Why Not Serif
visual-design
$ aoe install @impeccable/provocation-why-not-serifProjection
Always in _index.xml · the agent never has to ask for this.
WhyNotSerif [provocation] v1.0.0
Loaded when retrieval picks the atom as adjacent / supporting.
WhyNotSerif [provocation] v1.0.0
Label
Why Not Serif?
Meta
- License: Apache-2.0
- License Provenance: package-authorship-claim
Trigger
agent about to select a sans-serif typeface as the primary display font
Question
Why are you using a sans-serif for display headings? Have you considered that a high-quality serif (Canela, GT Super, Freight Display) would immediately distinguish this design from the ~80% of AI-generated interfaces that default to sans-serif? What specific visual goal does sans-serif serve better here — and is that goal actually stated in the brief?
Intent
Challenge the AI-slop default of universal sans-serif usage. Serif type at display scale is not 'old fashioned' — it signals deliberate editorial craft and immediately separates the work from commodity output. The question is not 'should we use serif' but 'have we consciously decided not to, and why'.
Resolution Paths
- Context: Dense product UI, data-heavy (@impeccable/persona-dense-pragmatist)
- Answer: Sans-serif is correct — legibility at small sizes and visual alignment with data tables justifies it.
- Context: Editorial, marketing, brand landing page
- Answer: Strong case for serif — proceed with @impeccable/persona-editorial guidance.
- Context: Ambiguous SaaS product
- Answer: Explore both: prototype serif display with sans body vs. geometric sans throughout. Let contrast testing decide.
Loaded when retrieval picks the atom as a focal / direct hit.
WhyNotSerif [provocation] v1.0.0
Label
Why Not Serif?
Meta
- License: Apache-2.0
- License Provenance: package-authorship-claim
Trigger
agent about to select a sans-serif typeface as the primary display font
Question
Why are you using a sans-serif for display headings? Have you considered that a high-quality serif (Canela, GT Super, Freight Display) would immediately distinguish this design from the ~80% of AI-generated interfaces that default to sans-serif? What specific visual goal does sans-serif serve better here — and is that goal actually stated in the brief?
Intent
Challenge the AI-slop default of universal sans-serif usage. Serif type at display scale is not 'old fashioned' — it signals deliberate editorial craft and immediately separates the work from commodity output. The question is not 'should we use serif' but 'have we consciously decided not to, and why'.
Resolution Paths
- Context: Dense product UI, data-heavy (@impeccable/persona-dense-pragmatist)
- Answer: Sans-serif is correct — legibility at small sizes and visual alignment with data tables justifies it.
- Context: Editorial, marketing, brand landing page
- Answer: Strong case for serif — proceed with @impeccable/persona-editorial guidance.
- Context: Ambiguous SaaS product
- Answer: Explore both: prototype serif display with sans body vs. geometric sans throughout. Let contrast testing decide.
Relations
related: [@impeccable/persona-editorial, @impeccable/constraint-font-blacklist, @impeccable/anti-pattern-ai-slop-palette]
Source
aoe-engine/examples/frontend-design/primes/compiled/@impeccable/provocation-why-not-serif/atom.yaml