visual-direction

Visual-Direction

Current visual direction: color palettes, font pairings, layout compositions, and visual language (as of Q1/Q2 2026). Structured for periodic updates.

Scope

Use this skill when:

• You are defining a color palette for a new project
• You are selecting font pairings
• You are planning layout compositions and visual rhythms
• You are establishing a consistent visual language
• You are implementing dark/light theming

Principles

1. Color Communicates Brand, Not Trend

Derive palettes from brand identity. Trends inform the framework; the brand determines the execution.

2. Typography Sets the Mood

Font choice defines the emotional tone more strongly than any other element. Grotesque = modern, serif = trust, display = creative.

3. White Space is Design

Empty space directs the eye, creates hierarchy, and signals premium quality.

4. Consistency Beats Creativity

A cohesive visual system looks more professional than sporadic brilliance.

5. Contrast Drives Hierarchy

Visual contrast (size, color, weight, space) is the primary tool for information hierarchy.

Rules

Color Palettes

• DO: Define a structured palette with clear roles:
  • Primary: Brand color, used sparingly (CTAs, active states)
  • Neutral: Gray gradations (minimum 5 steps)
  • Semantic: Success (green), warning (yellow/orange), error (red), info (blue)
  • Accent: Optional, for highlights
• DO: Deep darks for tech/SaaS: #0A0A0A to #1A1A1A (not #000000).
• DO: Warm neutrals for lifestyle/brand: off-whites (#FAFAF5 to #F5F0EB).
• DO: Monochrome accents -- one strong color is sufficient.
• DON'T: More than 2 chromatic colors in the main palette.
• DON'T: Saturated colors on large areas. High saturation only for small accents.
• DON'T: Contrast ratio below 4.5:1 for text (WCAG AA).

Font Pairings

• DO: Maximum 2 font families:
  • Option A: Geometric grotesque + humanist sans (e.g., Inter + DM Sans)
  • Option B: Modern serif + neutral sans (e.g., Fraunces + Inter)
  • Option C: Monospace + sans for developer tools (e.g., JetBrains Mono + Inter)
• DO: Strong size contrast: display at least 3x larger than body (72-120px vs. 16-18px).
• DO: Variable fonts where possible -- one file, many weights.
• DON'T: Pair fonts with similar character. Contrast is essential.
• DON'T: More than 4 weight levels per typeface.
• DON'T: Body text below 16px.

Layout Composition

• DO: Asymmetric balance -- not everything centered.
• DO: Generous vertical rhythms: 120-200px section spacing on desktop.
• DO: 12- or 16-column grid as a base, then break it deliberately.
• DO: Full width for images, constrained (max 720px) for text (65-75 characters per line).
• DON'T: Equal columns without variation. 50/50 splits appear static.
• DON'T: More than 3 container widths per page.

Visual Language

• DO: Consistent image treatment: same filters, perspective, style.
• DO: 3D elements used selectively and subtly.
• DO: Brand-specific illustrations (no generic libraries).
• DO: Authentic photography with natural lighting.
• DON'T: AI-generated images as primary visuals.
• DON'T: Uncompressed images. WebP/AVIF with lazy loading.
• DON'T: Images without alt text.

Palette archetypes and typography trends: see references/archetypen.md

Patterns

Dark Mode First

When: Tech products, developer tools, premium brands. What: Design starts with dark mode. Light mode is derived. CSS Custom Properties for theme switching.

Typographic Hero

When: Statement landing pages, agency sites, portfolios. What: No image, only typography. 100px+ headline, negative space as a design element.

Visual Rhythm Section

When: Long landing pages with multiple sections. What: Alternating background colors: dark > light > dark. Same palette, different temperature.

Monochrome + Accent

When: Minimalist products, luxury brands. What: Black-and-white/grayscale + a single accent color for CTAs and highlights.

Oversized Typography Grid

When: Portfolios, creative agencies, editorial. What: Large typography as a grid element. Letters break columns; text becomes a visual pattern.

Anti-Patterns

1. Trend collage -- Glassmorphism + neubrutalism + neumorphism on one page. One style per project.
2. Oversaturated gradients -- The purple-pink-orange of 2023 looks generic in 2026. Subtle monochrome gradients instead.
3. Stock photo mix -- Images from different sources with inconsistent aesthetics.
4. Font overload -- 4+ font families appear chaotic.
5. Icon inconsistency -- Outlined + filled + duotone mixed. One style, one set.
6. Shadow overkill -- Too many levels and directions. 3-5 levels suffice.
7. Purely decorative elements -- Shapes without purpose. Every element must support hierarchy or mood.
8. Contrast poverty -- Text on images without overlay. Use automated contrast checking.

Checklist

• Color palette has defined roles: primary, neutral (5+ steps), semantic, accent
• All text-background combinations meet WCAG AA (4.5:1)
• Maximum 2 font families in the project
• Body text at least 16px
• Display text at least 3x larger than body
• Section spacing consistent (e.g., 120px desktop, 64px mobile)
• Images treated consistently (filter, perspective, style)
• All images as WebP/AVIF with lazy loading
• Icon set stylistically uniform
• Shadow system maximum 5 levels
• Dark mode implemented or used as primary theme
• Color system uses CSS Custom Properties
• No stock photos in hero or feature sections

Cross-References

• design-trends -- Overarching trends shaping this visual direction
• ui-patterns -- Patterns designed with this visual direction
• component-patterns -- Token system for component theming
• color-theory -- Color system fundamentals and token structure
• web-typography -- Typography system and scaling
• branding-identity -- Brand identity as the foundation of visual direction
• images-media -- Image optimization and formats