Tokens Are Contracts, Not Color Nicknames
Explain why semantic design tokens should encode purpose and interoperability rather than raw visual values.
Principle: Token names should protect intent when values change. Primitive tokens preserve the scale Primitive tokens hold raw reusable values: palette steps, spacing scale, font sizes, or motion durations. They are useful, but they should not be the only layer product teams consume. Semantic tokens preserve purpose Semantic tokens describe what the value is for. They let light mode, dark mode, brand themes, and accessibility modes change values without rewriting every component usage. Component tokens preserve local control Some decisions belong to a component because they combine purpose with context. A Button danger background can map to semantic danger roles…
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