Xbox DESIGN.md

Brands

Microsoft Fluent Design meets gaming. Xbox Green (#107C10), deep dark backgrounds, Segoe UI typography, Game Pass branding, achievement gamerscore, and controller-centric Xbox ecosystem.

Raw DESIGN.md

At a glance

Group
Brands
Main color
#107c10Green design systems
Fonts
Segoe UISegoe UI DisplaySegoe UI Semibold

Colors in this file

  • #107c10

    Xbox Green Gradient

  • #ffffff

    border-color

  • #1f1f1f

    background

  • #8a8a8a

    background

  • #c8c8c8

    Secondary

  • #0e0e0e

    Hero Overlay

  • #0e8a0e

    Xbox Green Gradient

  • #404040

    background

  • #0a5d0a

    Game Pass Gradient

  • #2d2d2d

    background

Microsoft Fluent Design meets gaming. Xbox Green (#107C10), deep dark backgrounds, Segoe UI typography, Game Pass branding, achievement gamerscore, and controller-centric Xbox ecosystem.

1. Visual Theme & Atmosphere

Overall Aesthetic

Xbox embodies a modern, connected gaming design philosophy rooted in Microsoft's Fluent Design System. The interface is bold, accessible, and social—designed around the Xbox ecosystem spanning console, PC, cloud, and mobile. Every element communicates inclusivity, community, and the power of play across devices.

Mood & Feeling

  • Bold & Energetic: Signature Xbox Green creates instant brand recognition and energy
  • Connected: Cross-platform continuity from console to PC to mobile to cloud
  • Social-first: Friends, parties, clubs, and Looking for Group (LFG) features
  • Achievement-driven: Gamerscore, achievement hunting, and completion tracking
  • Accessible: Microsoft's commitment to inclusive gaming built into the design
  • Game Pass forward: Subscription value prominently showcased throughout

Design Density

Medium density with efficient use of space. Content tiles are substantial but optimized for quick scanning. Navigation is fast with quick access panels. The interface balances game discovery with social features and system management.

Visual Character

  • Iconic Xbox Green as the signature accent
  • Deep charcoal backgrounds with subtle depth layers
  • Game art as primary visual content (hero images, box art, screenshots)
  • Fluent Design acrylic blur and reveal effects
  • Rounded corners with subtle animations
  • Achievement iconography and gamerscore displays
  • Controller button prompts as native UI elements
  • Gamertag identity system with customizable avatars

2. Color Palette & Roles

Primary Brand Colors

TokenHexRole
--xbox-green-primary#107C10Core Xbox Green, primary actions, branding
--xbox-green-light#0E8A0EHover states, active elements
--xbox-green-bright#10B910Highlights, success states, Game Pass
--xbox-green-dark#0A5D0APressed states, depth
--white#ffffffPrimary text, icons on dark backgrounds

Background Colors

TokenHexRole
--background-primary#0e0e0eMain app background, deepest layer
--background-secondary#1f1f1fCards, panels, elevated surfaces
--background-tertiary#2d2d2dHover states, input fields
--background-elevated#3a3a3aModals, dropdowns, popovers
--background-surface#252525Content containers, list backgrounds
--background-acrylicrgba(30, 30, 30, 0.85)Fluent acrylic blur panels

Game Pass & Subscription Colors

TokenHexRole
--gamepass-green#107C10Game Pass Core branding
--gamepass-ultimate#107C10Game Pass Ultimate
--gamepass-gradient-start#107C10Game Pass gradient
--gamepass-gradient-end#0E8A0EGame Pass gradient end
--ea-play#ff4747EA Play integration accent
--cloud-gaming#9147ffCloud gaming indicator

Achievement & Gamerscore Colors

TokenHexRole
--achievement-unlocked#107C10Unlocked achievement
--achievement-locked#404040Locked achievement
--achievement-rare#00b4ffRare achievement
--achievement-secret#7b2cbfSecret/hidden achievement
--gamerscore#ffffffGamerscore number display
--completion-fill#107C10Completion progress fill

