chore(conductor): Add Manual UX Validation & Polish track to the strict execution queue

conductor/tracks/manual_ux_validation_20260302/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# Track Specification: Manual UX Validation & Polish (manual_ux_validation_20260302)
+
+## Overview
+This track is an unusual, highly interactive human-in-the-loop review session. The user will act as the primary QA and Designer, manually using the GUI and observing it during slow-interval simulation runs. The goal is to aggressively iterate on the "feel" of the application: analyzing blinking animations, structural decisions (Tabs vs. Panels vs. Collapsing Headers), knob/control placements, and the efficacy of popups (including adding auto-close timers).
+
+## Architectural Constraints: The "Immediate Mode Iteration Contract"
+- **Rapid Prototyping**: This track bypasses strict TDD for layout changes to allow the user to rapidly see and "feel" UI adjustments.
+- **View-Only Changes**: Refactoring MUST remain confined to the GUI layer (`gui_2.py` or the future `app_controller.py` if decoupled). State machine logic should not be altered unless directly required for a visual effect (like an animation timer).
+- **Simulation Harness**: Changes must be observable via a specialized slow-mode simulation that gives the user time to watch state transitions.
+
+## Functional Requirements
+- **Slow-Mode Observation**: Create or modify a simulation script to run with deliberately long delays (e.g., 3-5 seconds between AI actions) so the user can observe UI states.
+- **Layout Restructuring**: Adjust the hierarchy of Tabs, Panels, and Collapsing Headers iteratively based on user feedback during the session.
+- **Animation & Feedback**: Tune blinking animations (frequency, color) and visual cues for AI activity and user input.
+- **Popup Behavior**: Review all error and confirmation popups. Implement timed auto-close logic for non-critical informational popups.
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+- [ ] A slow-interval observation simulation exists and functions.
+- [ ] Structural layout (Tabs/Panels/Headers) is finalized and explicitly approved by the user.
+- [ ] Animations and visual feedback triggers feel responsive and intuitive to the user.
+- [ ] Popup behaviors (including any new auto-close timers) are implemented and approved.
+- [ ] Final explicit sign-off from the user on the overall GUI UX.