diff --git a/apps/user-app/index.html b/apps/user-app/index.html
index f162154..623aa0d 100644
--- a/apps/user-app/index.html
+++ b/apps/user-app/index.html
@@ -19,7 +19,8 @@
         try {
           var s = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('hedena-gold:appearance') || '{}');
           var mq = function (q) { return window.matchMedia && matchMedia(q).matches; };
-          var dark = s.theme === 'dark' || ((s.theme || 'system') === 'system' && mq('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)'));
+          // Default is light when nothing is saved (matches appearanceStore).
+          var dark = s.theme === 'dark' || (s.theme === 'system' && mq('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)'));
           var motion = typeof s.reduceMotion === 'boolean' ? s.reduceMotion : mq('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)');
           var c = document.documentElement.classList;
           if (dark) { c.add('theme-dark', 'van-theme-dark'); document.querySelector('meta[name=theme-color]').setAttribute('content', '#15171A'); }
diff --git a/apps/user-app/src/components/home/Carousel.vue b/apps/user-app/src/components/home/Carousel.vue
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ba42e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/user-app/src/components/home/Carousel.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,507 @@
+<!--
+  Spring-physics card carousel for the home screen (see
+  docs/plans/2026-10-16-home-carousel-design.md).
+
+  Center card large, side cards scaled down; drag / flick settle with a
+  damped spring. Internal layout is an isolated `direction: ltr` subtree
+  (same rationale as GallerySlider) so translate/scale maths stay coherent
+  under the app's RTL chrome. Gestures are still screen-space.
+-->
+<template>
+  <section class="carousel" v-if="slides.length">
+    <div
+      ref="viewport"
+      class="carousel__viewport"
+      :class="{ 'is-dragging': dragging }"
+      :style="{ '--carousel-radius': `${borderRadius}px` }"
+      @pointerdown="onPointerDown"
+      @pointermove="onPointerMove"
+      @pointerup="onPointerUp"
+      @pointercancel="onPointerUp"
+    >
+      <div ref="stage" class="carousel__stage">
+        <article
+          v-for="(card, i) in cards"
+          :key="card.key"
+          class="carousel__card"
+          :data-index="i"
+          :style="cardStyles[i]"
+        >
+          <img
+            v-if="card.image"
+            :src="card.image"
+            alt=""
+            class="carousel__art"
+            draggable="false"
+          />
+        </article>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="carousel__dots" v-if="slides.length > 1" dir="ltr">
+      <button
+        v-for="(slide, i) in slides"
+        :key="slide.key"
+        type="button"
+        class="carousel__dot"
+        :class="{ 'is-active': i === activeIndex }"
+        :aria-label="`اسلاید ${i + 1}`"
+        @click="goTo(i)"
+      />
+    </div>
+  </section>
+</template>
+
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import {
+  computed,
+  onActivated,
+  onBeforeUnmount,
+  onDeactivated,
+  onMounted,
+  ref,
+  shallowRef,
+  watch,
+} from 'vue'
+import type { ShowcaseSlide } from './ShowcaseSlider.vue'
+import { useAppearanceStore } from '../../stores/appearanceStore'
+
+const props = withDefaults(
+  defineProps<{
+    slides: ShowcaseSlide[]
+    sideScale?: number
+    gap?: number
+    borderRadius?: number
+    stiffness?: number
+    damping?: number
+    autoplay?: boolean
+    autoplayInterval?: number
+  }>(),
+  {
+    // Slightly larger neighbours so peeks read as cards, not hairlines.
+    sideScale: 0.72,
+    gap: 3,
+    // Match ShowcaseSlider frame radius so the active card reads the same.
+    borderRadius: 22,
+    // Premium settle: low stiffness + higher damping = slow, heavy, almost no bounce.