Text Colors

TokenHexRole
--text-primary#ffffffPrimary headings, game titles
--text-secondary#c8c8c8Body text, descriptions
--text-tertiary#8a8a8aMetadata, timestamps, muted info
--text-link#107C10Hyperlinks, interactive text
--text-disabled#5a5a5aDisabled states

Semantic Colors

TokenHexRole
--success#107C10Success, online, complete
--warning#f7630cWarnings, storage alerts
--error#e81123Errors, failed operations
--info#0078d4Informational messages (Microsoft Blue)
--online#107C10Online status
--away#f7630cAway status
--busy#e81123Do not disturb
--offline#8a8a8aOffline status

Gradient Definitions

NameDefinitionUsage
Hero Overlaylinear-gradient(to top, #0e0e0e 0%, transparent 60%)Game hero images
Xbox Green Gradientlinear-gradient(135deg, #107C10 0%, #0E8A0E 100%)Featured actions
Game Pass Gradientlinear-gradient(180deg, #107C10 0%, #0A5D0A 100%)Game Pass badges
Card Hoverlinear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, rgba(16, 124, 16, 0.15) 100%)Hover effects
Acryliclinear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.05) 0%, transparent 100%)Fluent acrylic

3. Typography Rules

Font Stack

css/* Primary Xbox/Microsoft font */
--font-primary: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Variable', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, sans-serif;

/* Display variant for headers */
--font-display: 'Segoe UI Display', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;

/* Semibold variant for emphasis */
--font-semibold: 'Segoe UI Semibold', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;

/* System fallback */
--font-system: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;

Type Scale

ElementSizeWeightLine HeightLetter SpacingColor
Hero Title48px6001.1-0.01em--text-primary
Page Title34px6001.2-0.01em--text-primary
Section Header24px6001.30--text-primary
Card Title16px6001.30--text-primary
Subsection14px6001.40--text-primary
Body Large16px4001.50--text-secondary
Body Regular14px4001.50--text-secondary
Body Small13px4001.40--text-tertiary
Caption12px4001.40.01em--text-tertiary
Button Text14px60010.02em--text-primary
Gamerscore20px70010--text-primary
Price16px60010--text-primary
Badge11px60010.03em--text-primary

Font Weights

WeightNameUsage
300LightLarge display text, marketing
400RegularBody text, descriptions
600SemiboldHeaders, titles, buttons, emphasis
700BoldGamerscore, prices, key numbers

Marketing Typography

ElementSizeWeightUsage
Campaign Hero64px600Major launches, events
Event Title48px600Xbox showcases, reveals
Feature Headline36px600Feature section headers
Tagline20px400Supporting copy

4. Component Stylings

Buttons

Primary Button (Xbox Green)

css.button-primary {
  background: #107C10;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 10px 24px;
  min-height: 40px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  border: none;
  text-transform: none;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.button-primary:hover {
  background: #0E8A0E;
}

.button-primary:active {
  background: #0A5D0A;
  transform: scale(0.98);
}

.button-primary:focus {
  outline: 2px solid #ffffff;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

.button-primary:disabled {
  background: #404040;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  cursor: not-allowed;
}

Secondary Button (Outline)

css.button-secondary {
  background: transparent;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 10px 24px;
  min-height: 40px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  border: 2px solid #8a8a8a;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.button-secondary:hover {
  border-color: #ffffff;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
}

.button-secondary:active {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
}

Game Pass Button

css.button-gamepass {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #107C10 0%, #0A5D0A 100%);
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 12px 28px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}

.button-gamepass:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #0E8A0E 0%, #107C10 100%);
}

.button-gamepass-icon {
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
}

Icon Button

css.button-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border: none;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  color: #ffffff;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.button-icon:hover {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
}

.button-icon:focus {
  outline: 2px solid #ffffff;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

