diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 837ddd2..171fe21 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
       "name": "@cameleer/design-system",
       "version": "0.1.6",
       "dependencies": {
+        "lucide-react": "^1.7.0",
         "react": "^19.0.0",
         "react-dom": "^19.0.0",
         "react-router-dom": "^7.0.0"
@@ -2714,6 +2715,15 @@
         "yallist": "^3.0.2"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/lucide-react": {
+      "version": "1.7.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/lucide-react/-/lucide-react-1.7.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-yI7BeItCLZJTXikmK4KNUGCKoGzSvbKlfCvw44bU4fXAL6v3gYS4uHD1jzsLkfwODYwI6Drw5Tu9Z5ulDe0TSg==",
+      "license": "ISC",
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "react": "^16.5.1 || ^17.0.0 || ^18.0.0 || ^19.0.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/lz-string": {
       "version": "1.5.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/lz-string/-/lz-string-1.5.0.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 6c1a74b..172ece0 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
     "test:e2e": "playwright test"
   },
   "dependencies": {
+    "lucide-react": "^1.7.0",
     "react": "^19.0.0",
     "react-dom": "^19.0.0",
     "react-router-dom": "^7.0.0"
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.test.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.test.tsx
index 92d6881..41eb921 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.test.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.test.tsx
@@ -78,17 +78,16 @@ describe('AlertDialog', () => {
 
   it('renders danger variant icon', () => {
     render(<AlertDialog {...defaultProps} variant="danger" />)
-    // Icon area should be present (aria-hidden)
-    expect(screen.getByText('✕')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(document.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('renders warning variant icon', () => {
     render(<AlertDialog {...defaultProps} variant="warning" />)
-    expect(screen.getByText('⚠')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(document.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('renders info variant icon', () => {
     render(<AlertDialog {...defaultProps} variant="info" />)
-    expect(screen.getByText('ℹ')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(document.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 })
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.tsx
index 3b3335c..e700a0e 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/AlertDialog/AlertDialog.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
-import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'
+import React, { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'
+import { XCircle, AlertTriangle, Info } from 'lucide-react'
 import { Modal } from '../Modal/Modal'
 import { Button } from '../../primitives/Button/Button'
 import styles from './AlertDialog.module.css'
@@ -16,10 +17,10 @@ interface AlertDialogProps {
   className?: string
 }
 
-const variantIcons: Record<NonNullable<AlertDialogProps['variant']>, string> = {
-  danger: '✕',
-  warning: '⚠',
-  info: 'ℹ',
+const variantIcons: Record<NonNullable<AlertDialogProps['variant']>, React.ReactNode> = {
+  danger: <XCircle size={20} />,
+  warning: <AlertTriangle size={20} />,
+  info: <Info size={20} />,
 }
 
 export function AlertDialog({
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/CommandPalette/CommandPalette.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/CommandPalette/CommandPalette.tsx
index 899d62e..b2c0f66 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/CommandPalette/CommandPalette.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/CommandPalette/CommandPalette.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useEffect, useRef, useMemo, type ReactNode } from 'react'
 import { createPortal } from 'react-dom'
+import { Search, X, ChevronUp, ChevronDown } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './CommandPalette.module.css'
 import { SectionHeader } from '../../primitives/SectionHeader/SectionHeader'
 import { CodeBlock } from '../../primitives/CodeBlock/CodeBlock'
@@ -189,7 +190,7 @@ export function CommandPalette({ open, onClose, onSelect, data, onOpen, onQueryC
       >
         {/* Search input area */}
         <div className={styles.searchArea}>
-          <span className={styles.searchIcon} aria-hidden="true">⌕</span>
+          <span className={styles.searchIcon} aria-hidden="true"><Search size={14} /></span>
           {scopeFilters.map((sf, i) => (
             <span key={i} className={styles.scopeTag}>
               <span className={styles.scopeField}>{sf.field}:</span>
@@ -199,7 +200,7 @@ export function CommandPalette({ open, onClose, onSelect, data, onOpen, onQueryC
                 onClick={() => removeScopeFilter(i)}
                 aria-label={`Remove filter ${sf.field}:${sf.value}`}
               >
-                ×
+                <X size={10} />
               </button>
             </span>
           ))}
@@ -323,7 +324,7 @@ export function CommandPalette({ open, onClose, onSelect, data, onOpen, onQueryC
                             aria-expanded={isExpanded}
                             aria-label="Toggle detail"
                           >
-                            {isExpanded ? '▲' : '▼'}
+                            {isExpanded ? <ChevronUp size={14} /> : <ChevronDown size={14} />}
                           </button>
                         )}
                       </div>
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/EventFeed/EventFeed.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/EventFeed/EventFeed.tsx
index c55fba9..f85a6e7 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/EventFeed/EventFeed.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/EventFeed/EventFeed.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { type ReactNode, useEffect, useRef, useState, useCallback } from 'react'
+import { X as XIcon, AlertTriangle, Play, Loader } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './EventFeed.module.css'
 import { ButtonGroup } from '../../primitives/ButtonGroup/ButtonGroup'
 import type { ButtonGroupItem } from '../../primitives/ButtonGroup/ButtonGroup'
@@ -47,11 +48,11 @@ function getSearchableText(event: FeedEvent): string {
   return ''
 }
 
