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Semantic Design System

The philosophy and rules for our token-based color system, enabling 'Visual Alchemy'.

PRID: 1610
VERIFIED
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🎨 Semantic Design System

Current Theme: Default (Deep Blue Void) Philosophy: Content dictates form. Colors are semantic tokens, not static hex codes.

1. The Palette (Tokens)

We use a semantic token system mapped in tailwind.config.js. This allows the entire site to "shed its skin" instantly while maintaining structural integrity.

TokenClass NameCurrent ValueRole / Usage
Canvasbg-background#020617The infinite void behind the content. Base layer.
Surfacebg-surface#0f172aCards, Sticky Headers, Modals. Slightly elevated layer.
Primarybg-primary#135becCall-to-Actions (CTAs), Highlights, Brand Logos.
Texttext-foreground#e2e8f0Headings, Body text (High contrast, usually 90-100% white).
Mutedtext-muted#94a3b8Meta data, secondary labels, icons (Low contrast).
Borderborder-border#1e293bSubtle dividers, card outlines.

2. Usage Rules (Strict)

To ensure the "Visual Alchemy" works, developers (and AI) must adhere to these rules:

❌ Forbidden

  • bg-slate-900 (Too specific to a hue)
  • text-[#888] (Magic numbers)
  • bg-white (In dark mode contexts without semantic reason)

✅ Required

  • Use bg-surface for container blocks.
  • Use text-muted for anything that isn't the main point.
  • Use border-white/5 or border-white/10 for glassmorphism effects (Overlay mode).

3. Visual Alchemy (How to Change)

This system is designed to be hot-swapped by the AI Image-to-Theme Protocol.

  1. Upload an image to Google AI Studio.
  2. Run the Appendix 1 prompt from docs/instantship/engineering/product_transformation_protocol.md.
  3. Paste the generated colors object into tailwind.config.js.
  4. Paste the generated explanation into this file to document the new "Soul".

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