Game Cards

Standard Game Tile

css.game-tile {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border-radius: 8px;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: all 200ms ease;
  cursor: pointer;
  position: relative;
}

.game-tile:hover {
  transform: scale(1.03);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
  z-index: 10;
}

.game-tile:focus {
  outline: 3px solid #ffffff;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

.game-tile-image {
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 2 / 3; /* Vertical box art */
  object-fit: cover;
}

.game-tile-content {
  padding: 12px;
}

.game-tile-title {
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
}

.game-tile-publisher {
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a8a8a;
}

.game-tile-price {
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-top: 8px;
}

.game-tile-gamepass {
  position: absolute;
  top: 8px;
  left: 8px;
}

Featured Game Card (Large)

css.game-card-featured {
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
  position: relative;
  border-radius: 12px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.game-card-featured-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 32px;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(14, 14, 14, 0.95) 0%, transparent 100%);
}

.game-card-featured-title {
  font-size: 32px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.game-card-featured-meta {
  font-size: 14px;
  color: #c8c8c8;
}

.game-card-featured-cta {
  margin-top: 16px;
  display: flex;
  gap: 12px;
}

Badges & Tags

Game Pass Badge

css.badge-gamepass {
  background: #107C10;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 4px 8px;
  border-radius: 2px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}

.badge-gamepass-ultimate {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #107C10 0%, #0E8A0E 100%);
}

Platform Badge

css.badge-platform {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 4px 8px;
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.badge-xbox-series {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border: 1px solid #107C10;
}

.badge-xbox-one {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border: 1px solid #8a8a8a;
}

.badge-pc {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border: 1px solid #0078d4;
}

.badge-cloud {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border: 1px solid #9147ff;
}

Smart Delivery Badge

css.badge-smart-delivery {
  background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid #107C10;
  color: #107C10;
  font-size: 10px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 3px 6px;
  border-radius: 2px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

Achievement Components

Achievement Card

css.achievement-card {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  padding: 16px;
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border-radius: 8px;
  transition: background 150ms ease;
}

.achievement-card:hover {
  background: #252525;
}

.achievement-icon {
  width: 64px;
  height: 64px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.achievement-icon-locked {
  filter: grayscale(100%) brightness(0.4);
}

.achievement-icon-rare {
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(0, 180, 255, 0.5);
}

.achievement-info {
  flex: 1;
}

.achievement-name {
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.achievement-description {
  font-size: 13px;
  color: #c8c8c8;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.achievement-gamerscore {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.achievement-gamerscore-icon {
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  color: #107C10;
}

.achievement-rarity {
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #00b4ff;
}

Gamerscore Display

css.gamerscore-display {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}

.gamerscore-icon {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
  color: #107C10;
}

.gamerscore-value {
  font-size: 20px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.gamerscore-label {
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

Achievement Progress

css.achievement-progress {
  background: #404040;
  border-radius: 2px;
  height: 4px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.achievement-progress-fill {
  height: 100%;
  background: #107C10;
  border-radius: 2px;
  transition: width 300ms ease;
}

.achievement-stats {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-top: 8px;
  font-size: 13px;
  color: #c8c8c8;
}

Navigation

Top Navigation Bar

css.nav-top {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 56px;
  background: rgba(14, 14, 14, 0.95);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0 24px;
  z-index: 1000;
}

.nav-logo {
  height: 24px;
  margin-right: 32px;
}

.nav-item {
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #c8c8c8;
  padding: 8px 16px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.nav-item:hover {
  color: #ffffff;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
}

.nav-item.active {
  color: #ffffff;
}

.nav-item.active::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: #107C10;
}

Guide Menu (Side Panel)

css.guide-panel {
  position: fixed;
  left: 0;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 400px;
  background: rgba(30, 30, 30, 0.95);
  backdrop-filter: blur(40px);
  transform: translateX(-100%);
  transition: transform 200ms ease;
  z-index: 2000;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.guide-panel.open {
  transform: translateX(0);
}

