Arrows

• Design with purposeful orientation: use arrows to indicate direction, flow, or action. Prefer consistent head/tail conventions for clarity.
• Choose clear glyphs: pick arrow shapes that match the interface language—curved for suggestive motion, straight for precise steps.
• Mind size and contrast: ensure arrows remain legible on all backgrounds and at small sizes used in UI.
• Consider accessibility: provide hidden text labels and aria attributes for screen readers when arrows convey actions.
• Consistent animation: if animating arrows, keep motion subtle and meaningful to avoid confusion or distraction.

Arrows are a foundational sign system in UI. They guide users through sequences, indicate next steps, or show direction within layouts. In the Arrows block, glyphs are designed to be immediately recognizable and interoperable with other icon sets.

Common pitfalls include misaligned directions, mixing arrow styles within the same screen, and overusing arrows for what text or buttons should convey. Historically, arrows emerged as compact indicators that could travel across cultures with minimal language, evolving from simple pointers to rich, scalable icons used across interfaces. When used thoughtfully, they reinforce flow and reduce cognitive load; when overused, they clutter the interface.