-const DEFAULT_ICONS: Record<SeverityFilter, string> = {
-  error: '\u2715',    // ✕
-  warning: '\u26A0',  // ⚠
-  success: '\u25B6',  // ▶
-  running: '\u2699',  // ⚙
+const DEFAULT_ICONS: Record<SeverityFilter, ReactNode> = {
+  error: <XIcon size={14} />,
+  warning: <AlertTriangle size={14} />,
+  success: <Play size={14} />,
+  running: <Loader size={14} />,
 }
 
 const SEVERITY_COLORS: Record<SeverityFilter, string> = {
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ export function EventFeed({ events, maxItems = 200, className }: EventFeedProps)
               onClick={() => setSearch('')}
               aria-label="Clear search"
             >
-              ×
+              <XIcon size={12} />
             </button>
           )}
         </div>
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/FilterBar/FilterBar.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/FilterBar/FilterBar.tsx
index 6baeb65..b3a2030 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/FilterBar/FilterBar.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/FilterBar/FilterBar.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { useState, type ChangeEvent } from 'react'
+import { Search } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './FilterBar.module.css'
 import { Input } from '../../primitives/Input/Input'
 import { FilterPill } from '../../primitives/FilterPill/FilterPill'
@@ -77,12 +78,7 @@ export function FilterBar({
               if (onSearchChange) onSearchChange('')
               else setInternalSearch('')
             } : undefined}
-            icon={
-              <svg width="13" height="13" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2" strokeLinecap="round" strokeLinejoin="round">
-                <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
-                <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
-              </svg>
-            }
+            icon={<Search size={13} />}
           />
         </div>
 
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/KpiStrip/KpiStrip.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/KpiStrip/KpiStrip.tsx
index 76fd3ae..de46fdb 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/KpiStrip/KpiStrip.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/KpiStrip/KpiStrip.tsx
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 import styles from './KpiStrip.module.css'
 import { Sparkline } from '../../primitives/Sparkline/Sparkline'
-import type { CSSProperties } from 'react'
+import type { CSSProperties, ReactNode } from 'react'
 
 export interface KpiItem {
   label: string
   value: string | number
-  trend?: { label: string; variant?: 'success' | 'warning' | 'error' | 'muted' }
+  trend?: { label: ReactNode; variant?: 'success' | 'warning' | 'error' | 'muted' }
   subtitle?: string
   sparkline?: number[]
   borderColor?: string
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/ProcessorTimeline/ProcessorTimeline.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/ProcessorTimeline/ProcessorTimeline.tsx
index 1a147b9..22810ce 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/ProcessorTimeline/ProcessorTimeline.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/ProcessorTimeline/ProcessorTimeline.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import type { ReactNode } from 'react'
+import { EllipsisVertical } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './ProcessorTimeline.module.css'
 import { Dropdown } from '../Dropdown/Dropdown'
 import type { NodeBadge } from '../RouteFlow/RouteFlow'
@@ -124,7 +125,7 @@ export function ProcessorTimeline({
                         aria-label={`Actions for ${proc.name}`}
                         type="button"
                       >
-                        ⋮
+                        <EllipsisVertical size={14} />
                       </button>
                     }
                     items={resolvedActions}
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/RouteFlow/RouteFlow.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/RouteFlow/RouteFlow.tsx
index cc39031..cbd9ce1 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/RouteFlow/RouteFlow.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/RouteFlow/RouteFlow.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import type { ReactNode } from 'react'
+import { Play, Cog, Square, Diamond, AlertTriangle, EllipsisVertical } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './RouteFlow.module.css'
 import { Dropdown } from '../Dropdown/Dropdown'
 