.guide-header {
  padding: 16px 24px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #404040;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
}

.guide-tabs {
  display: flex;
  gap: 4px;
  padding: 0 16px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #404040;
}

.guide-tab {
  padding: 12px 16px;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.guide-tab:hover {
  color: #ffffff;
}

.guide-tab.active {
  color: #ffffff;
  border-bottom-color: #107C10;
}

.guide-content {
  flex: 1;
  overflow-y: auto;
  padding: 16px;
}

Inputs

Search Input

css.input-search {
  background: #2d2d2d;
  border: 2px solid transparent;
  border-radius: 4px;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  padding: 10px 12px 10px 40px;
  width: 100%;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.input-search:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: #107C10;
  background: #1f1f1f;
}

.input-search::placeholder {
  color: #8a8a8a;
}

.input-search-icon {
  position: absolute;
  left: 12px;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  color: #8a8a8a;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
}

Text Input

css.input-text {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border: 2px solid #404040;
  border-radius: 4px;
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 14px;
  padding: 12px 14px;
  width: 100%;
  transition: border-color 150ms ease;
}

.input-text:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: #107C10;
}

.input-text:invalid {
  border-color: #e81123;
}

.input-label {
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: block;
}

Modals

css.modal-overlay {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  z-index: 3000;
}

.modal {
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border-radius: 8px;
  max-width: 500px;
  width: 90%;
  max-height: 90vh;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.modal-header {
  padding: 20px 24px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #404040;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
}

.modal-title {
  font-size: 20px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.modal-close {
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  background: transparent;
  border: none;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 150ms ease;
}

.modal-close:hover {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  color: #ffffff;
}

.modal-body {
  padding: 24px;
}

.modal-footer {
  padding: 16px 24px;
  border-top: 1px solid #404040;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: flex-end;
  gap: 12px;
}

Gamertag Profile Card

css.gamertag-card {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  padding: 16px;
  background: #1f1f1f;
  border-radius: 8px;
}

.gamertag-avatar {
  width: 64px;
  height: 64px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 2px solid #107C10;
}

.gamertag-info {
  flex: 1;
}

.gamertag-name {
  font-size: 18px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}

.gamertag-status {
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: #107C10;
}

.gamertag-status.away {
  background: #f7630c;
}

.gamertag-status.offline {
  background: #8a8a8a;
}

.gamertag-presence {
  font-size: 13px;
  color: #c8c8c8;
  margin-top: 4px;
}

.gamertag-gamerscore {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-top: 8px;
}

Activity Feed Item

css.activity-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 12px;
  padding: 16px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #2d2d2d;
}

.activity-avatar {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.activity-content {
  flex: 1;
}

.activity-text {
  font-size: 14px;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.activity-text strong {
  font-weight: 600;
}

.activity-game {
  color: #107C10;
  font-weight: 500;
}

.activity-timestamp {
  font-size: 12px;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  margin-top: 4px;
}

.activity-media {
  margin-top: 12px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.activity-media img {
  width: 100%;
  max-height: 300px;
  object-fit: cover;
}

5. Layout Principles

Spacing Scale

TokenValueUsage
--spacing-22pxTight gaps, borders
--spacing-44pxIcon padding, compact gaps
--spacing-88pxStandard small gaps
--spacing-1212pxCard internal padding
--spacing-1616pxStandard gaps, list items
--spacing-2424pxSection gaps, card padding
--spacing-3232pxLarge section breaks
--spacing-4848pxMajor section separation
--spacing-6464pxHero spacing, page sections

Core Layout Structure

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   Navigation Bar (56px)                       │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                               │
│    ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐      │
│    │              Hero/Featured Content                │      │
│    │              (Full width, 16:9)                   │      │
│    └──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘      │
│                                                               │
│    Game Pass                                                  │
│    ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐  │
│    │Game │ │Game │ │Game │ │Game │ │Game │ │Game │ │Game │ ←→│
│    └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘  │
│                                                               │
│    Recently Played                                            │
│    ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐          │
│    │Tile │ │Tile │ │Tile │ │Tile │ │Tile │ │Tile │ ←→        │
│    └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘          │
│                                                               │
│    Friends Activity                                           │
│    ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤    │
│    │ Avatar │ Gamertag unlocked Achievement in Game     │    │
│    ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤    │
│                                                               │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Store Layout Grid

