Elevation tokens

Definition

Elevation tokens are design tokens that define the elevation levels of UI elements, indicating their position relative to the background. They help create a visual hierarchy by suggesting depth and layering, which enhances usability and aesthetics in design. Elevation tokens typically use shadows and light effects to communicate how elements interact with one another and their surroundings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elevation tokens are often represented as numerical values that correspond to specific shadow properties, allowing designers to maintain consistency across designs.
2. These tokens help improve accessibility by providing visual cues that indicate which elements are interactive or layered above others.
3. Elevation can affect the perception of a brand; a higher elevation often conveys importance or prominence within a user interface.
4. In responsive design, elevation tokens may need to be adjusted based on the device or screen size to ensure usability remains effective.
5. Using elevation tokens can streamline the design process by providing a standardized way to manage how elements are perceived in relation to each other.

Review Questions

• How do elevation tokens contribute to the overall user experience in interface design?
  • Elevation tokens enhance user experience by creating a clear visual hierarchy, guiding users' attention to important elements within an interface. They achieve this by using shadows and light effects to suggest depth, which helps users understand how different UI components relate to each other spatially. This intuitive understanding allows for better navigation and interaction within the design, ultimately leading to a more engaging user experience.
• Discuss the relationship between elevation tokens and accessibility in design. Why are they important?
  • Elevation tokens play a vital role in accessibility by helping visually impaired users discern which elements are interactive or layered above others through the use of shadows. This clarity allows users with varying abilities to navigate interfaces more effectively. Additionally, well-defined elevations can provide necessary context for users who rely on screen readers, ensuring that they can understand how different elements are positioned relative to one another.
• Evaluate how using elevation tokens impacts the consistency and efficiency of a design system. What are the broader implications for product development?
  • Using elevation tokens significantly improves consistency across a design system by establishing standard shadow values that can be applied uniformly throughout various components. This standardization not only streamlines the design process but also aids developers in maintaining visual coherence when implementing UI elements. The broader implications for product development include reduced time spent on design iterations and enhanced collaboration between designers and developers, leading to faster delivery of high-quality user interfaces that align with brand identity.

Related terms

Shadow: A visual effect created by blocking light, which helps to suggest depth and position of UI elements.

Design System:

A collection of reusable components and design standards that guide the creation of cohesive user interfaces.

Z-Index: A CSS property that controls the vertical stacking order of elements, affecting their elevation on the z-axis.