axiom-hig-ref

# Apple Human Interface Guidelines — Comprehensive Reference

## Overview

The Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) define Apple's design philosophy and provide concrete guidance for creating intuitive, accessible, platform-appropriate experiences across all Apple devices.

### Three Core Principles

Every design decision should support these principles:

**1. Clarity**
Content is paramount. Interface elements should defer to content, not compete with it. Every element has a purpose, unnecessary complexity is eliminated, and users should immediately know what they can do without extensive instructions.

**2. Consistency**
Apps use standard UI elements and familiar patterns. Navigation follows platform conventions, gestures work as expected, and components appear in expected locations. This familiarity reduces cognitive load.

**3. Deference**
The UI should not distract from essential content. Use subtle backgrounds, receding navigation when not needed, restrained branding, and let content be the hero.

**From Apple HIG:** "Deference makes an app beautiful by ensuring the content stands out while the surrounding visual elements do not compete with it."

### Design System Philosophy

From WWDC25: "A systematic approach means designing with intention at every level, ensuring that all elements, from the tiniest control to the largest surface, are considered in relation to the whole."

#### Related Skills
- Use `axiom-hig` for quick decisions and checklists
- Use `axiom-liquid-glass` for iOS 26 material implementation
- Use `axiom-liquid-glass-ref` for iOS 26 app-wide adoption
- Use `axiom-accessibility-diag` for accessibility troubleshooting

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## Color System

### Semantic Colors Explained

Instead of hardcoded color values, use **semantic colors** that describe the *purpose* of a color rather than its appearance. Semantic colors automatically adapt to light/dark mode and accessibility settings.

**Key insight from WWDC19:** "Think of Dark Mode as having the lights dimm