Does Gray Work for Lead? Help Us Decide

When we started creating the Glare framework, each part naturally took on its own shape and color. These choices weren’t just for looks- they reflect how each part works and what kind of thinking it encourages.

We picked gray for the Lead section on purpose. Gray feels steady and calm. It suggests long-term thinking and quiet confidence. Lead is the part of the framework where design connects to business. It’s where teams stop reacting and start guiding. It’s about building structure, setting goals, and showing results that matter over time.

We also made Lead a diamond shape. That shape stands for outcomes that are refined and valuable. It also hints at something deeper, a “black box” turned on its side. Lead is where teams open that box and explain the impact of their design work. It’s how they connect design to OKRs, business goals, and real results.

Each part of Glare has its own shape that reflects the work it supports:

  • Define is a square. It’s about building a strong foundation based on user needs.
  • Measure is a circle. It focuses on testing and learning through feedback loops.
  • Compare is a triangle. It helps teams make decisions and track progress.
  • Lead is a diamond. It shows clear outcomes and guides the work forward.

These shapes and colors aren’t just decoration, they help us tell the story of how each part of Glare works and what it helps teams do… but…

We’ve hear the gray is confusing or unfinished, so wondering your thoughts… which one works better for the framework?

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Red seems powerful, but Glare’s main color is also Red- does that matter here?

Anything works better than the gray, however.

I would lean towards the Purple, even though those are Helio colors.

I’m curious on “anything but gray”. What specific thing irritates you here?

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I think it’s how the gray offsets the other colors- it just feels off, or less important.

I would argue against Red generally. It’s too vibrant and culturally loaded. I also would not want to read over top of red.

I like the gray. Might just take some maturity to appreciate it. :wink:

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PURPLE! Since Lead is our section that presumably is the most dense, due to the application of the other sections, we want it to stand out! Purp, Purp, Purple!

I’d even be curious to see… a lighter purple?!

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