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Filters      │                  Content Area                  │
│ (280px)      │                                                │
│              │  ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐    │
│ Categories   │  │          Game Detail Header            │    │
│ ──────────   │  │          Hero Image (16:9)             │    │
│ ○ All Games  │  └───────────────────────────────────────┘    │
│ ○ Game Pass  │                                                │
│ ○ New        │  ┌──────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────┐   │
│ ○ Sales      │  │                  │ │    Game Info       │   │
│              │  │   Screenshots    │ │    $59.99          │   │
│ Filters      │  │   Gallery        │ │    [Buy Now]       │   │
│ ──────────   │  │                  │ │    [Add to List]   │   │
│ Platform     │  └──────────────────┘ └───────────────────┘   │
│ Genre        │                                                │
│ Price        │  Description                                   │
│ Rating       │  ──────────────                               │
│              │  Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet...                │
│              │                                                │
└──────────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Grid System

NameColumnsGapMax WidthUsage
Store Grid5-716px1600pxGame browse pages
Featured3-424px1600pxFeatured sections
Detail2 (65/35)32px1400pxProduct pages
List18px800pxSettings, downloads

Content Width

ContextMax WidthCenter
Full bleed hero100%No
Content container1600pxYes
Text content800pxYes
Modal content500pxYes
Narrow forms420pxYes

6. Depth & Elevation

Shadow System

LevelShadowUsage
Level 0NoneBase surfaces
Level 10 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)Buttons, subtle lift
Level 20 4px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)Cards, dropdowns
Level 30 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)Hovered cards
Level 40 16px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)Modals, dialogs

Focus & Glow Effects

TypeEffectUsage
Focus Ringoutline: 2px solid #ffffffKeyboard focus
Green Glow0 0 16px rgba(16, 124, 16, 0.4)Selected items, CTA
Achievement Glow0 0 12px rgba(0, 180, 255, 0.5)Rare achievements
Active Game0 0 20px rgba(16, 124, 16, 0.3)Currently playing

Surface Hierarchy

┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Overlays & Modals                    #1f1f1f + blur       │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Elevated (Guide, Dropdowns)          #3a3a3a              │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Cards & Panels                       #1f1f1f              │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Surface                              #252525              │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Primary Background                   #0e0e0e              │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Z-Index Scale

LayerZ-IndexElements
Base0Content, cards
Sticky100Navigation, fixed headers
Dropdown200Menus, autocomplete
Overlay300Game tile expansion
Guide400Guide panel
Modal500Dialogs, purchases
Toast600Notifications, achievements
System1000Controller prompts

Fluent Design Effects

css/* Acrylic blur effect */
.acrylic {
  background: rgba(30, 30, 30, 0.85);
  backdrop-filter: blur(40px) saturate(125%);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(40px) saturate(125%);
}

/* Reveal highlight (on hover) */
.reveal-highlight {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.reveal-highlight::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(
    circle at var(--mouse-x, 50%) var(--mouse-y, 50%),
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) 0%,
    transparent 50%
  );
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 150ms ease;
}

.reveal-highlight:hover::before {
  opacity: 1;
}

/* Reveal border */
.reveal-border {
  position: relative;
}

.reveal-border::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  border-image: radial-gradient(
    circle at var(--mouse-x, 50%) var(--mouse-y, 50%),
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3) 0%,
    transparent 50%
  ) 1;
}

