Azure Design System Documentation

Introduction to Azure Design

Welcome to the official documentation for the Azure Design System. This system provides a comprehensive set of guidelines, principles, and reusable components to ensure consistency, usability, and aesthetic quality across all Azure products and services.

Our goal is to create a seamless and intuitive experience for our users, empowering them to leverage the full potential of Microsoft Azure. By adhering to these design standards, we can build cohesive and trustworthy digital products.

Core Design Principles

The Azure Design System is built upon a foundation of core principles that guide every design decision:

• Clarity: Designs should be easy to understand and navigate, with clear calls to action and readily available information.
• Usability: Focus on intuitive interfaces that minimize user effort and cognitive load.
• Consistency: Maintain a unified look and feel across all Azure experiences to build familiarity and trust.
• Efficiency: Enable users to accomplish their tasks quickly and effectively.
• Accessibility: Design for everyone, ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can interact with our products.
• Innovation: Embrace thoughtful innovation that solves user problems and enhances their experience.

Azure Design Language

The Azure Design Language defines the visual and interactive elements that characterize Azure products.

Typography

We use a set of carefully selected typefaces to ensure readability and hierarchy. The primary typeface is Inter, with Roboto Mono reserved for code and technical content.

Example text using Inter: This is a paragraph demonstrating the main text font.

Example code snippet: const message = "Hello, Azure!";

Color Palette

Our color palette is designed to be accessible, vibrant, and aligned with the Microsoft brand. The primary Azure blue (#0078d4) is central to our identity.

Iconography

Our icon set is designed for clarity and scalability, providing visual cues that are easily recognizable across different contexts.

Pre-built UI Components

Leverage our library of pre-built, accessible, and responsive UI components to accelerate your development.

<button class="azure-button primary">Primary Action</button>

Recommended UX Patterns

These patterns represent best practices for common user interactions within Azure applications.

Form Design

Ensure forms are easy to complete with clear labels, helpful validation, and logical grouping of fields.

Navigation

Implement consistent and predictable navigation systems, such as sidebars or top navigation bars, to help users orient themselves.

Data Visualization

Present data in an understandable and actionable way using charts, graphs, and tables that are accessible.

Commitment to Accessibility

Accessibility is not an afterthought; it's a core requirement. All designs and components must adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

"Design for one, extend to many." - Microsoft's Accessibility Principle

This includes considerations for screen readers, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and alternative text for images.

Design Case Studies

Explore how the Azure Design System has been applied to real-world projects, showcasing its impact on user experience and development efficiency.