# Keep Design System

**Version:** 1.0
**Created:** 2026-01-17
**Status:** Active

---

## Overview

This design system defines the visual language for Keep application. It ensures consistency across all components and screens while supporting multiple themes (light, dark, midnight, sepia).

**Key Principles:**
- Consistent spacing using 4px base unit
- Clear visual hierarchy
- Accessible color contrast (WCAG 2.1 AA)
- Theme-agnostic design
- Responsive breakpoints
- 44x44px minimum touch targets

---

## Design Tokens

### Spacing Scale (4px Base Unit)

All spacing uses the standard Tailwind spacing scale:

| Token | Value | Pixels | Usage |
|-------|-------|---------|-------|
| `p-1` / `gap-1` | 0.25rem | 4px | Tiny gaps, icon padding |
| `p-2` / `gap-2` | 0.5rem | 8px | Small padding, badges |
| `p-3` / `gap-3` | 0.75rem | 12px | Button padding, small inputs |
| `p-4` / `gap-4` | 1rem | 16px | Card padding, standard gap |
| `p-6` / `gap-6` | 1.5rem | 24px | Section padding |
| `p-8` | 2rem | 32px | Large containers |

**Standards:**
- Cards: `p-4` (16px)
- Buttons: `px-4 py-2` (16px/8px)
- Inputs: `px-3 py-2` (12px/8px)
- Badges: `px-2 py-0.5` (8px/2px)
- Form sections: `gap-4` (16px)

---

### Border Radius

Consistent corner rounding across all components:

| Token | Value | Pixels | Usage |
|-------|-------|---------|-------|
| `rounded` | 0.25rem | 4px | Small elements, icon buttons |
| `rounded-md` | 0.375rem | 6px | Inputs, small buttons |
| `rounded-lg` | 0.5rem | 8px | Cards, buttons (default) |
| `rounded-xl` | 0.75rem | 12px | Modals, large containers |
| `rounded-2xl` | 1rem | 16px | Hero elements, search bars |
| `rounded-full` | 9999px | Circular | Avatars, pill badges |

**Standards:**
- Cards/NoteCards: `rounded-lg` (8px)
- Buttons: `rounded-md` (6px)
- Inputs: `rounded-md` (6px)
- Badges (text): `rounded-full` (pills)
- Search bars: `rounded-lg` (8px)
- Icons: `rounded-full` (circular)
- Modals/Dialogs: `rounded-xl` (12px)

---

### Shadow/Elevation

Clear elevation hierarchy for depth perception:

| Token | Value | Usage |
|-------|-------|-------|
| `shadow-sm` | 0 1px 2px | Cards (base), buttons (hover) |
| `shadow` | 0 1px 3px | Default elevation |
| `shadow-md` | 0 4px 6px | Cards (hover), dropdowns |
| `shadow-lg` | 0 10px 15px | Modals, elevated content |

**Standards:**
- Cards: `shadow-sm` (base), `hover:shadow-md` (interactive)
- Buttons: No shadow (flat), `hover:shadow-sm` (optional)
- Modals: `shadow-lg` (elevated)
- Dropdowns: `shadow-lg` (elevated)

---

### Typography Scale

Consistent font sizes and weights using Tailwind defaults:

#### Font Sizes

| Token | Value | Pixels | Usage |
|-------|-------|---------|-------|
| `text-xs` | 0.75rem | 12px | Labels, small text, badges, metadata |
| `text-sm` | 0.875rem | 14px | Body text, buttons, inputs |
| `text-base` | 1rem | 16px | Card titles, emphasized text |
| `text-lg` | 1.125rem | 18px | Section headers |
| `text-xl` | 1.25rem | 20px | Page titles |
| `text-2xl` | 1.5rem | 24px | Large headings |

#### Font Weights

| Token | Value | Usage |
|-------|-------|-------|
| `font-normal` | 400 | Body text |
| `font-medium` | 500 | Emphasized text, button labels |
| `font-semibold` | 600 | Section titles |
| `font-bold` | 700 | Major headings |

#### Typography Hierarchy

```
H1: text-2xl font-bold (24px) - Page titles
H2: text-xl font-semibold (20px) - Section headers
H3: text-lg font-medium (18px) - Card titles
Body: text-sm text-gray-700 (14px) - Body text
Button: text-sm font-medium (14px) - Button labels
Label: text-xs font-medium (12px) - Labels/badges
Metadata: text-xs text-gray-500 (12px) - Metadata, dates
```

---

### Color System

The design uses CSS custom properties defined in `globals.css` for theme support.

