Signal
Signals are programmatic recommendations to help customers make more informed decisions.
- CSS
- Marko
- React
Clear
Signal titles are short and direct, making the message clear at a glance without needing additional context.
Consistent
Signals appear in familiar places throughout the experience.
Trustworthy
Clear, consistent, and infrequent use of signals helps build trust in their message.
- Title
- Container
Title
Required. Titles create urgency and motivate action. Focus on scarcity, time limits, popularity, value, or newness.
- Use all caps for the visual treatment
- Write in sentence case for screen readers
- No articles, prepositions, or punctuation
- Aim for 1-3 words
Use default signals from the Signals Dictionary. For new strings, book Design System office hours to share your use case.
Color
Signals use color in combination with titles to convey added meaning. Blue indicates trust, green signifies recency, and red represents time-sensitive or urgent information.
Frequency
Signals should highlight items to assist customers in making quick, informed decisions. Remember that the system automatically places items and badges. While we can't always predict how many signals will appear on a page or in close proximity, it's ideal to aim for a ratio of 1:5—one signal per five items when possible.
Text overflow
To enforce brevity, titles truncate if they extend beyond the width of the item tile container.
Small
The signal ratio can be adjusted according to the content density in view. Aim for one or two signals in view when possible.
Medium and large
Aim for the 1:5 ratio—one signal per five items on medium and large screens when possible.
Placement
Do keep the signal in a consistent location above the item’s title.
Don’t relocate the signal, such as placing it under the price. This interferes with the hierarchy of the content.
Frequency
Do use signals sparingly to highlight certain products and help the user make a decision.
Don’t overload results with signals. This could nullify their message and cause customers to ignore them.
Interaction
Use signals as straightforward visual elements designed to assist in decision-making.
Don’t use a tip on a signal, as there’s no indication that an element of this type is intended for interaction.
Styling
Do style signal titles in uppercase type.
Don’t alter the type casing of signal titles.
Do follow the semantic color strategy for signals.
Don’t update signals to new, unapproved colors.
Do use the outlined signal design.
Don’t fill signals or add effects.
Do use a 100% corner radius on the container.
Don’t alter the shape of the container.
Content
Do use the standard text strings that are readily available for signals in the “Signals on Signals Service” tab of the Signals Dictionary.
Don’t create your own text strings. If a new string is needed, please sign up for Design System office hours to share your use case and reach out to Kate Walker for content support.