@@ -55,12 +56,12 @@ function durationClass(ms: number, status: string): string {
   return styles.durBreach
 }
 
-const TYPE_ICONS: Record<string, string> = {
-  'from': '\u25B6',
-  'process': '\u2699',
-  'to': '\u25A2',
-  'choice': '\u25C6',
-  'error-handler': '\u26A0',
+const TYPE_ICONS: Record<string, ReactNode> = {
+  'from': <Play size={14} />,
+  'process': <Cog size={14} />,
+  'to': <Square size={14} />,
+  'choice': <Diamond size={14} />,
+  'error-handler': <AlertTriangle size={14} />,
 }
 
 const ICON_CLASSES: Record<string, string> = {
@@ -100,7 +101,7 @@ function renderActionTrigger(
             aria-label={`Actions for ${node.name}`}
             type="button"
           >
-            ⋮
+            <EllipsisVertical size={14} />
           </button>
         }
         items={resolvedActions}
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ function renderNodeChain(
             </span>
           ) : null}
           <div className={`${styles.icon} ${ICON_CLASSES[node.type] ?? styles.iconTo}`}>
-            {TYPE_ICONS[node.type] ?? '\u25A2'}
+            {TYPE_ICONS[node.type] ?? <Square size={14} />}
           </div>
           <div className={styles.info}>
             <div className={styles.type}>{node.type}</div>
@@ -260,7 +261,7 @@ export function RouteFlow({ nodes, flows, onNodeClick, selectedIndex, actions, g
                 </span>
               ) : null}
               <div className={`${styles.icon} ${ICON_CLASSES[node.type] ?? styles.iconTo}`}>
-                {TYPE_ICONS[node.type] ?? '\u25A2'}
+                {TYPE_ICONS[node.type] ?? <Square size={14} />}
               </div>
               <div className={styles.info}>
                 <div className={styles.type}>{node.type}</div>
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.test.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.test.tsx
index 430dca9..e2a9947 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.test.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.test.tsx
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ describe('Toast', () => {
 
     act(() => { getApi().toast({ title: 'Info', variant: 'info' }) })
 
-    expect(screen.getByText('ℹ')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.getByTestId('toast').querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('shows correct icon for success variant', () => {
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ describe('Toast', () => {
 
     act(() => { getApi().toast({ title: 'OK', variant: 'success' }) })
 
-    expect(screen.getByText('✓')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.getByTestId('toast').querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('shows correct icon for warning variant', () => {
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ describe('Toast', () => {
 
     act(() => { getApi().toast({ title: 'Warn', variant: 'warning' }) })
 
-    expect(screen.getByText('⚠')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.getByTestId('toast').querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('shows correct icon for error variant', () => {
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ describe('Toast', () => {
 
     act(() => { getApi().toast({ title: 'Err', variant: 'error' }) })
 
-    expect(screen.getByText('✕')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.getByTestId('toast').querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('dismisses toast when close button is clicked', () => {
diff --git a/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.tsx b/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.tsx
index c5220a3..e540b9c 100644
--- a/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/composites/Toast/Toast.tsx
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import {
   type ReactNode,
 } from 'react'
 import { createPortal } from 'react-dom'
+import { Info, CheckCircle, AlertTriangle, XCircle, X } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './Toast.module.css'
 
 // ── Types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -39,11 +40,11 @@ const MAX_TOASTS = 5
 const DEFAULT_DURATION = 5000
 const EXIT_ANIMATION_MS = 300
 
-const ICONS: Record<ToastVariant, string> = {
-  info: 'ℹ',
-  success: '✓',
-  warning: '⚠',
-  error: '✕',
+const ICONS: Record<ToastVariant, ReactNode> = {
+  info: <Info size={16} />,
+  success: <CheckCircle size={16} />,
+  warning: <AlertTriangle size={16} />,
+  error: <XCircle size={16} />,
 }
 
