| name | contextual-help-design |
| description | Use when designing in-app contextual help: tooltips, help icons, links to docs, embedded video. Covers when to use each, the placement, and how to add help without cluttering.
|
Contextual Help Design
Help should be available without being intrusive.
Tooltip patterns
Hover over '?' icon shows short explanation. Max 1 sentence. Link to docs for more.
Inline help text
Below the field, gray, 12px. For form labels that need clarification.
Help center link
Persistent in app header / nav. Opens help in side drawer (better than new tab — doesn't lose context).
Embedded video
30-90 second product videos embedded inline. For complex features only.
Common mistakes
Help text 5 paragraphs long. No help where it's needed. Help link buried in settings. Tooltips on EVERY field (noise).
Where this fits in X3 Compass
Applied across the X3 Compass design system.