7. Do's and Don'ts

Do's

GuidelineRationale
Use Xbox Green (#107C10) as primary accentBrand recognition, Xbox identity
Maintain dark backgrounds (#0e0e0e, #1f1f1f)Console-optimized, reduces eye strain
Showcase Game Pass value prominentlyKey subscription driver
Display gamerscore and achievementsCore Xbox engagement mechanic
Use white focus rings for accessibilityHigh contrast, controller navigation
Show platform badges (Series XS, One, PC, Cloud)
Implement Fluent Design principlesMicrosoft ecosystem consistency
Use Segoe UI font familyMicrosoft/Xbox brand typography
Provide controller button promptsConsole-first experience
Show friends' online statusSocial gaming is core to Xbox

Don'ts

Anti-PatternWhy to Avoid
Don't use light backgrounds as defaultOff-brand, breaks console experience
Avoid colors other than Xbox Green for CTAsBrand consistency, recognition
Don't hide gamerscore/achievementsAchievements are core to Xbox culture
Avoid tiny game tilesArt sells games, needs visibility
Don't use rounded pill buttonsXbox uses subtle 4px radius
Avoid heavy animations (>200ms)Feels sluggish, Xbox is snappy
Don't forget Smart Delivery badgesKey Xbox feature communication
Avoid hiding Game Pass availabilitySubscription value must be clear
Don't use PlayStation-style glowsDistinct console identities
Avoid cluttered interfacesXbox prioritizes clean, scannable layouts

Content Guidelines

DoDon't
Use official game titlesAbbreviate game names
Show accurate regional pricingDisplay wrong currency
Indicate Game Pass inclusionHide subscription benefits
Display ESRB/PEGI ratingsOmit content ratings
Use "Buy" / "Get" / "Play"Vague action language
Show download/install sizeHide storage requirements
Display achievement count clearlyMake gamerscore hard to find

8. Responsive Behavior

Breakpoints

NameWidthBehavior
4K TV>2560pxScaled UI (150-200%), larger tiles
TV/Desktop Large1920px - 2559pxStandard console UI
Desktop1280px - 1919pxFull layout, 5-6 column grid
Tablet768px - 1279px3-4 column grid, hamburger nav
Mobile<768px2 column grid, bottom navigation

Device-Specific Adaptations

ComponentConsole/TVDesktopMobile
NavigationGuide panel, D-padTop bar, mouseBottom tabs
Game TilesLarge (180px+), focusMedium (140px), hoverGrid (2-up)
ButtonsLarge (48px), focus ringStandard (40px)Touch (44px)
TypographyScaled +20-30%StandardCompact
SpacingGenerous (TV viewing)StandardTighter

Controller Navigation

css/* Focus states for controller navigation */
.focusable:focus {
  outline: 3px solid #ffffff;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* Game tile focus expansion */
.game-tile:focus {
  transform: scale(1.05);
  z-index: 100;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
}

/* D-pad grid navigation */
.nav-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 8px;
}

/* Spatial navigation hints */
[data-nav-up],
[data-nav-down],
[data-nav-left],
[data-nav-right] {
  position: relative;
}

Touch Targets

ElementMinimum SizeNotes
Buttons40px × 40pxXbox standard
Game TilesFull tile areaEntire card tappable
List Items48px heightTouch-friendly
Close buttons44px × 44pxEasy dismissal
Nav items48px × 48pxBottom tab bar

Mobile Navigation

css.mobile-nav {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  height: 56px;
  background: #0e0e0e;
  border-top: 1px solid #2d2d2d;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-around;
  align-items: center;
  padding-bottom: env(safe-area-inset-bottom);
}

.mobile-nav-item {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  color: #8a8a8a;
  font-size: 10px;
  padding: 8px 16px;
}

.mobile-nav-item.active {
  color: #107C10;
}

.mobile-nav-item-icon {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
}

9. Agent Prompt Guide

Quick Reference

yaml# Brand Colors
Xbox Green Primary: #107C10
Xbox Green Light: #0E8A0E
Xbox Green Bright: #10B910
Xbox Green Dark: #0A5D0A
White: #ffffff

