Building web-tui-kit: a framework-independent browser UI with a stable contract

Web-tui-kit is an open-source browser UI design system inspired by Debian debconf, dialog, and whiptail. The system aims to create a visually appealing and modern interface with a distinctive aesthetic reminiscent of terminal-based software, while still functioning smoothly in contemporary browser applications. By focusing on framework-independence, the kit allows applications to utilize ordinary HTML and maintain a consistent visual and behavioral contract regardless of their underlying framework, such as React or Vue.

The kit consists primarily of CSS, semantic HTML, and a small amount of optional JavaScript. It offers a stable contract covering CSS tokens, public CSS classes, semantic markup relationships, data attributes, and browser events. This contract, governed by Semantic Versioning, ensures downstream applications can rely on a consistent reference, making it easier for automated consumers, such as coding assistants, to integrate the design system.

The runtime is kept small, with an optional JavaScript file for applications that require keyboard enhancements. No build steps are required for consuming applications, allowing React, Vue, and server-rendered applications to use the same semantic markup and classes. The repository includes regression testing for visual appearance, interaction behavior, accessibility, and touch browser testing.

As of version 1.0.1, the project is MIT licensed and can be cloned and tested locally using Python's HTTP server. The author is seeking feedback on the project's public-contract boundary, the practicality of direct tagged vendoring, browser and touch interaction cases, semantic and accessibility issues, and integration challenges.