human-standards — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Provides your coding assistant with read-only heuristics on interface usability, ergonomics, and accessibility. Helpful when implementing UI components and verifying layouts.
claude mcp add human-standards -- npx -y @humanstandards/mcp-serverWhat human-standards does
The server connects AI agents to curated human factors guidelines via five read-only tools: search_standards, get_standard, get_heuristic, get_all_heuristics, and get_spatial_rhythm. Assistants can query interface heuristics, examine spatial rhythm rules, or pull accessibility criteria without opening a browser.
Execution happens locally via npx over standard input and output. The process opens zero network ports. It never inspects repository files because all guidance comes packaged directly inside the npm release.
Automated retrieval does not replace real user research or accessibility reviews. The project's Study 001 pilot showed that while providing standards improved baseline results, noticeable usability defects still slipped through.
What it helps with
- check UI interaction patterns against established heuristics with
get_heuristic - calculate component spacing using relationship-first spatial rhythm rules
- look up cognitive accessibility criteria during component development
- retrieve human factors documentation without leaving the editor
Example prompts for the agent
- Search the standards for accessible modal dialog patterns using
search_standards - Run
get_all_heuristicsto review form validation usability rules - Check spacing constraints for a two-column card layout with
get_spatial_rhythm
How to install human-standards
Platform CLI
claude mcp add human-standards -- npx -y @humanstandards/mcp-serverPlatform CLI
codex mcp add human-standards -- npx -y @humanstandards/mcp-serverConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"human-standards": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@humanstandards/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"human-standards": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@humanstandards/mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add human-standards npx -y @humanstandards/mcp-serverStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about human-standards
How do I install human-standards in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add human-standards -- npx -y @humanstandards/mcp-server in your terminal. This registers the local MCP tools for your assistant session.
What does human-standards do?
It gives AI assistants read-only access to human factors research, interface heuristics, and spatial rhythm guidelines. Models use its five tools to inform UI decisions and layout spacing.
Does human-standards scan project files or connect to external services?
No. The server runs locally via stdio, opens no network connections, and reads no workspace files. It relies entirely on reference documentation bundled in its npm package.