# Backgrounds
Primary (Darkest): #0e0e0e
Secondary (Cards): #1f1f1f
Surface: #252525
Tertiary: #2d2d2d
Elevated: #3a3a3a

# Status Colors
Online/Success: #107C10
Away/Warning: #f7630c
Busy/Error: #e81123
Offline: #8a8a8a
Info (MS Blue): #0078d4
Cloud Gaming: #9147ff

# Text
Primary: #ffffff
Secondary: #c8c8c8
Tertiary: #8a8a8a
Link: #107C10
Disabled: #5a5a5a

# Radii
Small: 2px
Medium: 4px
Large: 8px
XLarge: 12px
Circle: 50%

# Fonts
Primary: 'Segoe UI', system-ui, sans-serif
Weights: 400 (body), 600 (headers/buttons), 700 (numbers)

# Shadows
Hover: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)
Modal: 0 16px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)
Focus: outline 3px solid #ffffff

Example Prompts

Game Pass Game Tile

Create a Game Pass game tile:
- Container: #1f1f1f background, 8px border-radius
- Image: 2:3 vertical box art, fills top
- Game Pass badge: Top-left, green #107C10, "GAME PASS" text
- Content padding: 12px
- Title: 14px semibold white, ellipsis overflow
- Publisher: 12px #8a8a8a
- Platform badges: Small pills showing "Series X|S", "PC", "Cloud"
- Hover: scale(1.03), shadow lift
- Focus: 3px white outline, offset 2px

Achievement Unlock Notification

Design an achievement unlock toast:
- Container: #1f1f1f, 8px radius, slide from bottom-right
- Width: 360px
- Xbox sound icon + "Achievement Unlocked" header
- Achievement image: 64px square, 4px radius
- Title: 15px semibold white
- Description: 13px #c8c8c8
- Gamerscore: "G" icon + value in white, green icon
- Rare indicator: Blue #00b4ff text if <10% unlock rate
- Progress: Show X of Y if tracked
- Animation: Slide in, slight bounce, auto-dismiss 5s

Gamertag Profile Card

Create a Gamertag profile card:
- Card: #1f1f1f background, 8px radius
- Avatar: 64px circle with 2px #107C10 border
- Gamertag: 18px semibold white
- Online status: Green dot if online, orange if away
- Presence text: "Playing Halo Infinite" in #c8c8c8
- Gamerscore: G icon + number, prominent display
- Level/tenure: Xbox tenure icon if applicable
- "Add Friend" / "Message" buttons in row
- Hover: Slight background lighten to #252525

Game Pass Ultimate Card

Design a Game Pass Ultimate subscription card:
- Card: #1f1f1f background, 8px radius
- Header: Green gradient (#107C10 to #0A5D0A)
- Logo: Game Pass logo in white
- Tier: "ULTIMATE" badge
- Price: 24px bold white, "per month" in 14px #c8c8c8
- Features checklist: Green checkmarks
- Including: Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, Cloud Gaming icons
- CTA: "Join Now" green button, full width
- Current member: White outline instead of filled

Store Game Detail Header

Create a store game detail header:
- Hero: 16:9 key art, full width
- Gradient overlay: Fade to #0e0e0e at bottom
- Title: 32px semibold white
- Publisher/Developer: 14px #c8c8c8
- Platform badges: Series X|S (green border), PC (blue border)
- Smart Delivery badge if applicable
- Price area: White or "Included with Game Pass" green
- CTA buttons: "Buy" (green) / "Add to List" (outline)
- ESRB rating badge

CSS Variables Template

css:root {
  /* Brand Colors */
  --xbox-green-primary: #107C10;
  --xbox-green-light: #0E8A0E;
  --xbox-green-bright: #10B910;
  --xbox-green-dark: #0A5D0A;
  
  /* Backgrounds */
  --background-primary: #0e0e0e;
  --background-secondary: #1f1f1f;
  --background-surface: #252525;
  --background-tertiary: #2d2d2d;
  --background-elevated: #3a3a3a;
  
