Document annotations · visual study

Ten shapes, ten yellows, one brightness limit

The document surface is held constant so the highlight is the only moving part. Round two keeps option 02’s soft shape and moves through ten yellow-family colors; round three pushes one of them to the normal-text contrast boundary.

Typeface
Inter Variable
Body
15px / 24px
Background
oklch(0.145 0 0)
Foreground
oklch(0.985 0 0)
Reading width
Shortlist: none

The padding trick: options marked “visual outset” grow with paint (usually a shadow or an expanded overlay rectangle), not CSS padding. Option 02 and all of round two now use about 4px on the x-axis and 2px on the y-axis without changing line height or text wrapping.

01

Current solid ochre

Control · high coverage, square fragments, warning-adjacent hue.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

solid fillnative ::highlight0px radius
02

Soft amber halo

Keeps the familiar hue, lowers the chroma, and softens every edge.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

28% fill4px x / 2px y outset3px radius
03

Smoked sand

A low-saturation warm neutral that reads more like paper than status.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

low chroma1px visual outset2px radius
04

Lilac halo

A collaboration-like color that separates comments from warnings.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

25% fill2px visual outset3px radius
05

Indigo wash

Cool and workmanlike; reads as selected text instead of a warning.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

27% fill2px visual outset3px radius
06

Teal wash

Quiet on the warm-black surface while remaining easy to scan.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

23% fill1.5px visual outset3px radius
07

Dusty rose

Still warm, but clearly distinct from amber warning and review states.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

23% fill2px visual outset3px radius
08

Marker band

A translucent stroke across the lower glyph area instead of a box.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

gradient paintno outsetnative ::highlight*
09

Underline + haze

The lightest block treatment; a precise edge anchors a faint wash.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

13% fill2px underlinenative-friendly
10

Neutral glass outline

Almost colorless fill; a violet hairline defines the selected range.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

8% neutral fill1px inset edge2px visual outset
02

One shape, ten yellows

Every sample below uses option 02’s translucent, rounded treatment with the wider 4px horizontal outset. Opacity and geometry stay fixed; only OKLCH lightness, chroma, and hue move.

11

Pale lemon

The brightest, cleanest yellow in the set.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 84C 13H 102
12

Citron

A sharper yellow with a slight greenward pull.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 81C 16H 108
13

Canary

A familiar highlighter yellow without the solid-marker density.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 82C 15H 96
14

Sunflower

Balanced yellow-gold with a little more body.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 78C 16H 89
15

Marigold

Warmer and slightly deeper, without reaching orange.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 74C 15H 83
16

Saffron

The warmest saturated option in this round.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 72C 16H 76
17

Honey

A darker, quieter golden yellow for long selections.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 68C 12H 72
18

Wheat

Pale and desaturated; closer to parchment than marker ink.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 81C 07H 88
19

Khaki

A subdued, slightly olive yellow with low visual urgency.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 68C 08H 103
20

Antique gold

The deepest yellow; restrained but still clearly highlighted.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

L 62C 10H 78
03

How bright can it go?

This ramp uses Sunflower (option 14), the unchanged white foreground, and the same borderless geometry. At 15px / 400 weight the text is “normal text,” so WCAG 2.2 AA requires at least 4.5:1 contrast. Sixty percent is the brightest practical stop here at 4.66:1; 62% falls below the requirement.

21

Sunflower · 25%

Quiet baseline, slightly dimmer than the color round.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

25% blend11.81:1AAA pass
22

Sunflower · 30%

Close to option 14, with a small brightness lift.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

30% blend10.35:1AAA pass
23

Sunflower · 35%

Clearly highlighted, still soft across long ranges.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

35% blend9.05:1AAA pass
24

Sunflower · 40%

A strong but comfortable mid-range treatment.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

40% blend7.89:1AAA pass
25

Sunflower · 45%

Bright and unmistakable, just below enhanced contrast.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

45% blend6.89:1AA pass
26

Sunflower · 50%

Halfway to the source yellow; intentionally prominent.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

50% blend6.03:1AA pass
27

Sunflower · 55%

Very bright, with a modest accessibility buffer.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

55% blend5.29:1AA pass
28

Sunflower · 58%

Near the limit, but retains a useful contrast margin.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

58% blend4.90:1AA pass
29

Sunflower · 60%

Brightest recommended stop for this exact color and text.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

60% blend4.66:1AA pass
30

Sunflower · 62%

Boundary proof: visibly brighter, but no longer compliant.

Summary

Build a TypeScript Node package that plugs into an existing Express application and serves a local, read-only traffic minimap. Each node represents a normalized HTTP method + Express route; the dashboard polls an in-memory snapshot and uses node size for request volume and color for latency/error health. The MVP is developer-only, single-process, ephemeral, and requires no database or authentication.

62% blend4.43:1AA fail