+    stiffness: 70,
+    damping: 28,
+    autoplay: true,
+    autoplayInterval: 7500,
+  },
+)
+
+/** Fraction of stage width for each card — wider center, tighter side peeks. */
+const CARD_WIDTH_RATIO = 0.92
+
+const appearance = useAppearanceStore()
+
+/** Pad copies so wrap never shows empty slots on either side. */
+const cards = computed(() => {
+  const base = props.slides.filter((s) => s.image)
+  if (!base.length) return [] as { key: string; image: string }[]
+  const out: { key: string; image: string }[] = []
+  let n = 0
+  while (out.length < Math.max(6, base.length * 2)) {
+    for (const s of base) {
+      out.push({ key: `${s.key}#${n++}`, image: s.image as string })
+    }
+  }
+  return out
+})
+
+const viewport = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null)
+const stage = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null)
+const dragging = ref(false)
+const activeIndex = ref(0)
+
+type CardStyle = {
+  opacity: string
+  pointerEvents: 'auto' | 'none'
+  zIndex: string
+  transform: string
+}
+
+const cardStyles = shallowRef<CardStyle[]>([])
+
+let position = 0
+let target = 0
+let velocity = 0
+let isDragging = false
+let startX = 0
+let startPosition = 0
+let lastX = 0
+let lastTime = 0
+let dragVelocity = 0
+let totalDragDistance = 0
+let pointerId: number | null = null
+let rafId: number | null = null
+let lastFrameTime = 0
+let autoplayTimer: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | undefined
+let resizeObserver: ResizeObserver | null = null
+
+function getWrappedOffset(index: number, pos: number, length: number) {
+  let diff = (index - pos) % length
+  if (diff < -length / 2) diff += length
+  if (diff >= length / 2) diff -= length
+  return diff
+}
+
+function getActiveIndex() {
+  const len = props.slides.filter((s) => s.image).length || 1
+  return ((Math.round(target) % len) + len) % len
+}
+
+function notifyChange() {
+  activeIndex.value = getActiveIndex()
+}
+
+function render() {
+  const list = cards.value
+  const total = list.length
+  if (!total) {
+    cardStyles.value = []
+    return
+  }
+
+  // Center card is CARD_WIDTH_RATIO of stage; scaled neighbours peek beside it.
+  const stageWidth = stage.value?.clientWidth || 380
+  const baseCardWidth = stageWidth * CARD_WIDTH_RATIO
+  const sideScale = props.sideScale
+  const gap = props.gap
+  const stepDistance = baseCardWidth * 0.5 + baseCardWidth * sideScale * 0.5 + gap
+
+  const next: CardStyle[] = new Array(total)
+  for (let i = 0; i < total; i++) {
+    const offset = getWrappedOffset(i, position, total)
+    const absOffset = Math.abs(offset)
+    const clamped = Math.min(absOffset, 1)
+    const scale = 1 - clamped * (1 - sideScale)
+    const translateX = offset * stepDistance
+    const isVisible = absOffset < 2.1
+
+    next[i] = {
+      opacity: isVisible ? '1' : '0',
+      pointerEvents: isVisible ? 'auto' : 'none',
+      zIndex: String(100 - Math.round(absOffset * 20)),
+      transform: `translate3d(calc(-50% + ${translateX.toFixed(2)}px), 0, 0) scale(${scale.toFixed(4)})`,
+    }
+  }
+  cardStyles.value = next
+}
+
+function startSpringLoop() {
+  if (appearance.isReducedMotion) {
+    position = target
+    velocity = 0
+    render()
+    rafId = null
+    return
+  }
+
+  if (rafId != null) cancelAnimationFrame(rafId)
+  lastFrameTime = performance.now()
+
+  const tick = (now: number) => {
+    const dt = Math.min((now - lastFrameTime) / 1000, 0.064)
+    lastFrameTime = now
+
+    const displacement = position - target
+    const springForce = -props.stiffness * displacement
+    const dampingForce = -props.damping * velocity
+    const acceleration = springForce + dampingForce
+
+    velocity += acceleration * dt
+    position += velocity * dt
+    render()
+
+    if (Math.abs(velocity) < 0.002 && Math.abs(target - position) < 0.001) {
+      position = target
+      velocity = 0
+      render()
+      rafId = null
+      return
+    }
+
+    rafId = requestAnimationFrame(tick)
+  }
+
+  rafId = requestAnimationFrame(tick)
+}
+
