GFX-301d · Module 1

Context-Aware Rules

3 min read

A rule that works for hero images may not work for social thumbnails. Context-aware rules adjust their specifications based on the asset type, the deployment context, and the audience.

Context dimensions: asset type (hero, card, thumbnail, OG image, print, social), deployment platform (website, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, email, PDF), audience (enterprise prospect, existing customer, developer community). Each context combination can modify Tier 2 and Tier 3 rules — never Tier 1.

Example: the minimum whitespace rule is 20px on website hero images (large canvas, generous space). On social thumbnails (small canvas, competing for attention), the minimum drops to 8px. The brand color rule is identical across all contexts — #00ffff is #00ffff regardless of where it appears. The typography rule allows font size reduction for mobile-optimized social cards but never allows font family substitution.

The context-rule matrix lives alongside the style specification. When the generator receives a batch request, it loads the context-appropriate rule set automatically. The critic evaluates against the same context-appropriate rules. No manual rule selection required.

Do This

  • Define context dimensions: asset type, platform, audience — each can modify Tier 2-3 rules
  • Never modify Tier 1 rules by context — brand identity is context-independent
  • Auto-load context-appropriate rules based on the generation request metadata

Avoid This

  • Apply website rules to social assets — canvas size changes the design constraints
  • Create separate brand guides per context — that fragments the brand; use one guide with context modifiers
  • Let generators choose which rules to apply — rule selection is a system function, not a creative decision