 // ── Context ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -183,7 +184,7 @@ function ToastItemComponent({ toast, onDismiss }: ToastItemComponentProps) {
         aria-label="Dismiss notification"
         type="button"
       >
-        &times;
+        <X size={14} />
       </button>
     </div>
   )
diff --git a/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/Sidebar.tsx b/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/Sidebar.tsx
index 74d34e8..c9458ef 100644
--- a/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/Sidebar.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/Sidebar.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useNavigate, useLocation } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { Search, X, ChevronRight, ChevronDown, Settings, FileText } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './Sidebar.module.css'
 import camelLogoUrl from '../../../assets/camel-logo.svg'
 import { SidebarTree, type SidebarTreeNode } from './SidebarTree'
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ function buildAppTreeNodes(apps: SidebarApp[]): SidebarTreeNode[] {
       id: `route:${app.id}:${route.id}`,
       starKey: `${app.id}:${route.id}`,
       label: route.name,
-      icon: <span className={styles.routeArrow}>&#9656;</span>,
+      icon: <ChevronRight size={12} />,
       badge: formatCount(route.exchangeCount),
       path: `/apps/${app.id}/${route.id}`,
       starrable: true,
@@ -78,7 +79,7 @@ function buildRouteTreeNodes(apps: SidebarApp[]): SidebarTreeNode[] {
         id: `routestat:${app.id}:${route.id}`,
         starKey: `routes:${app.id}:${route.id}`,
         label: route.name,
-        icon: <span className={styles.routeArrow}>&#9656;</span>,
+        icon: <ChevronRight size={12} />,
         badge: formatCount(route.exchangeCount),
         path: `/routes/${app.id}/${route.id}`,
         starrable: true,
@@ -235,10 +236,7 @@ function StarredGroup({
             tabIndex={-1}
             aria-label={`Remove ${item.label} from starred`}
           >
-            <svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-              <line x1="18" y1="6" x2="6" y2="18" />
-              <line x1="6" y1="6" x2="18" y2="18" />
-            </svg>
+            <X size={12} />
           </button>
         </div>
       ))}
@@ -344,10 +342,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
       <div className={styles.searchWrap}>
         <div className={styles.searchInner}>
           <span className={styles.searchIcon} aria-hidden="true">
-            <svg width="12" height="12" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2" strokeLinecap="round" strokeLinejoin="round">
-              <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
-              <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
-            </svg>
+            <Search size={12} />
           </span>
           <input
             className={styles.searchInput}
@@ -363,7 +358,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
               onClick={() => setSearch('')}
               aria-label="Clear search"
             >
-              ×
+              <X size={12} />
             </button>
           )}
         </div>
@@ -382,7 +377,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
               aria-expanded={!appsCollapsed}
               aria-label={appsCollapsed ? 'Expand Applications' : 'Collapse Applications'}
             >
-              {appsCollapsed ? '▸' : '▾'}
+              {appsCollapsed ? <ChevronRight size={12} /> : <ChevronDown size={12} />}
             </button>
             <span
               className={`${styles.treeSectionLabel} ${location.pathname === '/apps' ? styles.treeSectionLabelActive : ''}`}
@@ -416,7 +411,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
               aria-expanded={!agentsCollapsed}
               aria-label={agentsCollapsed ? 'Expand Agents' : 'Collapse Agents'}
             >
-              {agentsCollapsed ? '▸' : '▾'}
+              {agentsCollapsed ? <ChevronRight size={12} /> : <ChevronDown size={12} />}
             </button>
             <span
               className={`${styles.treeSectionLabel} ${location.pathname.startsWith('/agents') ? styles.treeSectionLabelActive : ''}`}
@@ -450,7 +445,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
               aria-expanded={!routesCollapsed}
               aria-label={routesCollapsed ? 'Expand Routes' : 'Collapse Routes'}
             >
-              {routesCollapsed ? '▸' : '▾'}
+              {routesCollapsed ? <ChevronRight size={12} /> : <ChevronDown size={12} />}
             </button>
             <span
               className={`${styles.treeSectionLabel} ${location.pathname === '/routes' ? styles.treeSectionLabelActive : ''}`}
@@ -536,7 +531,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
           tabIndex={0}
           onKeyDown={(e) => { if (e.key === 'Enter' || e.key === ' ') navigate('/admin') }}
         >
-          <span className={styles.bottomIcon}>&#9881;</span>
+          <span className={styles.bottomIcon}><Settings size={14} /></span>
           <div className={styles.itemInfo}>
             <div className={styles.itemName}>Admin</div>
           </div>
@@ -551,7 +546,7 @@ export function Sidebar({ apps, className }: SidebarProps) {
           tabIndex={0}
           onKeyDown={(e) => { if (e.key === 'Enter' || e.key === ' ') navigate('/api-docs') }}
         >
-          <span className={styles.bottomIcon}>&#9776;</span>
+          <span className={styles.bottomIcon}><FileText size={14} /></span>
           <div className={styles.itemInfo}>
             <div className={styles.itemName}>API Docs</div>
           </div>
diff --git a/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/SidebarTree.tsx b/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/SidebarTree.tsx
index 9cf41f3..9be0139 100644
--- a/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/SidebarTree.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/layout/Sidebar/SidebarTree.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
   type MouseEvent,
 } from 'react'
 import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { Star, ChevronRight, ChevronDown } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './Sidebar.module.css'
 
