Defines the visual contract before the design-application work, so M2+ build on settled tokens.
- docs/architecture/09-visual-design.md: principles + deliberate divergences (square chrome, free color/theming), token system (IBM Plex type, 8px spacing, role-based color, motion), component conventions, and a source-repo map for extending the research
- docs/architecture/visual-specimen.html: standalone kitchen-sink specimen with a live theme x accent switcher; doubles as the tokens.css sandbox
- IMPLEMENTATION-PLAN: new M1.5 'Visual design foundation' milestone, plus ground-rule/cross-cutting/reference wiring
- index links: 00-overview, CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md (architecture playbook now 00-09)
Applying the design to the M1 surfaces is deferred to a separate session.
