v3.1 · berlin · apr 2026
$ cat ./design_system.md

brand
guide.
lines()

The operating manual for 42 Berlin's visual and verbal identity. Engineered to be sleek, minimalist, and deeply rooted in our peer-to-peer coding methodology. Light by default, dynamic in motion.

// 01 · the palette colors & gradients

fluid logic.
precise colors.

Our visual language relies heavily on gradients to create depth and motion, anchored by a strict set of foundational colors. The "Spectrum" is our signature.

The Spectrum
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8E44AD, #99A3EB, #00FFF2);
Ambient Glow
background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(153, 163, 235, 0.4), transparent);
B2B Core
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #173D7A, #6000BC, #ED3592);
The Cluster
background: linear-gradient(160deg, #1A0F38, #07040F);
Brand Purple#8E44AD
Soft Lilac#99A3EB
Signal Cyan#00FFF2
Deep Void#07040F
// 02 · typography type hierarchy

swiza carries
everything.
space mono
carries the signal.

Primary Brand Voice
become a software engineer.

Swiza

Swiza is the defining voice of 42 Berlin. It is engineered to be confident and striking at display sizes, yet perfectly quiet and legible for body copy. We keep the tracking tight. Display headlines are always set in lowercase to reflect our approachable, peer-to-peer nature.

Web Alternative
open source fallback.

Space Grotesk

Space Grotesk serves as our primary Google Font alternative. It is strictly used in environments where Swiza cannot be loaded. It perfectly maintains our geometric, tech-forward aesthetic while remaining highly readable on any device.

System Output
// SYS_CODE_INIT

Space Mono

Space Mono is the terminal counterpart to our primary typefaces. It is rigorously reserved for CTAs, buttons, subheadings, metadata, eyebrows, and anything that reads as interactive data or system output.

Corporate & B2B
Corporate Partnerships.

Figtree

Figtree is clean, highly approachable, and distinctly professional. It is permitted specifically for B2B-related content, external slide decks, and corporate partnerships where standard readability must take precedence over heavy stylistic expression.

Network Standard
42 Network.

Futura PT

Futura PT is the official typography of the broader 42 Network. It is used strictly when aligning with national content, joint-campus communications, or umbrella marketing initiatives across the country.

// 03 · signatures ui primitives

three things
we make
over & over.

These three primitives carry most of the brand's UI work. Use them before inventing anything new.

apply_now →

The Action Pill

Cyan pill, fully rounded radius, deep cyan glow. Always snake_case or camelCase.

$ cat ./run.sh

Terminal Eyebrow

Space Mono, purple prompt, live blinking cursor. Used for section intros.

// STATUS · ACTIVE

The Status Tag

Tinted purple background, uppercase tracking. For badges and meta labels.