Buttons

Buttons

Effective Date: February 1, 2026   Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Definition

Buttons are a primary way users interact with a Hibu One Smart Site. They guide visitors toward key actions (e.g., contacting a business, requesting a quote, or, simply, learning more). Button style, size, and text are defined by design standards but must always remain clear, accessible, and consistent.

Design & Accessibility

  • Use the Contrast Checker in the editor to ensure text meets accessibility standards.
  • Aim for green check (AA or AAA) compliance.
  • Strong contrast improves readability, accessibility, and conversions.


Color & Theme Rules

  • Primary and secondary button colors — including both default and hover states — are linked to theme color placeholders:
  • 18 – Button Primary
  • 19 – Button Secondary
  • By design, the secondary button’s on/hover colors are the inverse of the primary button for visual balance and consistency.
  • Font color for all buttons is linked to 2 – White by default.


Adjusting Button Colors

  • Designers may update button primary, secondary, or font color values only at the theme level — never inline on the page.
  • Inline color edits prevent future theme-level updates from applying correctly and create maintenance issues.
  • Any changes should maintain strong color contrast for readability.
  • When customizing, the secondary button should typically remain the opposite of the primary to preserve hierarchy and consistency.


Borders & Effects

  • Button borders are off by default.
  • If a border is needed for design clarity, set the border width to 1px on both primary and secondary buttons.
  • By default, this adds a 1px white border in both the on and hover states.
  • Gradients on buttons are strictly prohibited. Flat color designs support clarity, contrast, and consistency across all devices.


Corner Radius (Button Roundness)

Research consistently shows that rounded buttons outperform sharp-cornered ones in click-through rates. Rounded shapes are perceived as more friendly and approachable, encouraging user interaction — whereas sharp edges can feel formal or even intimidating.

  • Default: Corner radius is set to 10 px.
  • Increase roundness (e.g., 20–30 px): Only if the brand style calls for softer, friendlier shapes — for example, wellness, childcare, or community-focused businesses.
  • Remove roundness (0 px): Only if the brand identity or design aesthetic demands a sharper, more structured look — for example, law firms, financial institutions, or industrial services.
  • Button shadow: Off by default. Use extreme caution if enabling shadows, as they may render poorly on colored or textured backgrounds and can reduce accessibility.

Button Text Best Practices

  • In most cases, “Learn More” is the right choice. It’s simple, expected, and works well across most copy blocks and callouts.
  • In some cases, however, a more specific, action-oriented call to action fits better. Examples include:
  • Menu: “View Menu”
  • Event: “Register Now”
  • Estimate: “Request Estimate”
  • Careers: “View Openings”
  • Blog: “Read Article”
  • Download: “Download Guide”
  • Use the “I want to…” test when deciding: complete the phrase from the visitor’s perspective.
  • Example: If the button text is “Request Estimate,” the user is essentially saying, “I want to request an estimate.”
  • This keeps labels user-focused and action-oriented.