 // ── Types ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -35,22 +36,14 @@ export interface SidebarTreeProps {
   autoRevealPath?: string | null  // when set, auto-expand the parent of the matching node
 }
 
-// ── Star icon SVGs ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+// ── Star icons ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 function StarOutline() {
-  return (
-    <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-      <path d="M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z" />
-    </svg>
-  )
+  return <Star size={14} />
 }
 
 function StarFilled() {
-  return (
-    <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="currentColor" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2">
-      <path d="M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z" />
-    </svg>
-  )
+  return <Star size={14} fill="currentColor" />
 }
 
 // ── Persistent expand state ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -395,7 +388,7 @@ function SidebarTreeRow({
               tabIndex={-1}
               aria-label={isExpanded ? 'Collapse' : 'Expand'}
             >
-              {isExpanded ? '▾' : '▸'}
+              {isExpanded ? <ChevronDown size={12} /> : <ChevronRight size={12} />}
             </button>
           ) : null}
         </span>
diff --git a/src/design-system/layout/TopBar/TopBar.tsx b/src/design-system/layout/TopBar/TopBar.tsx
index 2b5b161..490314c 100644
--- a/src/design-system/layout/TopBar/TopBar.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/layout/TopBar/TopBar.tsx
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import { Search, Moon, Sun, Power } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './TopBar.module.css'
 import { Breadcrumb } from '../../composites/Breadcrumb/Breadcrumb'
 import { Dropdown } from '../../composites/Dropdown/Dropdown'
@@ -51,10 +52,7 @@ export function TopBar({
         aria-label="Open search"
       >
         <span className={styles.searchIcon} aria-hidden="true">
-          <svg width="13" height="13" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="2" strokeLinecap="round" strokeLinejoin="round">
-            <circle cx="11" cy="11" r="8" />
-            <line x1="21" y1="21" x2="16.65" y2="16.65" />
-          </svg>
+          <Search size={13} />
         </span>
         <span className={styles.searchPlaceholder}>Search... &#8984;K</span>
         <span className={styles.kbd}>Ctrl+K</span>
@@ -101,7 +99,7 @@ export function TopBar({
           aria-label={`Switch to ${theme === 'light' ? 'dark' : 'light'} mode`}
           title={`Switch to ${theme === 'light' ? 'dark' : 'light'} mode`}
         >
-          {theme === 'light' ? '\u263E' : '\u2600'}
+          {theme === 'light' ? <Moon size={16} /> : <Sun size={16} />}
         </button>
         {environment && (
           <span className={styles.env}>{environment}</span>
@@ -115,7 +113,7 @@ export function TopBar({
               </div>
             }
             items={[
-              { label: 'Logout', icon: '\u23FB', onClick: onLogout },
+              { label: 'Logout', icon: <Power size={14} />, onClick: onLogout },
             ]}
           />
         )}
diff --git a/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.test.tsx b/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.test.tsx
index 50d72a1..44b4d50 100644
--- a/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.test.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.test.tsx
@@ -46,24 +46,23 @@ describe('Alert', () => {
   })
 
   it('shows default icon for each variant', () => {
-    const { rerender } = render(<Alert variant="info">msg</Alert>)
-    expect(screen.getByText('ℹ')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    const { container, rerender } = render(<Alert variant="info">msg</Alert>)
+    // Each variant should render an SVG icon in the icon slot
+    expect(container.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
 
