Preview the prompt +
# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Melissa & Doug
> Reference: https://www.melissaanddoug.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/melissa-and-doug · captured 2026-09-23 at a 1440px desktop viewport · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/full.webp)
## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Melissa & Doug — same structure, rhythm and polish, entirely new identity and content.
## 2. Originality rules
- Build an ORIGINAL design for the user's own brand in the same *taste* as Melissa & Doug: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Melissa & Doug's logo, name, product imagery, illustrations, icons, screenshots or copy. Write new copy for the user's product.
- If the user hasn't said what their product is, ask first (or use clearly marked placeholders like [Brand], [Product], [Audience]).
- Reference screenshots are for looking at, not for embedding or tracing.
## 3. The taste, in short
- Melissa & Doug (melissaanddoug.com): Shopping marketing website, dark, colorful.
- 7 sections: Showcase → Features → Footer.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈666px).
- Type: one family (Colby Condensed). Imagery: mostly photography, some typography with little or no imagery.
## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)
### 1. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Half to one screen (642px at 1440), page background; 44 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 14 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Heading (~4 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “ENJOY 20% OFF SITEWIDE”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-01.webp) · imagery: slot 1
### 2. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Compact band (262px at 1440), page background; 8 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); primary + secondary button.
- Slots: Section title; 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-02.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 3. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (852px at 1440), page background; 298 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 182 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions), 180 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “BEST SELLERS”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-03.webp)
### 4. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Half to one screen (666px at 1440), page background; 11 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 5 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 9 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “FUN FOR All AGES”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-04.webp) · imagery: slot 3
### 5. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. Half to one screen (741px at 1440), page background; 37 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 18 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions), 16 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Section title (~5 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO PLAY”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-06.webp)
### 6. Features — explain the key benefits, grouped so each can be scanned in seconds.
- Layout: section title over a grid or alternating rows of benefit items. About one full screen (858px at 1440), page background; 10 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); primary + secondary button.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Play With Purpose”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 4
### 7. Footer — navigation, legal and contact — the page's index.
- Layout: multi-column link groups, brand line, legal row. Half to one screen (570px at 1440), page background; 22 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); form with 4 fields, primary + secondary button, 43 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Brand mark + one-line description; 3–5 link columns; Newsletter or contact (optional); Legal row + social icons.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-08.webp)
Inner pages also captured (Product): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/melissa-and-doug?view=pages
## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#3660a1` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#000000` | body text, headings | 3.3:1 ⚠ below AA — adjust |
| accent | `#055905` | primary buttons, links, highlights — sparingly | 1.4:1 ⚠ not for text; use as a fill with #ffffff text (8.6:1) |
| surface | `#801e32` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 2.1:1 |
| muted | `#551133` | secondary text, borders | 2.2:1 — borders / large text only |
Captured palette: `#3660a1` `#055905` `#551133` `#801e32` `#222d65` `#000000`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, natural, earthy) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.
### Tokens
```css
:root {
--background: #3660a1;
--foreground: #000000;
--accent: #055905;
--surface: #801e32;
--muted: #551133;
--font-heading: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
--font-body: "Inter", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
--radius: 12px; /* calibrate from the screenshot */
}
/* Tailwind v4 — in globals.css after @import "tailwindcss"; */
@theme {
--color-background: var(--background);
--color-foreground: var(--foreground);
--color-accent: var(--accent);
--color-surface: var(--surface);
--color-muted: var(--muted);
--font-heading: var(--font-heading);
--font-sans: var(--font-body);
}
```
### Typography
- Headings: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Colby Condensed. “Colby Condensed” is likely a custom or licensed face. Inter is a neutral stand-in — pick a closer free match by eye from the screenshot.
- Body: same family — a single-family system; create contrast with size and weight, not a second face.
- Scale (starting point, sizes weren't measured — calibrate against the 1440px screenshot): display clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.25rem), h2 clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.5rem), h3 1.25rem, body 1rem–1.125rem / 1.6, small 0.875rem. Headings: tight tracking (-0.02em), line-height 1.05–1.15.
### Spacing & rhythm
Sections run ≈666px tall at 1440 (median; range 262–858px, captures cap at 1700px) — roughly a screen per idea. Start with 96–120px vertical padding per section on desktop and about two-thirds of that on mobile. One continuous background — separate sections with space and type, not colour bands. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.
### Shape, depth & theme
Confident colour blocks — let full-bleed colour bands and big shapes carry the personality. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Dark-first; for a light mode swap background ↔ foreground, lighten the surface, keep the accent and re-check contrast.
## 6. Imagery plan
Measured from 5 section screenshots: mostly **photography**, some typography with little or no imagery (dark, natural, earthy, Shopping). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.
