diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index f700f07..684d8ee 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -16,11 +16,12 @@ We receive many requests, and maintainer bandwidth is limited. Sponsor-backed re
 
 If you notice issues with an existing file:
 
-1. Open the site's `DESIGN.md`
-2. Compare against the live site
-3. Fix incorrect hex values, missing tokens, or weak descriptions
-4. Update the `preview.html` and `preview-dark.html` if your changes affect displayed tokens
-5. Open a PR with before/after rationale
+1. **Open an issue first** to describe what you'd like to change and get feedback from maintainers
+2. Open the site's `DESIGN.md`
+3. Compare against the live site
+4. Fix incorrect hex values, missing tokens, or weak descriptions
+5. Update the `preview.html` and `preview-dark.html` if your changes affect displayed tokens
+6. Open a PR with before/after rationale
 
 ## License
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3d1802b..99ee5e0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -162,6 +162,8 @@ See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines.
 - **Improve existing files**: Fix wrong colors, missing tokens, weak descriptions
 - **Report issues**: Let us know if something looks off
 
+Before opening a PR, please [open an issue](https://github.com/VoltAgent/awesome-design-md/issues) first to discuss your idea and get feedback from maintainers.
+
 
 ## License