#### Semantic Colors (CSS Variables)

```css
/* Primary Actions */
--primary: oklch(0.205 0 0)
--primary-foreground: oklch(0.985 0 0)

/* Secondary Elements */
--secondary: oklch(0.97 0 0)
--secondary-foreground: oklch(0.205 0 0)

/* Accent/Highlight */
--accent: oklch(0.97 0 0)
--accent-foreground: oklch(0.205 0 0)

/* Destructive Actions */
--destructive: oklch(0.577 0.245 27.325)

/* Foreground/Background */
--background: oklch(1 0 0)
--foreground: oklch(0.145 0 0)

/* Card Background */
--card: oklch(1 0 0)
--card-foreground: oklch(0.145 0 0)

/* Muted Text */
--muted: oklch(0.97 0 0)
--muted-foreground: oklch(0.556 0 0)

/* Borders & Inputs */
--border: oklch(0.922 0 0)
--input: oklch(0.922 0 0)

/* Focus Ring */
--ring: oklch(0.708 0 0)
```

#### Functional Color Patterns

```css
/* Text Colors */
text-foreground       - Primary text
text-muted-foreground - Secondary text, metadata
text-destructive      - Error messages, delete actions
text-primary         - Primary action text

/* Background Colors */
bg-background      - Main background
bg-card           - Card background
bg-secondary       - Secondary elements
bg-accent         - Highlight/active states
bg-destructive    - Error backgrounds

/* Border Colors */
border-border     - Default borders
border-input      - Input fields
```

**Rule:** Always use semantic color classes (e.g., `bg-primary`, `text-foreground`) instead of hardcoded colors (e.g., `bg-blue-500`) to support theming.

---

### Transitions

Consistent transition values for smooth interactions:

| Token | Value | Usage |
|-------|-------|-------|
| `transition-colors duration-200` | 200ms | Color changes (hover states) |
| `transition-all duration-200` | 200ms | Multiple property changes |
| `transition-opacity duration-150` | 150ms | Fade in/out |
| `transition-transform duration-200` | 200ms | Movement/position |

**Standards:**
- Buttons/hover states: `transition-colors duration-200`
- Cards: `transition-all duration-200`
- Modals/overlays: `transition-opacity duration-150`

---

### Focus States

All interactive elements must have visible focus indicators:

```css
/* Focus Ring Pattern */
focus-visible:border-ring
focus-visible:ring-ring/50
focus-visible:ring-[3px]
```

**Rule:** Use `focus-visible:` instead of `focus:` to only show focus when navigating with keyboard.

---

## Component Standards

### Button

**Default Size:**
```tsx
<Button className="h-9 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium rounded-md transition-colors duration-200">
  Button Label
</Button>
```

**Small Size:**
```tsx
<Button size="sm" className="h-8 px-3 text-sm rounded-md">
  Small Button
</Button>
```

**Variants:**
- `default`: Primary action (`bg-primary text-primary-foreground`)
- `secondary`: Secondary action (`bg-secondary text-secondary-foreground`)
- `outline`: Outlined button (`border bg-background`)
- `ghost`: Transparent button (`hover:bg-accent`)
- `destructive`: Delete/danger action (`bg-destructive text-white`)

### Input

**Standard Input:**
```tsx
<Input className="h-9 px-3 py-2 text-sm rounded-md border border-input focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring/50" />
```

**With Error State:**
```tsx
<Input className="border-destructive focus-visible:ring-destructive/50" />
```

### Card

**Standard Card:**
```tsx
<Card className="rounded-xl border p-4 shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition-all duration-200">
  <CardHeader>
    <CardTitle className="text-lg font-medium">Card Title</CardTitle>
  </CardHeader>
  <CardContent>
    Card content
  </CardContent>
</Card>
```

### Badge

**Standard Badge:**
```tsx
<Badge variant="default" className="rounded-full px-2 py-0.5 text-xs font-medium">
  Badge Label
</Badge>
```

**Variants:**
- `default`: Primary badge
- `secondary`: Secondary badge
- `outline`: Outlined badge
- `destructive`: Error badge

### NoteCard

**Standard NoteCard:**
```tsx
<Card className="note-card group rounded-lg border p-4 shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition-all duration-200">
  {/* Note content */}
</Card>
```

---

## Accessibility Standards

### Touch Targets

**Minimum Size:** 44x44px (WCAG 2.1 AA)

```tsx
/* Icon Buttons - Ensure 44x44px on mobile */
<Button className="min-h-[44px] min-w-[44px] md:h-8 md:w-8">
  <Icon className="h-5 w-5" />
</Button>
```

### Color Contrast

**Minimum Ratios:**
- Normal text: 4.5:1 (WCAG AA)
- Large text (18px+): 3:1 (WCAG AA)
- UI components: 3:1 (WCAG AA)

**Validation:** Use WAVE browser extension or axe DevTools

### Focus Indicators

All interactive elements must have visible focus states:

```tsx
<button className="focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring/50 focus-visible:ring-offset-2">
  Button
</button>
```

### Keyboard Navigation

- All interactive elements must be keyboard accessible
- Tab order must be logical
- Escape key should close modals/dropdowns
- Enter/Space should activate buttons

