Beyond the Wheel: Comparing Conceptual Models for Color Harmony in Design Systems
This guide moves past the basic color wheel to examine the conceptual frameworks that truly govern color harmony in modern design systems. We compare three powerful models—the Semantic Token model, the Systematic Palette model, and the Contextual Role model—focusing on their impact on team workflow, process efficiency, and long-term system health. You'll learn how each model structures decision-making, scales with complexity, and integrates with development pipelines. We provide actionable compa