+function onPointerDown(e: PointerEvent) {
+  if (cards.value.length < 2 || pointerId !== null) return
+  if (e.button !== undefined && e.button !== 0) return
+  const el = viewport.value
+  if (!el) return
+
+  pointerId = e.pointerId
+  isDragging = true
+  dragging.value = true
+  stopAutoplay()
+
+  if (rafId != null) {
+    cancelAnimationFrame(rafId)
+    rafId = null
+  }
+
+  startX = e.clientX
+  lastX = e.clientX
+  startPosition = position
+  velocity = 0
+  dragVelocity = 0
+  totalDragDistance = 0
+  lastTime = performance.now()
+  el.setPointerCapture?.(e.pointerId)
+}
+
+function onPointerMove(e: PointerEvent) {
+  if (!isDragging || e.pointerId !== pointerId) return
+
+  const now = performance.now()
+  const dt = Math.max(1, now - lastTime)
+  const dx = e.clientX - startX
+  const stepDx = e.clientX - lastX
+
+  totalDragDistance = Math.abs(dx)
+
+  const cardWidth = (stage.value?.clientWidth ?? 0) * CARD_WIDTH_RATIO || 320
+  position = startPosition - dx / cardWidth
+  dragVelocity = -(stepDx / cardWidth) / (dt / 1000)
+
+  lastX = e.clientX
+  lastTime = now
+  render()
+}
+
+function onPointerUp(e: PointerEvent) {
+  if (!isDragging || e.pointerId !== pointerId) return
+  isDragging = false
+  dragging.value = false
+  pointerId = null
+
+  const total = cards.value.length
+
+  // Tap a side card → spring to it
+  if (totalDragDistance < 6 && e.target instanceof Element) {
+    const clicked = e.target.closest('.carousel__card') as HTMLElement | null
+    if (clicked) {
+      const cardIdx = Number(clicked.dataset.index)
+      if (!Number.isNaN(cardIdx)) {
+        const offset = getWrappedOffset(cardIdx, position, total)
+        if (Math.abs(offset) > 0.25) {
+          target = Math.round(position + offset)
+          startSpringLoop()
+          notifyChange()
+          if (props.autoplay) startAutoplay()
+          return
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  velocity = dragVelocity
+  const projected = position + velocity * 0.16
+  target = Math.round(projected)
+  startSpringLoop()
+  notifyChange()
+  if (props.autoplay) startAutoplay()
+}
+
+function goTo(baseIndex: number) {
+  const len = props.slides.filter((s) => s.image).length
+  if (len < 2) return
+  const currentBase = getActiveIndex()
+  let diff = baseIndex - currentBase
+  if (diff > len / 2) diff -= len
+  if (diff < -len / 2) diff += len
+  target = Math.round(target) + diff
+  startSpringLoop()
+  notifyChange()
+}
+
+/** False while the home tab is keep-alive-cached off-screen. */
+let pageActive = true
+
+function startAutoplay() {
+  stopAutoplay()
+  if (!pageActive) return
+  if (!props.autoplay || appearance.isReducedMotion || props.slides.length < 2) return
+  autoplayTimer = setInterval(() => {
+    if (!isDragging && pageActive) {
+      target = Math.round(target) + 1
+      startSpringLoop()
+      notifyChange()
+    }
+  }, props.autoplayInterval)
+}
+
+function stopAutoplay() {
+  if (autoplayTimer) {
+    clearInterval(autoplayTimer)
+    autoplayTimer = undefined
+  }
+}
+
+/** Pause motion while cached off-screen so return doesn't catch up many slides. */
+function pauseForLeave() {
+  pageActive = false
+  stopAutoplay()
+  if (rafId != null) {
+    cancelAnimationFrame(rafId)
+    rafId = null
+  }
+  position = target
+  velocity = 0
+  isDragging = false
+  dragging.value = false
+  render()
+  notifyChange()
+}
+
+function resumeOnEnter() {
+  pageActive = true
+  render()
+  if (props.autoplay) startAutoplay()
+}
+
+function resetToStart() {
+  position = 0
+  target = 0
+  velocity = 0
+  notifyChange()
+  render()
+}
+
+onMounted(() => {
+  pageActive = true
+  resetToStart()
+  if (stage.value && typeof ResizeObserver !== 'undefined') {
+    resizeObserver = new ResizeObserver(() => render())
+    resizeObserver.observe(stage.value)
+  }
+  if (props.autoplay) startAutoplay()
+})
+
+// HomeView is keep-alive'd — without these, setInterval keeps advancing
+// target while the user is on another tab, then the spring "catches up"
+// through several slides the moment they return.
