Elevation defines how content is presented along the z-axis of a design. All objects will exist within one of the panes, levels or nested distances described in the structure below. Different shadow sizes communicate the distance between an elevated object and the pane behind it.
Elevation | Description | Shadow Size |
---|---|---|
Foundational Pane | Used to present the main content of any design. | None |
Attention Pane | Used to elevate important information a large distance above the foundational pane. Usually these are objects that require user action or attention, such as the modal pattern or notification component. | Large |
Interaction Level | Used to elevate interactive elements above either the foundational or attention pane. Usually these are objects that appear when triggered by a user action, such as the dropdown of the select component. | Small |
Frame Level | Used to elevate framing elements above either the foundational or attention pane. Usually these are objects that will remain fixed while the main content scrolls, such as the header pattern or autosave component. | Medium |
Artifical Elevation | Used to create the appearance of visual depth within any level or pane without actually elevating any of the objects. | Small |