gnu.org
scanned 2026-09-15 07:07 UTC · defs 2026.09
category overview
the breakdown
2 of 27 patterns flagged✓ clean, no tells in this category.
Gradient-heavy backgrounds (5+ elements)
Gradient bgs
5+ gradient-background elements means decorative blobs, glows, conic rainbow swirls, or 'aurora' panels everywhere.
Colored top/left card borders (the AI em-dash)
Accent stripe
Cards with a thick colored top or left border are the most-copied Tailwind UI / shadcn pattern.
✓ clean, no tells in this category.
✓ clean, no tells in this category.
the four axes
slop: lower is better · system & AEO: higher is better
design slop
10/100
Mild
copy slop
not run
system · DESIGN.md
none
no DESIGN.md
AEO · agent-readable
not run
scan to evaluate
You've seen the score. Now fix it.
2 tells, heaviest first.
Colored top/left card borders (the AI em-dash)+6
whyCards with a thick colored top or left border are the most-copied Tailwind UI / shadcn pattern. Used in every 'features grid' AI generates.fixRemove the colored stripe. Differentiate cards through type hierarchy, a small icon at top, real imagery, or background tint — not a decorative border. Better: question whether you need cards at all (most 'feature grids' work better as a comparison table or a single annotated screenshot).ruleNo `border-top: 4px solid <color>` or `border-left: 4px solid <color>` on cards.
Gradient-heavy backgrounds (5+ elements)+4
why5+ gradient-background elements means decorative blobs, glows, conic rainbow swirls, or 'aurora' panels everywhere. This is the AI template equivalent of a 2008 MySpace page.fixAim for zero decorative gradients. At most ONE subtle gradient if it has structural purpose (a section background that aids hierarchy). Replace decorative gradients with: solid color blocks, a single tasteful photograph, real product UI screenshots, or negative space.rule≤1 gradient element total on the page.
npx slop-detect gnu.org --fix