  /* Status */
  --status-online: #107C10;
  --status-away: #f7630c;
  --status-busy: #e81123;
  --status-offline: #8a8a8a;
  
  /* Semantic */
  --success: #107C10;
  --warning: #f7630c;
  --error: #e81123;
  --info: #0078d4;
  
  /* Text */
  --text-primary: #ffffff;
  --text-secondary: #c8c8c8;
  --text-tertiary: #8a8a8a;
  --text-link: #107C10;
  --text-disabled: #5a5a5a;
  
  /* Typography */
  --font-primary: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Variable', -apple-system, sans-serif;
  
  /* Spacing */
  --spacing-4: 4px;
  --spacing-8: 8px;
  --spacing-12: 12px;
  --spacing-16: 16px;
  --spacing-24: 24px;
  --spacing-32: 32px;
  --spacing-48: 48px;
  
  /* Radii */
  --radius-xs: 2px;
  --radius-sm: 4px;
  --radius-md: 8px;
  --radius-lg: 12px;
  --radius-circle: 50%;
  
  /* Shadows */
  --shadow-sm: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
  --shadow-lg: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
  --shadow-xl: 0 16px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  
  /* Focus */
  --focus-ring: 3px solid #ffffff;
  --focus-offset: 2px;
  
  /* Transitions */
  --transition-fast: 100ms ease;
  --transition-normal: 150ms ease;
  --transition-slow: 200ms ease;
}

Controller Button Prompts

css/* Xbox controller button colors */
.button-prompt {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  font-size: 13px;
  color: #c8c8c8;
}

.button-prompt-icon {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
}

/* Button face colors */
.btn-a { color: #3ddc84; }     /* A - Green */
.btn-b { color: #ea4335; }     /* B - Red */
.btn-x { color: #4285f4; }     /* X - Blue */
.btn-y { color: #fbbc04; }     /* Y - Yellow */

/* Bumpers/Triggers */
.btn-lb, .btn-rb { color: #ffffff; }
.btn-lt, .btn-rt { color: #ffffff; }

/* System buttons */
.btn-menu { color: #ffffff; }   /* Three lines */
.btn-view { color: #ffffff; }   /* Two squares */
.btn-xbox { color: #107C10; }   /* Xbox button */

Summary

Xbox's design system delivers a connected, cross-platform gaming experience through:

  1. Iconic Xbox Green (#107C10) as the signature accent driving brand recognition
  2. Deep charcoal backgrounds (#0e0e0e, #1f1f1f) optimized for TVs and monitors
  3. Microsoft Fluent Design integration with acrylic blur and reveal effects
  4. Achievement/Gamerscore system with visible progress and rare achievement highlights
  5. Game Pass prominence showcasing subscription value throughout the UI
  6. Segoe UI typography maintaining Microsoft ecosystem consistency
  7. Controller-first navigation with clear focus states and white outline rings
  8. Cross-platform badges indicating Series X|S, One, PC, and Cloud availability
  9. Social gaming features with friends' presence, activity feeds, and parties
  10. Snappy interactions (100-200ms) creating a responsive, modern feel

When implementing Xbox-style interfaces, prioritize:

  • Dark immersive backgrounds with clear hierarchy
  • Xbox Green for primary actions and Game Pass elements
  • White focus rings for accessibility and controller navigation
  • Gamerscore and achievement visibility
  • Cross-platform and Smart Delivery clarity
  • Fluent Design principles (depth, motion, material)
  • Social features and friend presence
  • Fast, responsive animations

Use it with your agent

Save the file as DESIGN.md in your project root, then ask your agent to follow it for UI work. Or let the agent fetch it over MCP.

Download

curl -o DESIGN.md https://www.uiskillbook.com/design-md/xbox.md

MCP server

https://www.uiskillbook.com/mcp

MCP tool call

get_design_md({ "slug": "xbox" })