Playdate — It’s yellow

# Build brief — an original marketing website in the taste of Playdate

> Reference: https://play.date · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/playdate · captured 2026-09-22 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/full.png) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/preview.mp4)

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Playdate — 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 Playdate: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Playdate'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
- Playdate (play.date): Technology marketing website, dark.
- 12 sections: Hero → Features → Content → Call to action → Showcase → Features → Content → Features → Call to action.
- Spacing: about a screen per idea (median section ≈740px).
- Hero headline: 1 words — short and punchy; keep yours under ~9.
- Type: one family (Roobert). Imagery: mostly typography with little or no imagery, some photography.

## 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. Tall, ≈1.8 screens (1664px at 1440), page background; 1 image/graphic; 2 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Eyebrow / announcement pill (optional); H1 (~3 words, like the reference); Supporting line, 1–2 sentences; Text link action; Hero visual (see image plan).
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Playdate®”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/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. Half to one screen (423px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “The System.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/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. Tall, ≈1.4 screens (1269px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; 1 text link instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “The Design.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 4. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Tall, ≈1.9 screens (1700px at 1440), page background; no images (type-led); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading (~3 words, like the reference); Body copy; One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “The Season.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-04.webp)

### 5. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Compact band (136px at 1440), page background; no images (type-led); one primary button.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; One primary action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-05.webp)

### 6. 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 (419px at 1440), own dark band #030101; no images (type-led); 3 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Headline (~3 words, like the reference); One sentence of support; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Catalog”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-06.webp)

### 7. Showcase — show the product (or the result) itself as proof.
- Layout: a large framed visual with a short caption or heading. Compact band (356px at 1440), own dark band #030101; no images (type-led); 1 text link instead of buttons.
- Slots: Heading; Body copy; Text link action.
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 8. 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 (740px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; 2 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Your games?”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-08.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 9. 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 (824px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; 2 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Big Screen Optional.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-09.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 10. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. About one full screen (881px at 1440), page background; no images (type-led); 2 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Heading (~3 words, like the reference); Body copy; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Playdate for Education”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-10.webp)

### 11. 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 (506px at 1440), own dark band #030000; 2 image/graphics; 1 text link instead of buttons.
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “All for just $229.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-11.webp) · imagery: slot 4

### 12. 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 (460px at 1440), own dark band #030000; 4 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 2 text links instead of buttons.
- Slots: Headline (~3 words, like the reference); One sentence of support; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “AND Playdate Cover”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-12.webp) · imagery: slot 1

Inner pages also captured (About, Sign up, Log in, Docs, Shop): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/playdate?view=pages

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#030001` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#030101` | body text, headings | 1.0:1 ⚠ below AA — adjust |
| accent | `#030101` | none captured — monochrome. Primary buttons invert (foreground fill, background text); add your brand colour only for small highlights | — |
| surface | `#030000` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 1.0:1 |
| muted | `#030101` | secondary text, borders | 1.0:1 — borders / large text only |

Captured palette: `#030001` `#030101` `#030000`. Section bands top→bottom: `#030001` → `#030101` → `#030000`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, neutral, desaturated) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.

### Tokens
```css
:root {
  --background: #030001;
  --foreground: #030101;
  --accent: #030101;
  --surface: #030000;
  --muted: #030101;
  --font-heading: "Manrope", ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
  --font-body: "Manrope", 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: **Manrope** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Roobert. “Roobert” is a licensed face — use Manrope (or Figtree) as the free stand-in, or license the original.
- 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(2.75rem, 6vw, 5rem), 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 ≈740px tall at 1440 (median; range 136–1700px, 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 3 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
On dark, separate layers with 1px borders at ~8–12% white and soft glows instead of drop shadows. 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 6 section screenshots: mostly **typography with little or no imagery**, some photography (dark, neutral, desaturated, Technology). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.

### Slot 1 · 1. Hero, 12. Call to action → abstract 3D / gradient (uncertain)
- Dark Technology section with a few graphics — typically abstract 3D/gradient art or a product shot. Count: one consistent treatment across these sections. Aspect: 16:9 full-bleed (or 21:9). Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-01.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-12.webp)
- **Stock** — “abstract dark gradient 3d”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-dark-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/abstract%20dark%20gradient%203d/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/abstract%20dark%20gradient%203d/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Abstract 3D render: soft, glossy glass-like shapes and a smooth gradient in #030101 and #030000 on a #030001 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; neutral, desaturated tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 16:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 2 · 2. Features, 3. Features, 8. Features, 9. Features → product UI (uncertain)
- Technology 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/playdate/s-02.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-03.webp) [ref 3](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-08.webp) [ref 4](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-09.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 dark gradient from #030001 to #030000 with a soft #030101 glow behind the centre, subtle floor shadow, empty centre area where a screenshot will be placed. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. 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.

### Slot 3 · 7. Showcase → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (art, illustrations, decoration). (measured from the screenshot) Count: 1. Aspect: 16:10. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-07.webp)
- **Stock** — “abstract gradient mesh wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-mesh-wide-shot-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/abstract%20gradient%20mesh%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/abstract%20gradient%20mesh%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: abstract gradient mesh wide shot. Composition: centred subject with even space around it. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #030101, #030000. 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 4 · 11. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (art, illustrations). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~2 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/playdate/s-11.webp)
- **Stock** — “3d glass shapes render wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/3d-glass-shapes-render-wide-shot-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/3d%20glass%20shapes%20render%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/3d%20glass%20shapes%20render%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: 3d glass shapes render wide shot. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Neutral, desaturated colour grade that sits on #030000, #030101. 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)** — 4. Content, 5. Content, 6. Call to action, 10. Content: 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.

### 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:
- **illustration** — generate `Flat vector illustration: abstract gradient mesh, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #030001, #030101, #030000 plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, neutral, desaturated mood. Aspect ratio 16:9. 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).

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More: tokens https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/playdate/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/playdate/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "playdate" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "playdate" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/playdate.