OUR SERVICES
Command line interface design for developer tools, infrastructure products and technical workflows.
Waldo makes commands, errors, configuration and documentation clearer, more usable and easier to adopt.
Developer experience is user experience
Most designers don't touch CLIs. They're seen as "too technical" or "not design." We disagree.
Developers are users. The tools they interact with daily - CLIs, APIs, documentation, error messages - shape their productivity and satisfaction. A well-designed CLI can be the difference between adoption and abandonment.
We've designed command-line interfaces for enterprise security tools, cloud governance platforms, and developer infrastructure; we even created a CLI Design System for one of the most popular Linux distributions.
We understand the conventions, the constraints, and the opportunities.
HOW WE DO THIS
Command Structure Design
We design intuitive command hierarchies, verb-noun patterns, and flag conventions that feel natural to experienced developers.
Output Formatting
We craft terminal output that's scannable - using colour, spacing, tables, and progressive disclosure to surface what matters to humans using it.
Error Messaging
We write error messages that explain what went wrong, why, and what to do next — not cryptic codes that send developers to Stack Overflow.
Help Systems
We design --help output, man pages, and inline guidance that answers questions without leaving the terminal.
Interactive Flows
We design multi-step CLI wizards and prompts that guide users through complex operations without overwhelming them.
Inclusive CLI Design
We design terminal experiences with clear language, keyboard-first workflows, screen-reader-friendly output and cues that never rely on colour alone.
Configuration UX
We make config files, environment variables, and settings discoverable and understandable — not buried in documentation.
CLI-to-UI
We design seamless handoffs between CLI and web interfaces - consistent concepts, shared mental models, complementary workflows.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still got questions? Feel free to reach out. We're happy to help.
Do you actually design command-line interfaces?
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What does CLI design include?
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Do you write the copy for CLIs?
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Can you design both CLI and web UI for the same product?
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What about API documentation?
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Do you work with open source projects?
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