+onDeactivated(pauseForLeave)
+onActivated(resumeOnEnter)
+
+watch(
+  () => props.slides,
+  () => {
+    resetToStart()
+  },
+)
+
+watch(
+  () => [props.sideScale, props.gap, props.stiffness, props.damping] as const,
+  () => render(),
+)
+
+watch(
+  () => props.autoplay,
+  (on) => {
+    if (on) startAutoplay()
+    else stopAutoplay()
+  },
+)
+
+onBeforeUnmount(() => {
+  pauseForLeave()
+  resizeObserver?.disconnect()
+  if (pointerId !== null && viewport.value) {
+    try {
+      viewport.value.releasePointerCapture(pointerId)
+    } catch {
+      /* detached */
+    }
+  }
+})
+</script>
+
+<style scoped lang="less">
+// Break out of Container `px-[16px]` so side peeks sit at the screen edge
+// instead of leaving empty gutters inside the padded column.
+.carousel {
+  width: calc(100% + 32px);
+  margin-inline: -16px;
+}
+
+.carousel__viewport {
+  position: relative;
+  width: 100%;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  touch-action: pan-y;
+  user-select: none;
+  -webkit-user-select: none;
+  cursor: grab;
+  // Top: room for bottom-anchored scale. Bottom: room for card drop-shadow
+  // so overflow:hidden does not shear the soft edge.
+  padding: 10px 0 28px;
+  direction: ltr;
+}
+
+.carousel__viewport.is-dragging {
+  cursor: grabbing;
+}
+
+// Same aspect as ShowcaseSlider; cards ~92% wide so neighbours hug the center.
+.carousel__stage {
+  position: relative;
+  width: 100%;
+  aspect-ratio: 320 / 208;
+}
+
+.carousel__card {
+  position: absolute;
+  bottom: 0;
+  left: 50%;
+  width: 92%;
+  height: 100%;
+  transform-origin: center bottom;
+  will-change: transform;
+  border-radius: var(--carousel-radius, 22px);
+  overflow: hidden;
+  background: @hairlineSoft;
+  box-shadow: 0 14px 28px -12px rgba(20, 22, 26, 0.28);
+}
+
+.carousel__art {
+  display: block;
+  width: 100%;
+  height: 100%;
+  object-fit: cover;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  -webkit-user-drag: none;
+  user-select: none;
+}
+
+.carousel__dots {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: center;
+  gap: 6px;
+  // Re-align with the padded column after the bleed; extra air under the stage.
+  padding: 4px 16px 8px;
+}
+
+.carousel__dot {
+  width: 6px;
+  height: 6px;
+  padding: 0;
+  border: 0;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  border-radius: 999px;
+  background: @hairline;
+  transition:
+    width 0.42s cubic-bezier(0.16, 0.86, 0.3, 1),
+    background 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.carousel__dot.is-active {
+  width: 20px;
+  background: @wine;
+}
+</style>
diff --git a/apps/user-app/src/stores/appearanceStore.ts b/apps/user-app/src/stores/appearanceStore.ts
index f33b016..4dc7f32 100644
--- a/apps/user-app/src/stores/appearanceStore.ts
+++ b/apps/user-app/src/stores/appearanceStore.ts
@@ -30,9 +30,10 @@ const darkQuery = () => (typeof matchMedia !== 'undefined' ? matchMedia('(prefer
 const motionQuery = () => (typeof matchMedia !== 'undefined' ? matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)') : null)
 
 function load(): Stored {
-  // First run: theme follows the system; motion follows the OS's own
-  // "reduce motion" accessibility setting.