     rerender(<Alert variant="success">msg</Alert>)
-    expect(screen.getByText('✓')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(container.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
 
     rerender(<Alert variant="warning">msg</Alert>)
-    expect(screen.getByText('⚠')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(container.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
 
     rerender(<Alert variant="error">msg</Alert>)
-    expect(screen.getByText('✕')).toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(container.querySelector('[aria-hidden="true"] svg')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('renders a custom icon when provided', () => {
-    render(<Alert icon={<span>★</span>}>Custom icon alert</Alert>)
-    expect(screen.getByText('★')).toBeInTheDocument()
-    // Default icon should not appear
-    expect(screen.queryByText('ℹ')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    render(<Alert icon={<span data-testid="custom-icon">★</span>}>Custom icon alert</Alert>)
+    expect(screen.getByTestId('custom-icon')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('does not show dismiss button when dismissible is false', () => {
diff --git a/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.tsx b/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.tsx
index e6b637f..538a69c 100644
--- a/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/primitives/Alert/Alert.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { ReactNode } from 'react'
+import { Info, CheckCircle, AlertTriangle, XCircle, X } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './Alert.module.css'
 
 type AlertVariant = 'info' | 'success' | 'warning' | 'error'
@@ -13,11 +14,11 @@ interface AlertProps {
   className?: string
 }
 
-const DEFAULT_ICONS: Record<AlertVariant, string> = {
-  info: 'ℹ',
-  success: '✓',
-  warning: '⚠',
-  error: '✕',
+const DEFAULT_ICONS: Record<AlertVariant, ReactNode> = {
+  info: <Info size={16} />,
+  success: <CheckCircle size={16} />,
+  warning: <AlertTriangle size={16} />,
+  error: <XCircle size={16} />,
 }
 
 const ARIA_ROLES: Record<AlertVariant, 'alert' | 'status'> = {
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ export function Alert({
           aria-label="Dismiss alert"
           type="button"
         >
-          &times;
+          <X size={14} />
         </button>
       )}
     </div>
diff --git a/src/design-system/primitives/Input/Input.tsx b/src/design-system/primitives/Input/Input.tsx
index dc98793..be2800c 100644
--- a/src/design-system/primitives/Input/Input.tsx
+++ b/src/design-system/primitives/Input/Input.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import styles from './Input.module.css'
 import { forwardRef, type InputHTMLAttributes, type ReactNode } from 'react'
+import { X } from 'lucide-react'
 
 interface InputProps extends InputHTMLAttributes<HTMLInputElement> {
   icon?: ReactNode
@@ -25,7 +26,7 @@ export const Input = forwardRef<HTMLInputElement, InputProps>(
             onClick={onClear}
             aria-label="Clear search"
           >
-            ×
+            <X size={12} />
           </button>
         )}
       </div>
diff --git a/src/pages/AgentHealth/AgentHealth.tsx b/src/pages/AgentHealth/AgentHealth.tsx
index 54e9b03..1e0bf81 100644
--- a/src/pages/AgentHealth/AgentHealth.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/AgentHealth/AgentHealth.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useParams, Link } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { ChevronRight } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './AgentHealth.module.css'
 
 // Layout
@@ -389,7 +390,7 @@ export function AgentHealth() {
           {scope.level !== 'all' && (
             <>
               <Link to="/agents" className={styles.scopeLink}>All Agents</Link>
-              <span className={styles.scopeSep}>&#9656;</span>
+              <span className={styles.scopeSep}><ChevronRight size={12} /></span>
               <span className={styles.scopeCurrent}>{scope.appId}</span>
             </>
           )}
diff --git a/src/pages/AgentInstance/AgentInstance.tsx b/src/pages/AgentInstance/AgentInstance.tsx
index bdcd538..002557e 100644
--- a/src/pages/AgentInstance/AgentInstance.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/AgentInstance/AgentInstance.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useParams, Link } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { ChevronRight } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './AgentInstance.module.css'
 
