The AI Manifesto
Brand Guidelines
Version 2.0 - November 2025
A minimalist black and white design system that prioritizes clarity, readability, and timeless aesthetics. Semantic colors are used sparingly and only for functional purposes.
Design Philosophy
- 🎯Minimalist First: Predominantly white/black/grey palette creates a clean, unbusy experience
- 📖Readability: High contrast text ensures content is accessible and easy to read
- 🎨Functional Color: Color is used only for semantic purposes (badges, states, alerts)
- 🌓Dark Mode Native: Designed with both light and dark themes as first-class experiences
Light Mode Palette
Background
Pure white for page backgrounds
Foreground
Near black for primary text and headings
Muted Text
Medium grey for secondary text
Border
Light grey for borders and dividers
Secondary
Light grey for subtle backgrounds
Dark Mode Palette
Background
Near black for page backgrounds
Foreground
Off-white for primary text
Card
Dark grey for elevated surfaces
Muted Text
Medium grey for secondary text
Border
Dark grey for borders
Semantic Colors
These colors are reserved exclusively for functional, semantic purposes. They should be used sparingly and only for badges, alerts, and state indicators—never for decorative elements or general UI.
Success
Teal for success states, positive actions
Info
Cyan for informational badges
Warning
Amber for warnings, caution
Danger
Red for errors, destructive actions
Usage Guidelines
✅ Do
- • Use white backgrounds with black text for optimal readability
- • Apply semantic colors only to badges and state indicators
- • Maintain high contrast ratios (WCAG AA minimum)
- • Use grey for secondary information and subtle elements
- • Test designs in both light and dark modes
- • Keep color usage minimal and intentional
❌ Don't
- • Use semantic colors for decorative purposes
- • Create colorful gradients or backgrounds
- • Mix multiple bright colors in one interface
- • Use low-contrast color combinations
- • Override the established color tokens
- • Add colors "just because" — every color needs a purpose
Accessibility
All color combinations in this design system meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The high-contrast black and white palette ensures excellent readability for all users, including those with visual impairments or color blindness.