-  const fallback: Stored = { theme: 'system', reduceMotion: !!motionQuery()?.matches }
+  // First run: light theme by default; motion follows the OS's own
+  // "reduce motion" accessibility setting. Users can still pick system/dark
+  // in Appearance settings.
+  const fallback: Stored = { theme: 'light', reduceMotion: !!motionQuery()?.matches }
   try {
     const raw = localStorage.getItem(APPEARANCE_STORAGE_KEY)
     if (!raw) return fallback
diff --git a/apps/user-app/src/views/HomeView.vue b/apps/user-app/src/views/HomeView.vue
index cf8898d..0740926 100644
--- a/apps/user-app/src/views/HomeView.vue
+++ b/apps/user-app/src/views/HomeView.vue
@@ -4,11 +4,10 @@
   Layout intent — shop first, account second:
     1. a slim brand bar with search + cart
     2. the live 18k rate strip (real: GET /pricing/latest)
-    3. an editorial showcase hero built from real categories
+    3. spring card carousel hero (admin slider images)
     4. the category rail (real: derived from GET /catalog/products)
     5. "برگزیده" — staggered 2-col masonry (wireframe: unequal card heights, flush bottoms)
     6. "تازه‌ها" — full-width horizontal ProductRow list
-    7. the account block (real: GET /customers/:id when signed in)
 
   Data honesty, carried over from the previous version deliberately:
     - the API exposes no curated home payload, no promotions and no per-product
@@ -43,7 +42,7 @@
     <container class="home__body" :class="{ 'is-revealed': revealed }">
       <RateStrip :quote="goldPrice" class="home__rate reveal" :style="revealDelay(0)" />
 
-      <ShowcaseSlider
+      <Carousel
         v-if="slides.length"
         :slides="slides"
         class="home__hero reveal"
@@ -115,8 +114,8 @@ import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import { Loading, PullRefresh } from 'vant'
 import Icon from '../components/icon/Icon.vue'
 import RateStrip from '../components/home/RateStrip.vue'
-import ShowcaseSlider from '../components/home/ShowcaseSlider.vue'
 import type { ShowcaseSlide } from '../components/home/ShowcaseSlider.vue'
+import Carousel from '../components/home/Carousel.vue'
 import CategoryRail from '../components/home/CategoryRail.vue'
 import ProductCard from '../components/product/ProductCard.vue'
 import ProductRow from '../components/product/ProductRow.vue'
diff --git a/docs/plans/2026-10-16-home-carousel-design.md b/docs/plans/2026-10-16-home-carousel-design.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c878dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/plans/2026-10-16-home-carousel-design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Home Carousel — spring physics cards
+
+**Status:** approved  
+**Date:** 2026-10-16  
+**Scope:** `apps/user-app` home (`Carousel.vue` below `ShowcaseSlider`)
+
+## Intent
+
+A Framer-style spring carousel under the existing crossfade hero: center card large, side cards scaled down, infinite wrap, drag/flick with spring settle. Same admin slide images as `ShowcaseSlider`.
+
+## Decisions
+
+| Choice | Decision |
+|--------|----------|
+| Stack | Pure Vue SFC (no Swiper / Motion) |
+| Name / path | `components/home/Carousel.vue` |
+| Placement | Immediately below `ShowcaseSlider`, above `CategoryRail` |
+| Data | Same `slides` computed from admin home slider |
+| Props | `slides` (+ optional spring/layout knobs with defaults) |
+| Dots | Yes, pill style aligned with showcase |
+| Out of scope | Demo inspector panel, Prev/Next chrome, new admin API |
+
+## Motion defaults
+
+- `sideScale`: 0.60  
+- `gap`: 14px  
+- `borderRadius`: 22px (match ShowcaseSlider)  
+- Frame `aspect-ratio`: `320 / 208` (match ShowcaseSlider); center card full-bleed  
+
+- `stiffness`: 180  
+- `damping`: 22  
+- Internal layout `direction: ltr` (gesture still screen-space)  
+- Autoplay off by default; respect reduced-motion when enabled later  
+
+## Non-goals
+
+Replacing `ShowcaseSlider`, inventing slide destinations, or adding external animation libraries.