Preview the prompt +
# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Missive
> Reference: https://missiveapp.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/missive · captured 2026-09-22 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/full.png) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/preview.mp4)
## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Missive — 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 Missive: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Missive'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
- Missive (missiveapp.com): Productivity marketing website, light, serif.
- 11 sections: Hero → Content → Logo cloud → Statement → Features → Statement → Testimonials → Call to action → Footer.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈721px).
- Hero headline: 8 words — short and punchy; keep yours under ~9.
- Type: Tiempos Headline headings over Arial body. Imagery: mostly typography with little or no imagery, some product UI screenshots/mockups.
## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)
### 1. Hero — state what the product is and for whom in one glance, and offer the primary action.
- Layout: headline-led stack: eyebrow → H1 → supporting line → actions, with a visual beside or below. Compact band (208px at 1440), page background; no images (type-led); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Eyebrow / announcement pill (optional); H1 (~8 words, like the reference); Supporting line, 1–2 sentences; Primary action; No image — let type and colour carry it.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Inbox collaboration for teams that run on email”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-01.webp)
### 2. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Half to one screen (646px at 1440), own dark band #050607; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-02.webp) · imagery: slot 1
### 3. Logo cloud — borrow trust from recognisable customers or partners.
- Layout: a single row or wall of monochrome marks with a one-line lead-in. Compact band (292px at 1440), page background; 14 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); no interactive controls.
- Slots: One-line lead-in (e.g. “Trusted by…”); 6–10 monochrome customer/partner marks (your own, with permission).
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “6000+ companies rely on Missive every day”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-03.webp)
### 4. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Half to one screen (703px at 1440), page background; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Heading (~5 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan).
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Email wasn’t designed for teams”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-04.webp)
### 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. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), page background; 6 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~7 words, like the reference); 6 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Enjoy having multiple cooks in the kitchen”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-05.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 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. Tall, ≈1.4 screens (1279px at 1440), own light band #f5f6f6; 3 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~5 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Always know who’s doing what”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 7. 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 (826px at 1440), page background; 10 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 3 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 9 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Make it your own”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-08.webp)
### 8. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. About one full screen (970px at 1440), page background; 1 image/graphic; one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~7 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Not another AI sidebar. A real assistant.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-09.webp)
### 9. Testimonials — let real customers make the case in their own words.
- Layout: quote cards or a featured quote with name, role and avatar. About one full screen (919px at 1440), page background; 17 image elements (icons, logos, product UI — not 17 photos); 7 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Section title; 3 quotes: 1–3 sentences, name, role, company, avatar; Use real customer quotes only.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “We love building for small businesses”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-10.webp) · imagery: slot 2
### 10. Call to action — close the page with one clear next step.
- Layout: short headline + one primary action on a contrasting band. Half to one screen (721px at 1440), own dark band #050607; 10 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 3 buttons (tabs, toggles or per-card actions).
- Slots: Headline (~9 words, like the reference); One sentence of support; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “We live in our inboxes. Let’s make email enjoyable.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-11.webp)
### 11. Footer — navigation, legal and contact — the page's index.
- Layout: multi-column link groups, brand line, legal row. Half to one screen (557px at 1440), own dark band #050607; no images (type-led); 48 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/missive/s-12.webp)
Inner pages also captured (Pricing, Product, Customers, About, Sign up, Blog, Docs, Changelog): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/missive?view=pages
## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#ffffff` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#050607` | body text, headings | 20.3:1 |
| accent | `#2266ed` | primary buttons, links, highlights — sparingly | 5.0:1 |
| surface | `#f5f6f6` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 18.7:1 |
| muted | `#646c76` | secondary text, borders | 5.3:1 |
Captured palette: `#ffffff` `#f5f6f6` `#050607` `#34363a` `#646c76` `#2266ed`. Section bands top→bottom: `#ffffff` → `#050607` → `#f5f6f6`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (light, cool) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.
### Tokens
```css
:root {
--background: #ffffff;
--foreground: #050607;
--accent: #2266ed;
--surface: #f5f6f6;
--muted: #646c76;
--font-heading: "Source Serif 4", ui-serif, Georgia, 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: **Source Serif 4** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Tiempos Headline. “Tiempos Headline” is a licensed face — use Source Serif 4 (or Newsreader) as the free stand-in, or license the original.
- Body: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Arial. “Arial” is likely a custom or licensed face. Inter is a neutral stand-in — pick a closer free match by eye from the screenshot.
- 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.
- The serif headings are central to the tone — keep a serif display face even if you swap the family.
### Spacing & rhythm
Sections run ≈721px tall at 1440 (median; range 208–1700px, 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. The background changes 5 times down the page — use band changes to mark chapters. 8px spacing grid, 1200–1280px max content width, 24px (mobile) / 32–48px (desktop) gutters.
### Shape, depth & theme
Radii and shadows weren't measured. Read exact corner radius, border and shadow treatment from the screenshots. Light-first; for a dark mode use a near-black (not #000) background, ~90% white text, lift surfaces with lightness not shadow, re-check the accent.
## 6. Imagery plan
Measured from 7 section screenshots: mostly **typography with little or no imagery**, some product UI screenshots/mockups (light, cool, Productivity). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.
### Slot 1 · 2. Content → abstract 3D / gradient (uncertain)
- Dark Productivity section with a few graphics — typically abstract 3D/gradient art or a product shot. Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-02.webp)
- **Stock** — “abstract gradient 3d”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-3d?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/abstract%20gradient%203d/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/abstract%20gradient%203d/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Abstract 3D render: soft, matte clay shapes and a smooth gradient in #2266ed and #646c76 on a #ffffff background. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key; cool tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`
### Slot 2 · 5. Features, 6. Features, 9. Testimonials → product UI (uncertain)
- Productivity sections with many image elements — most likely product UI screenshots/mockups plus icons. Count: one consistent treatment across these sections. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-05.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-07.webp) [ref 3](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/missive/s-10.webp)
- **Stock** — “laptop blank screen minimal desk”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/laptop-blank-screen-minimal-desk?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/laptop%20blank%20screen%20minimal%20desk/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/laptop%20blank%20screen%20minimal%20desk/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Product-shot backdrop for a UI screenshot: smooth light gradient from #ffffff to #f5f6f6 with a soft #2266ed glow behind the centre, subtle floor shadow, empty centre area where a screenshot will be placed. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Aspect ratio 4:3. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people. No UI elements.`
- Build the UI itself in HTML/CSS with realistic sample data from YOUR product (or screenshot your real app). Don't generate UI as an image and don't reuse the reference's screenshots. Stock/AI is only for the backdrop or device frame.
- **No imagery (type-led)** — 1. Hero, 4. Statement, 7. Features, 8. Statement, 10. Call to action: 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.
- **Logos** — 3. Logo cloud: Never generate or stock-source logos. Use your real customers'/partners' marks with permission (monochrome, equal height), or neutral wordmark placeholders until you have them. Integration icons: each tool's official brand kit (Simple Icons is a quick start; trademarks still apply).
- **Icons** — 11. 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:
- **photography** — generate `Photograph: abstract gradient mesh. Composition: wide shot, subject off-centre to one side, generous clean negative space for the headline. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Cool colour grade that sits on #ffffff, #2266ed, #f5f6f6. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“abstract gradient mesh” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-mesh?orientation=landscape) (same query works on Pexels/Pixabay)
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: abstract gradient mesh, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #ffffff, #2266ed, #f5f6f6 plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, cool mood. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“technology flat illustration” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/technology-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/missive/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/missive/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "missive" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "missive" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/missive.
