diff --git a/.amplifier/AGENTS.md b/.amplifier/AGENTS.md
index e674748..13104d1 100644
--- a/.amplifier/AGENTS.md
+++ b/.amplifier/AGENTS.md
@@ -79,6 +79,53 @@ It almost always does.
 - **Voice profile:** .amplifier/VOICE.md
 - **Design specs:** .design/AESTHETIC-GUIDE.md, .design/specs/
 
+### Visualization Pass Is Mandatory Before Publishing
+
+Every post gets a visualization pass. The question is not "does this post need
+a diagram?" The question is "what would illustrate this better than prose?"
+
+**For every section of a post, ask:**
+
+1. Am I reaching for a bullet list? A diagram might replace it entirely.
+   Bullet lists are a Claude default. Ken's real writing uses prose or visuals,
+   not lists. If you have 3+ items that relate spatially or sequentially, draw
+   them instead of listing them.
+
+2. Am I describing a system, flow, or architecture? Draw it. Code an inline
+   SVG following the diagram design spec, or use a `<Diagram>` component.
+
+3. Am I comparing two things? A two-column visual or a before/after diagram
+   beats a paragraph explaining the contrast.
+
+4. Am I showing a progression or timeline? A flow diagram with labeled steps
+   beats a numbered list every time.
+
+5. Would a concept illustration anchor the section? Even a simple symbolic
+   SVG (like the masterclass philosophy cards: hub-and-spoke, concentric
+   circles, crossed-out icons) gives the reader a visual anchor.
+
+**What the visualization pass produces:**
+- A list of sections that would benefit from diagrams
+- For each: what type (architecture, flow, comparison, concept) and a brief
+  description of what the SVG should show
+- Generate the SVGs inline using the diagram design spec (when it exists)
+  or flag them for the author to describe
+
+**The rule:** If a post has 1000+ words and zero visuals, that's a warning.
+Not every post needs diagrams, but every post should have been *considered*
+for them. The consideration is mandatory. The diagrams are not.
+
+**How visuals are made:**
+- Claude hand-codes SVGs using primitives (`<rect>`, `<line>`, `<text>`,
+  `<circle>`) following the diagram design spec constraints
+- Use the warm palette from DESIGN.md (paper background, brown-black ink,
+  terracotta accent)
+- Diagrams break wider than prose (840px vs 720px) using the code-block
+  breakout pattern
+- For interactive architecture graphs: DOT source + d3-graphviz runtime
+- For concept art / visual targets: use image generation, then code SVG
+  approximations toward the target
+
 ## Content Pipeline
 
 ```
@@ -94,7 +141,10 @@ Mechanical lint: ./scripts/lint-voice.sh <file>
 LLM judge: voice-check (8 dimensions)
   |
   v
-Fix failures, re-check
+Visualization pass: what would illustrate this better than prose?
+  |
+  v
+Fix failures, add diagrams, re-check
   |
   v
 Rebuild preview: rebuild /tmp/blog-dist, serve on :4321