---

## Responsive Breakpoints

Tailwind default breakpoints:

| Breakpoint | Minimum Width | Usage |
|------------|---------------|-------|
| `sm` | 640px | Small tablets |
| `md` | 768px | Tablets |
| `lg` | 1024px | Desktops |
| `xl` | 1280px | Large desktops |
| `2xl` | 1536px | Extra large screens |

**Pattern:** Mobile-first, use `md:`, `lg:`, etc. to override for larger screens.

---

## Theme Support

The design system supports multiple themes:

### Available Themes

1. **Light** (default) - Clean, bright interface
2. **Dark** - Dark mode for low-light environments
3. **Midnight** - Custom dark theme with blue tint
4. **Sepia** - Warm, book-like reading experience

### Theme Implementation

Themes use CSS custom properties in `globals.css`:

```css
[data-theme='midnight'] {
  --background: oklch(0.18 0.04 260);
  --foreground: oklch(0.985 0 0);
  /* ... */
}
```

**Rule:** Use semantic color variables (`--primary`, `--foreground`) instead of hardcoded colors to support all themes.

---

## Anti-Patterns

### ❌ Don't Do

```tsx
/* Hardcoded colors - breaks theming */
<div className="bg-blue-500 text-white">
  Blue background
</div>

/* Custom font sizes - breaks typography scale */
<p className="text-[10px]">
  Tiny text
</p>

/* Inconsistent spacing */
<div className="p-2.5">
  Odd padding
</div>

/* No focus state */
<button className="hover:bg-gray-100">
  Button
</button>

/* Touch target too small */
<button className="h-6 w-6">
  <Icon className="h-4 w-4" />
</button>
```

### ✅ Do Instead

```tsx
/* Semantic colors - supports theming */
<div className="bg-primary text-primary-foreground">
  Primary background
</div>

/* Standard font sizes */
<p className="text-xs">
  Small text
</p>

/* Consistent spacing (4px base unit) */
<div className="p-2">
  Standard padding
</div>

/* Visible focus state */
<button className="hover:bg-accent focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring/50">
  Button
</button>

/* Minimum 44x44px touch target */
<button className="min-h-[44px] min-w-[44px]">
  <Icon className="h-5 w-5" />
</button>
```

---

## Component Checklist

When creating or updating components, ensure:

- [ ] Spacing uses 4px base unit (`p-2`, `gap-4`, etc.)
- [ ] Border radius follows standard (`rounded-md`, `rounded-lg`, etc.)
- [ ] Typography follows hierarchy (`text-sm`, `text-lg`, etc.)
- [ ] Colors use semantic variables (`bg-primary`, `text-foreground`)
- [ ] Transitions use standard durations (`duration-200`, `duration-150`)
- [ ] Focus states are visible (`focus-visible:ring-2`)
- [ ] Touch targets are minimum 44x44px on mobile
- [ ] Color contrast meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards
- [ ] Dark mode works correctly (no hardcoded colors)
- [ ] All themes work (light, dark, midnight, sepia)

---

## Migration Guide

### Converting Existing Components

1. **Identify hardcoded colors:**
   ```tsx
   // Before
   className="bg-blue-100 text-blue-600"

   // After
   className="bg-accent text-primary"
   ```

2. **Standardize spacing:**
   ```tsx
   // Before
   className="p-2.5 mb-3"

   // After
   className="p-3 mb-4"
   ```

3. **Use standard border radius:**
   ```tsx
   // Before
   className="rounded-[10px]"

   // After
   className="rounded-lg"
   ```

4. **Update typography:**
   ```tsx
   // Before
   className="text-[10px] font-bold"

   // After
   className="text-xs font-semibold"
   ```

5. **Add focus states:**
   ```tsx
   // Before
   <button className="hover:bg-gray-100">Click</button>

   // After
   <button className="hover:bg-accent focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring/50">Click</button>
   ```

---

## Testing

### Visual Regression Testing

1. Take screenshots of all major screens
2. Compare before/after changes
3. Verify no broken layouts
4. Check responsive breakpoints

### Cross-Browser Testing

Test in:
- Chrome (latest)
- Firefox (latest)
- Safari (latest)
- Edge (latest)

### Accessibility Testing

Use tools:
- WAVE browser extension
- axe DevTools
- Screen reader testing (NVDA, VoiceOver)
- Keyboard navigation testing

### Mobile Testing

Test on:
- iOS Safari
- Chrome Android
- Responsive breakpoints (sm, md, lg, xl)

---

## Resources

- **Tailwind CSS Documentation:** https://tailwindcss.com/docs
- **WCAG 2.1 Guidelines:** https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/
- **Design Systems Best Practices:** https://www.designsystems.com/
- **Accessibility Testing:** https://www.deque.com/axe/

---

**Last Updated:** 2026-01-17
**Maintained By:** Development Team
**Status:** Active