Design/Archive/Wikimedia User Interface/Principles

Extensible & Flexible

 * Understandable design details;
 * Minimal design details as in both quantity and style;
 * As little details as possible with usability as a priority;
 * Able to extend the library without a design team;
 * Able to take apart components to make new ones without a design team;
 * Able to accommodate future changes.

Timeless & Functional

 * Components and their design details are rooted in users’ use cases;
 * Avoid unnecessary details - every detail serves as a function, should be able to articulate to our users;
 * Simple, usable, and functional shapes, animations, colors, etc..

Neutral

 * Wikimedia projects, especially Wikipedia, is a neutral source of information.
 * Our community is diverse. A neutral interface invite participation as opposed to intimidate.
 * Avoid sharp corners and use rounded corners carefully. We want to appear trustworthy and neutral as opposed to childish or robotic.

Keeping in mind of...

 * Some languages tend to have longer average sentences, avoid limited space allotment for important information. Allow an interface to accommodate to longer average sentences;
 * Different perceptions of iconography and colors across cultures;
 * Interface on mobile.

Keeping in mind of contributors’...

 * Contribution time;
 * Design knowledge limitations;
 * Design software knowledge limitations;
 * Need to understand why design decisions are made.