Canon / foundations

rule.trust.icon-system · canon

Icons are governed semantic systems

Interface glyphs, product icons, status marks, and badges have distinct contracts for meaning, geometry, localization, state, and accessibility.

Guidance

Define meaning before form, pair unfamiliar or consequential symbols with text, and provide static and non-color state equivalents.

Do

  • Test baseline, optical weight, RTL, locale, smallest size, contrast, and accessible naming
  • Route vendor assets through official downloads and licenses

Do not

  • Redistribute vendor assets or let color, animation, or tooltips carry meaning alone

Verification contract

icon family, localization, reduced-motion, contrast, and accessible-name review

Supporting references

Implementations and verification artifacts