What does a "style tile" provide in graphic design?

A "style tile" serves as a crucial visual reference that captures the foundational aspects of the design direction for a project. It typically includes elements such as color palettes, typography selections, and user interface components, allowing designers and stakeholders to establish a cohesive aesthetic before moving into more detailed design phases. By providing a snapshot of these design elements, style tiles help ensure consistency across various interfaces and touchpoints, guiding developers and other designers through the project's visual identity.

This tool is particularly useful because it streamlines communication among team members and stakeholders by visually aligning everyone on the project’s design goals. It also helps in gathering feedback early in the design process without delving into fully rendered mockups, which can often be time-consuming and may diverge from initial design intents.