Exploring option tokens

Option or base tokens define the base visual values available in a design system before meaning or context is added. They describe elements such as colors, spacing units, or type scales. For example, a color palette may include a series of blues or neutrals arranged from light to dark. These values exist as part of the system’s foundation but are not yet tied to specific interface roles.

Keeping option tokens abstract helps teams maintain flexibility when brands or themes evolve. Designers can adjust the base palette or spacing scale while keeping the system structure intact. Option tokens are often called base or primitive tokens because they establish the set of visual resources the system can build from. They are used to support the next layers of tokens rather than being applied directly in components.