think-bigger/docs/plans/project-phases/phase-2-core-ui.md

Phase 2: Core UI and Knowledge Browser

Timeline: Weeks 5-8 Objective: Build the primary user interface and core knowledge browsing functionality Success Criteria: Functional Knowledge Browser with basic search, visualization, and content management

Overview

Phase 2 builds the complete user interface that brings the Dual Manifold Cognitive Architecture to life. Based on comprehensive UI design specifications, this phase implements four core views: Dashboard, Domain Knowledge Browser, Agent Studio, and Global Orchestrator Chat. The interface balances data density for power users with intuitive interactions for knowledge exploration, while deeply integrating Dana agent management and multi-manifold visualization.

Critical Dependencies

• Requires Phase 1: All backend APIs must be functional and documented
• UI Framework: React/Next.js with TypeScript
• Design System: Consistent component library and styling
• API Integration: Complete API contract implementation

Detailed Implementation Plan

Week 5: UI Foundation and Dashboard

Day 1-2: Design System and Dark Mode Theme

• Implement dark mode theme (#121212, #1E1E1E backgrounds)
• Set up color coding system (cyan=Dana, purple=orchestration, emerald=insights)
• Create typography system (Inter/Roboto + Fira Code/JetBrains Mono)
• Build component library with collapsible panes
• Set up persistent left sidebar navigation

Day 3-4: Dashboard Implementation

• Create goals module (Kanban/checklist for learning objectives)
• Build domain grid with large cards (icon, name, doc count, agent status)
• Implement system status indicators (agent activity, processing status)
• Add search functionality and domain creation
• Set up responsive grid layout

Day 5: API Integration and State Management

• Create API client for Dana agent communication
• Implement React Query for manifold data fetching
• Set up global state for domain selection and user goals
• Add loading states and error boundaries
• Create mock data for development testing

Week 6: Domain Knowledge Browser

Day 1-2: Three-Pane Layout Implementation

• Create collapsible three-pane layout (drawer/content/insights)
• Implement left drawer (250px) with file tree navigation
• Build flexible middle pane for content viewing
• Create right insights pane (400px) with fabric pattern interface
• Add pane collapse/expand controls

Day 3-4: Content Viewers and Media Support

• Implement PDF reader with clean viewing experience
• Build video player with synchronized transcript display
• Create Markdown/text renderer
• Add media scraping status indicators
• Implement content navigation and search

Day 5: Fabric Pattern Processing

• Build fabric pattern selection interface
• Implement insight extraction (summarize, extract ideas, find actions)
• Create structured output display
• Add pattern history and favorites
• Integrate with backend processing agents

Week 7: Agent Studio - Dana IDE

Day 1-2: IDE Layout and Dana Editor

• Implement IDE-style three-panel layout
• Create Dana code editor with syntax highlighting
• Build tab system for agent.na, tools.na, config.json files
• Add code folding and navigation features
• Implement auto-save and version control integration

Day 3-4: Context Management and Graph Visualization

• Create left context panel with file checklists
• Build knowledge graph visualizer (interactive node map)
• Implement node clicking to highlight related code/docs
• Add graph filtering and search capabilities
• Create context building interface with drag-and-drop

Day 5: REPL and Testing Environment

• Build bottom REPL terminal for Dana code execution
• Implement command history and auto-completion
• Add real-time agent testing capabilities
• Create log display for agent execution and errors
• Integrate build and deployment buttons

Week 8: Global Orchestrator and Final Integration

Day 1-2: Orchestrator Chat Interface

• Create central chat interface for multi-agent conversations
• Implement scope selector with domain checkboxes
• Build chat history display with agent attribution
• Add real-time agent status indicators
• Create query routing visualization

Day 3-4: Cross-Domain Integration

• Implement domain scope filtering for queries
• Build orchestrator agent communication
• Add synthesis result display
• Create agent collaboration visualization
• Integrate with backend manifold operations

Day 5: Final Polish and Testing

• End-to-end user journey testing across all views
• Performance optimization for large knowledge graphs
• Accessibility audit (ARIA labels, keyboard navigation)
• Cross-platform testing (Linux focus)
• User experience refinements and animations

Deliverables

Core UI Views

• Dashboard with goals tracking and domain grid
• Domain Knowledge Browser (three-pane layout)
• Agent Studio IDE with Dana editor and REPL
• Global Orchestrator Chat with scope selection

Dana Integration

• Dana syntax highlighting and editing
• Built-in REPL for agent testing
• Context management with file checklists
• Knowledge graph visualization
• Agent building and deployment interface

User Experience

• Dark mode theme with color-coded elements
• Collapsible pane system for data density
• Floating chat overlays for domain interaction
• Responsive design for desktop workflows
• Keyboard shortcuts and accessibility compliance

Multi-Agent Features

• Real-time agent status monitoring
• Cross-domain query orchestration
• Scope-based data filtering
• Agent collaboration visualization
• Background processing indicators

Success Metrics

• All four core views (Dashboard, Browser, Studio, Chat) fully functional
• Dana editor with syntax highlighting and REPL testing operational
• Three-pane layout renders smoothly with collapsible controls
• Orchestrator chat handles cross-domain queries with scope selection
• Knowledge graph visualization interactive for 500+ nodes
• Page load times < 2 seconds for all views
• Accessibility compliance > 90% (WCAG 2.1 AA)
• Dark mode theme consistently applied across all components

Risk Mitigation

Technical Risks

• Performance: Implement virtualization for large datasets
• Browser Compatibility: Test on target browsers early
• API Latency: Add caching and optimistic updates

Timeline Risks

• UI Complexity: Break down into smaller components
• Integration Issues: Daily integration testing with backend
• Design Iterations: Plan for 2-3 design review cycles

Testing Strategy

Component Testing

• Unit tests for all UI components
• Visual regression testing
• Accessibility testing

Integration Testing

• API integration tests
• End-to-end user flows
• Cross-browser compatibility

User Testing

• Usability testing sessions
• Performance testing
• Accessibility evaluation

Phase Gate Criteria

Phase 2 is complete when:

• Knowledge Browser is fully functional
• All core user workflows work end-to-end
• Performance meets requirements
• Code is reviewed and tested
• Documentation is updated docs/plans/project-phases/phase-2-core-ui.md