes, illustrations, or components. If a composition needs more elements, that is a scope addition — a separate pass, not a refinement.

Applies To

• Canvas artwork iteration passes
• UI component visual polish reviews
• Design system component refinement cycles
• Any second-or-later iteration on an existing composition

Counter Example

A 'polish pass' that adds a decorative gradient overlay, two new icon components, and a background illustration to a design that already had alignment issues — more visual noise, same underlying problems.

Examples

• Refinement: tighten card padding from 20px to 16px; adjust header weight from 600 to 700; correct color to match token. All existing.
• Refinement: fix optical centering of an icon inside a button. No new elements added.

Rationale

Adding more elements to an unpolished composition adds complexity without resolution. An unfinished composition with 10 elements is harder to polish than one with 6 well-placed elements. Refinement means 'more of the same thing, better' — not 'more things.' This constraint prevents the common failure mode where a 'polish pass' becomes a scope creep spiral. Every addition during refinement displaces focus from what is already there and needs fixing.

Applies To

• Canvas artwork iteration passes
• UI component visual polish reviews
• Design system component refinement cycles
• Any second-or-later iteration on an existing composition

Counter Example

A 'polish pass' that adds a decorative gradient overlay, two new icon components, and a background illustration to a design that already had alignment issues — more visual noise, same underlying problems.