Card - Design decisions

What is an ADR?

We use the ADR (Architecture Decision Record) to structure design decision documentation. Each ADR covers three things: the context that prompted the decision, the decision itself, and its consequences — including trade-offs and any open questions.

ADR 001 - Define which link styles to use in cards

• Date raised: September 28, 2026

Context

Card designs in Figma show Link - Action as the only link option. Card examples on the documentation site use Link - Active, including “Review details” in the status indicator example and “Edit” next to a Button - Icon in the Financial Status Report example. Card guidance allowed either style for secondary actions without explaining when to use each.

The 2 styles have different visual emphasis. Without guidance, teams designed cards inconsistently.

Card - Status ADR 008 chose Link - Action - Secondary for Card - Status because its link is the task the user needs to take.

Decision

Support both link styles in Card, each for a different purpose, and define when to use a default link:

• Link - Action: For a task the user needs to complete, like “Continue your application.” Use the secondary variation in a collection of cards. Use the primary variation only when the card holds the main call to action on the page.
• Link - Active: For going to more detail about the card’s content, like “Review details,” or for an action on the item in the card, like “Edit.”
• Default link: For supporting information in body or help text. Not for the card’s main call to action. Use the download variation for files.

Cards in the same collection should use the same link style for the same kind of action. Card - Status continues to use Link - Action - Secondary.

Consequences

Positive:

• Teams have criteria for choosing a link style.
• Card - Status ADR 008 still applies.

Negative / watch items:

• Some cards may have links that could fit either purpose. Teams may need help deciding.