 // Layout
@@ -177,9 +178,9 @@ export function AgentInstance() {
         {/* Scope trail + badges */}
         <div className={styles.scopeTrail}>
           <Link to="/agents" className={styles.scopeLink}>All Agents</Link>
-          <span className={styles.scopeSep}>&#9656;</span>
+          <span className={styles.scopeSep}><ChevronRight size={12} /></span>
           <Link to={`/agents/${appId}`} className={styles.scopeLink}>{appId}</Link>
-          <span className={styles.scopeSep}>&#9656;</span>
+          <span className={styles.scopeSep}><ChevronRight size={12} /></span>
           <span className={styles.scopeCurrent}>{agent.name}</span>
           <Badge label={agent.status.toUpperCase()} color={statusColor} />
           <Badge label={agent.version} color="auto" variant="outlined" />
diff --git a/src/pages/Dashboard/Dashboard.tsx b/src/pages/Dashboard/Dashboard.tsx
index 97ea2e4..3f71f7f 100644
--- a/src/pages/Dashboard/Dashboard.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/Dashboard/Dashboard.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
-import { useState, useMemo } from 'react'
+import React, { useState, useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useParams, useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { TrendingUp, TrendingDown, ArrowRight, ExternalLink, AlertTriangle } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './Dashboard.module.css'
 
 // Layout
@@ -43,10 +44,10 @@ const ACCENT_TO_COLOR: Record<KpiMetric['accent'], string> = {
   warning: 'var(--warning)',
 }
 
-const TREND_ICONS: Record<KpiMetric['trend'], string> = {
-  up: '\u2191',
-  down: '\u2193',
-  neutral: '\u2192',
+const TREND_ICONS: Record<KpiMetric['trend'], React.ReactNode> = {
+  up: <TrendingUp size={12} />,
+  down: <TrendingDown size={12} />,
+  neutral: <ArrowRight size={12} />,
 }
 
 function sentimentToVariant(sentiment: KpiMetric['trendSentiment']): 'success' | 'error' | 'muted' {
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ function sentimentToVariant(sentiment: KpiMetric['trendSentiment']): 'success' |
 const kpiItems: KpiItem[] = kpiMetrics.map((m) => ({
   label: m.label,
   value: m.unit ? `${m.value} ${m.unit}` : m.value,
-  trend: { label: `${TREND_ICONS[m.trend]} ${m.trendValue}`, variant: sentimentToVariant(m.trendSentiment) },
+  trend: { label: <><span style={{ display: 'inline-flex', verticalAlign: 'middle' }}>{TREND_ICONS[m.trend]}</span> {m.trendValue}</>, variant: sentimentToVariant(m.trendSentiment) },
   subtitle: m.detail,
   sparkline: m.sparkline,
   borderColor: ACCENT_TO_COLOR[m.accent],
@@ -206,7 +207,7 @@ export function Dashboard() {
             navigate(`/exchanges/${row.id}`)
           }}
         >
-          &#x2197;
+          <ExternalLink size={14} />
         </button>
       ),
     }
@@ -303,7 +304,7 @@ export function Dashboard() {
                 className={styles.openDetailLink}
                 onClick={() => navigate(`/exchanges/${selectedExchange.id}`)}
               >
-                Open full details &#x2192;
+                Open full details <ArrowRight size={14} style={{ verticalAlign: 'middle' }} />
               </button>
             </div>
 