### Slot 1 · 1. Showcase → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (toy, vehicle toy). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a collage of several photos with one consistent colour grade. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-01.webp)
- **Stock** — “product flat lay neutral background dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/product-flat-lay-neutral-background-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/product%20flat%20lay%20neutral%20background%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/product%20flat%20lay%20neutral%20background%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: product flat lay neutral background. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Natural, earthy colour grade that sits on #3660a1, #055905, #801e32. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 16:10. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
### Slot 2 · 2. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (art, illustrations). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~8 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-02.webp)
- **Stock** — “minimal store display dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/minimal-store-display-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/minimal%20store%20display%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/minimal%20store%20display%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: minimal store display. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Natural, earthy colour grade that sits on #3660a1, #055905, #801e32. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
### Slot 3 · 4. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (art, illustrations). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~11 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-04.webp)
- **Stock** — “product flat lay neutral background close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/product-flat-lay-neutral-background-close-up-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/product%20flat%20lay%20neutral%20background%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/product%20flat%20lay%20neutral%20background%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: product flat lay neutral background close up. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Natural, earthy colour grade that sits on #3660a1, #055905, #801e32. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
### Slot 4 · 6. Features → photography
- Shopping references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~10 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/melissa-and-doug/s-07.webp)
- **Stock** — “hands opening package close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/hands-opening-package-close-up-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/hands%20opening%20package%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/hands%20opening%20package%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: hands opening package close up. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Natural, earthy colour grade that sits on #3660a1, #055905, #801e32. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
- **No imagery (type-led)** — 3. Features, 5. Features: No imagery needed — type, spacing and colour do the work. If the screenshot shows a background graphic, rebuild it in CSS (gradient, grid, noise) or a short muted video, not a stock photo.
- **Icons** — 7. Footer: Use one open-source icon set at one stroke weight — Lucide, Phosphor or Heroicons (MIT) — tinted with the text or accent token. Social icons: Simple Icons.
### If the screenshots show a different style
Open the refs first and name what you actually see (photo / product UI / illustration / abstract gradient or 3D / type only). If it differs from the guess, switch routes — UI is built in code, type-only needs no image, otherwise:
- **abstract 3D / gradient** — generate `Abstract 3D render: soft, glossy glass-like shapes and a smooth gradient in #055905 and #551133 on a #3660a1 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; natural, earthy tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract dark gradient 3d” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-dark-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: product flat lay neutral background, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #3660a1, #055905, #801e32 plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, natural, earthy mood. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“shopping flat illustration” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/shopping-flat-illustration?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **Licences:** Unsplash and Pexels images are free for commercial use under their own licences; Pixabay under the Pixabay Content License. Check each image's page before use, credit the photographer when asked (good practice anyway), and skip images showing logos, trademarks, branded products or identifiable people without a release.
- **AI generation:** the prompts work with any image model (GPT Image, Imagen, Flux, Midjourney, Firefly, SDXL…) — check its commercial-use terms. Never put the reference brand's name or “in the style of <brand>” in a prompt.
- **Never** download, trace or re-host the reference's own images, illustrations, product shots or logos.
## 7. Build steps
1. Confirm brand, product, audience and the primary action with the user.
2. Set up the tokens (CSS variables / Tailwind @theme) and load the fonts.
3. Build the sections in order, mobile-first, with each reference screenshot open.
4. Write original copy for every slot — match length and tone, never the words.
5. Source every image via the imagery plan (stock or generated); compress it and record credits.
6. Run the checklist at 390 / 768 / 1440px and fix what fails.
## 8. Acceptance checklist
- [ ] Responsive at 390px, 768px and 1440px — no horizontal scroll, tap targets ≥ 44px on mobile.
- [ ] Colour contrast WCAG AA: 4.5:1 body text, 3:1 large text and UI; visible focus states; full keyboard navigation.
- [ ] Semantic HTML: one <h1>, ordered headings, landmarks (header/nav/main/footer), labelled form fields, alt text on meaningful images.
- [ ] Performance: modern image formats with width/height set, lazy-load below the fold, ≤ 2 font families with font-display: swap, LCP < 2.5s.
- [ ] prefers-reduced-motion respected; animations under ~300ms and never blocking content.
- [ ] Originality: no copied logos, images, illustrations or copy from the reference; every image licensed or generated; credits recorded.
## 9. If you use Next.js + Tailwind
Paste the @theme block into globals.css, load fonts with next/font/google, make each section a server component in components/sections/, use next/image with explicit sizes, and keep client components for interactive bits only (menus, toggles, accordions).
---
More: tokens https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/melissa-and-doug/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/melissa-and-doug/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "melissa-and-doug" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "melissa-and-doug" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/melissa-and-doug.
