Metric

A surface-agnostic hierarchy for one named quantitative value, optional change, and concise supporting context. MetricCard composes that content with Card when a dashboard needs a bounded summary surface without inventing local numeric typography or panel geometry.

Comparable values

The value stays on ordinary product heading scale with tabular numerals, so adjacent quantities scan as a set. Change text states direction while the intent modifier describes the outcome — a lower response time can be positive.

Metric · Outcomes

Monthly revenue

€84,240

+8.2%

Compared with last month

Median response time

1m 42s

Down 18s

Across 1,248 requests

Open incidents

3

+2 today

One requires attention

All three values share one hierarchy. Direction remains in visible text, while success and error hues communicate whether the domain result is favorable.

MetricCard · Summary

Active projects

24

6 due this week

Across three workspaces

Card continues to own surface, border, radius, and inset. MetricCard adds only arrangement and composes the ordinary icon Button for actions.

Change intent

Intent belongs only to the optional comparison. The value itself stays primary and neutral so semantic color never overwhelms cross-card comparison.

ExampleIntentModifierUsage
No material changeNeutralContext without a favorable or unfavorable judgment
Down 18sPositive--positiveA favorable outcome, regardless of numeric direction
+2 todayNegative--negativeAn unfavorable outcome, with direction still stated in copy

Usage notes

Metric standardizes quantitative hierarchy without becoming a dashboard-specific card or chart.

VerdictRule
DoUse Metric for one named quantitative value that should remain comparable with neighboring metrics.
DoState direction in visible comparison copy and choose intent from the domain outcome, not from up or down alone.
DoCombine ds-card and ds-metric-card when the value needs a bounded summary surface.
DoKeep support copy concise and specific, such as the comparison period or denominator.
Don’tUse color or an arrow as the only change signal.
Don’tAdd interaction to Metric itself; compose an existing control or use an interactive Card destination.
Don’tInvent display-sized numbers, independent card geometry, or per-dashboard status colors.