@@ -428,7 +429,7 @@ export function Dashboard() {
             expandedContent={(row) =>
               row.errorMessage ? (
                 <div className={styles.inlineError}>
-                  <span className={styles.inlineErrorIcon}>⚠</span>
+                  <span className={styles.inlineErrorIcon}><AlertTriangle size={14} /></span>
                   <div>
                     <div className={styles.inlineErrorText}>{row.errorMessage}</div>
                     <div className={styles.inlineErrorHint}>Click to view full stack trace</div>
diff --git a/src/pages/Inventory/sections/CompositesSection.tsx b/src/pages/Inventory/sections/CompositesSection.tsx
index ac5abfa..49bbf64 100644
--- a/src/pages/Inventory/sections/CompositesSection.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/Inventory/sections/CompositesSection.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { useState } from 'react'
+import { Hexagon, ArrowRight, Diamond, Eye, Pencil, RotateCcw, Trash2, ChevronDown } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './CompositesSection.module.css'
 import {
   Accordion,
@@ -157,25 +158,25 @@ const TREE_NODES = [
   {
     id: 'app1',
     label: 'cameleer-prod',
-    icon: '⬡',
+    icon: <Hexagon size={14} />,
     children: [
       {
         id: 'route1',
         label: 'order-ingest',
-        icon: '→',
+        icon: <ArrowRight size={14} />,
         children: [
-          { id: 'proc1', label: 'ValidateOrder', icon: '◈', meta: '12ms' },
-          { id: 'proc2', label: 'EnrichPayload', icon: '◈', meta: '8ms' },
-          { id: 'proc3', label: 'RouteToQueue', icon: '◈', meta: '3ms' },
+          { id: 'proc1', label: 'ValidateOrder', icon: <Diamond size={12} />, meta: '12ms' },
+          { id: 'proc2', label: 'EnrichPayload', icon: <Diamond size={12} />, meta: '8ms' },
+          { id: 'proc3', label: 'RouteToQueue', icon: <Diamond size={12} />, meta: '3ms' },
         ],
       },
       {
         id: 'route2',
         label: 'payment-validate',
-        icon: '→',
+        icon: <ArrowRight size={14} />,
         children: [
-          { id: 'proc4', label: 'TokenizeCard', icon: '◈', meta: '22ms' },
-          { id: 'proc5', label: 'AuthorizePayment', icon: '◈', meta: '45ms' },
+          { id: 'proc4', label: 'TokenizeCard', icon: <Diamond size={12} />, meta: '22ms' },
+          { id: 'proc5', label: 'AuthorizePayment', icon: <Diamond size={12} />, meta: '45ms' },
         ],
       },
     ],
@@ -505,13 +506,13 @@ export function CompositesSection() {
           description="Click-triggered dropdown menu with icons, dividers, and disabled items."
         >
           <Dropdown
-            trigger={<Button size="sm" variant="secondary">Actions ▾</Button>}
+            trigger={<Button size="sm" variant="secondary">Actions <ChevronDown size={12} /></Button>}
             items={[
-              { label: 'View details', icon: '👁', onClick: () => undefined },
-              { label: 'Edit route', icon: '✏', onClick: () => undefined },
+              { label: 'View details', icon: <Eye size={14} />, onClick: () => undefined },
+              { label: 'Edit route', icon: <Pencil size={14} />, onClick: () => undefined },
               { divider: true, label: '' },
-              { label: 'Restart', icon: '↺', onClick: () => undefined },
-              { label: 'Delete', icon: '✕', onClick: () => undefined, disabled: true },
+              { label: 'Restart', icon: <RotateCcw size={14} />, onClick: () => undefined },
+              { label: 'Delete', icon: <Trash2 size={14} />, onClick: () => undefined, disabled: true },
             ]}
           />
         </DemoCard>
diff --git a/src/pages/Inventory/sections/PrimitivesSection.tsx b/src/pages/Inventory/sections/PrimitivesSection.tsx
index 3362bb6..53766b3 100644
--- a/src/pages/Inventory/sections/PrimitivesSection.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/Inventory/sections/PrimitivesSection.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { useState } from 'react'
+import { Search } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './PrimitivesSection.module.css'
 import {
   Alert,
@@ -358,7 +359,7 @@ export function PrimitivesSection() {
         description="Text input with optional leading icon and placeholder."
       >
         <Input placeholder="Plain input" />
-        <Input icon="🔍" placeholder="With icon" />
+        <Input icon={<Search size={14} />} placeholder="With icon" />
       </DemoCard>
 
       {/* 15b. InlineEdit */}
diff --git a/src/pages/RouteDetail/RouteDetail.tsx b/src/pages/RouteDetail/RouteDetail.tsx
index e743568..7c11239 100644
--- a/src/pages/RouteDetail/RouteDetail.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/RouteDetail/RouteDetail.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useParams, useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom'
+import { AlertTriangle } from 'lucide-react'
 import styles from './RouteDetail.module.css'
 
 // Layout
@@ -337,7 +338,7 @@ export function RouteDetail() {
             expandedContent={(row) =>
               row.errorMessage ? (
                 <div className={styles.inlineError}>
-                  <span className={styles.inlineErrorIcon}>⚠</span>
+                  <span className={styles.inlineErrorIcon}><AlertTriangle size={14} /></span>
                   <div>
                     <div className={styles.errorClass}>{row.errorClass}</div>
                     <div className={styles.errorText}>{row.errorMessage}</div>