Flexible Theming & Color System
Core tokens • Semantic mapping • Controlled brand variation
Designed a scalable color and theming architecture to support multiple brands within a shared system foundation.
The work separated core visual tokens from semantic intent, enabling controlled customization while preserving accessibility and consistency.
Context
The university ecosystem required brand flexibility across schools and programs, each with distinct visual identities.
Without structured theming, customization risked breaking accessibility standards and weakening system coherence.
The challenge was enabling variation without sacrificing structure.
The structural challenge
Color systems often become brittle when tied directly to brand palettes.
To scale across multiple identities, the system required: Core tokens Semantic tokens Theme layer abstraction Clear override boundaries
Flexibility had to operate within controlled constraints.
Strategic approach
- Established a multi-layer token architecture separating foundation from expression.
- Defined core tokens for neutral and structural values.
- Mapped semantic tokens to interface roles such as primary, surface, and state.
- Implemented a theme layer enabling controlled overrides without altering system foundations.
- Embedded accessibility checks within token definitions to maintain contrast standards.
Outcomes
Enabled multiple brand implementations within a shared architecture. Reduced duplication across schools and departments. Preserved accessibility compliance across theme variations. Maintained system integrity while supporting visual diversity.
Related case studies
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Discuss your system foundation
If your organization is building or refining a design system, I can help align structure, accessibility, and implementation.