<!-- SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT -->
<!-- SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025-2026 Marcus Quinn -->

# Design System: Startup Minimal — Colour Palette & Roles

## Primary

| Role | Hex | Usage |
|------|-----|-------|
| Primary | `#2563eb` | CTAs, links, focus rings, active states |
| Primary Hover | `#1d4ed8` | Hover state |
| Primary Dark | `#1e40af` | Active/pressed state |
| Primary Light | `#dbeafe` | Selected backgrounds, badge fills |
| Primary Ghost | `rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.05)` | Subtle hover tints |

## Text

| Role | Hex | Usage |
|------|-----|-------|
| Text Primary | `#18181b` | Headings, primary body content |
| Text Secondary | `#71717a` | Descriptions, captions |
| Text Tertiary | `#a1a1aa` | Placeholders, disabled text |
| Text Inverse | `#ffffff` | Text on primary backgrounds |
| Text Link | `#2563eb` | Inline links (same as primary) |

## Surface

| Role | Hex | Usage |
|------|-----|-------|
| Background | `#fafafa` | Page background |
| Surface | `#ffffff` | Cards, inputs, elevated areas |
| Surface Alt | `#f4f4f5` | Alternating rows, code blocks, secondary surfaces |
| Border Default | `#e5e7eb` | All borders — cards, inputs, dividers |
| Border Subtle | `#f4f4f5` | Inner dividers, nested separators |
| Border Focus | `#2563eb` | Focus rings |
| Border Strong | `#d4d4d8` | Emphasized borders, active inputs |

## Semantic

| Role | Hex | Usage |
|------|-----|-------|
| Success | `#16a34a` | Confirmations, online |
| Success Background | `#f0fdf4` | Success banners |
| Warning | `#ca8a04` | Caution, review |
| Warning Background | `#fefce8` | Warning banners |
| Error | `#dc2626` | Errors, destructive |
| Error Background | `#fef2f2` | Error banners |
| Info | `#2563eb` | Informational (shares primary) |
| Info Background | `#eff6ff` | Info banners |

## Shadows

See [06-elevation.md](06-elevation.md) — shadow values are defined there alongside elevation principles.
