Shortwave — Automate your email with AI

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

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

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Shortwave — 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 Shortwave: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Shortwave'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
- Shortwave (shortwave.com): Productivity marketing website, light, colorful.
- 23 sections: Call to action → Logo cloud → Features → Content → Features → Content.
- Spacing: short, dense bands (median section ≈224px).
- Type: Poppins headings over Times body. Imagery: mostly product UI screenshots/mockups, some photography.

## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)

### 1. 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 (731px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 2 image/graphics; inline form (1 field, e.g. email capture), primary + secondary button.
- Slots: Headline (~5 words, like the reference); One sentence of support; Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Automate your email with AI”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-01.webp) · imagery: slot 1

### 2. 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 (326px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 10 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).
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-02.webp)

### 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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Organize your inbox”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 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. Compact band (267px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; 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): “Integrate with your favorite tools”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-04.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Filter emails with AI”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Write & enhance emails”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-06.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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; 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): “Search — and find answers”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 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): “Autocomplete intelligently”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Schedule with ease”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-09.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 10. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 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): “Split your inbox”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-10.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 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. Compact band (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~4 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Bulk triage with bundles”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-11.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 12. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 2 image/graphics; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~5 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Turn your emails into todos”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-12.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 13. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~6 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Make emails arrive on your schedule”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-13.webp) · imagery: slot 2

### 14. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~6 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “See when people read your emails”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-14.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 15. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Unleash your keyboard”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-15.webp) · imagery: slot 4

### 16. 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 (224px at 1440), own dark band #0f0f16; 1 image/graphic; no interactive controls.
- Slots: Section title (~6 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Share live threads with your team”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-16.webp) · imagery: slot 2
…and 7 more at https://uidiscovery.com/sites/shortwave.
Inner pages also captured (Pricing, About, Blog, Changelog, Security): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/shortwave?view=pages

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#a1a1a1` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#ffffff` | body text, headings | 2.6:1 ⚠ below AA — adjust |
| accent | `#356aff` | primary buttons, links, highlights — sparingly | 1.7:1 ⚠ not for text; use as a fill with #ffffff text (4.5:1) |
| surface | `#6593ff` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 2.9:1 |
| muted | `#dedede` | secondary text, borders | 1.9:1 — borders / large text only |

Captured palette: `#a1a1a1` `#ffffff` `#dedede` `#356aff` `#6593ff`. 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: #a1a1a1;
  --foreground: #ffffff;
  --accent: #356aff;
  --surface: #6593ff;
  --muted: #dedede;
  --font-heading: "Poppins", 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: **Poppins** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Poppins. Free to use — load it directly.
- Body: **Inter** (Google Fonts) — reference uses Times. Capture reported the browser default (Times), which usually means the web font did not load during capture. Identify the real face from the screenshot; Inter is a safe neutral start.
- 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 ≈224px tall at 1440 (median; range 224–995px, captures cap at 1700px) — short, dense bands. Start with 64–80px 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. 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

Best guess: mostly **product UI screenshots/mockups**, some photography (light, cool, Productivity). Inferred from element counts, colours and industry — not from the pixels — so open the linked screenshots and match the real style before sourcing anything.

### Slot 1 · 1. Call to action → 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: 21:9 (background). Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-01.webp)
- **Stock** — “abstract gradient 3d”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/abstract-gradient-3d?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/abstract%20gradient%203d/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/abstract%20gradient%203d/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Abstract 3D render: soft, matte clay shapes and a smooth gradient in #356aff and #dedede on a #a1a1a1 background. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key; cool tone. Minimal and calm, generous negative space on one side for text. Aspect ratio 21:9. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

### Slot 2 · 3. Features, 4. Features, 5. Features, 6. Features, 7. Features, 8. Features, 9. Features, 10. Features, 11. Features, 12. Features, 13. Features, 16. Features → 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/shortwave/s-03.webp) [ref 2](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-04.webp) [ref 3](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-05.webp) [ref 4](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-06.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 #a1a1a1 to #6593ff with a soft #356aff 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.

### Slot 3 · 14. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (people, adult). (measured from the screenshot) Count: 1. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-14.webp)
- **Stock** — “3d glass shapes render wide shot”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/3d-glass-shapes-render-wide-shot?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/3d%20glass%20shapes%20render%20wide%20shot/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/3d%20glass%20shapes%20render%20wide%20shot/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: 3d glass shapes render wide shot. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Cool colour grade that sits on #0f0f16, #356aff, #6593ff. 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 · 15. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (computer keyboard). (measured from the screenshot) Count: 1. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/shortwave/s-15.webp)
- **Stock** — “minimal desk with laptop wide shot”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/minimal-desk-with-laptop-wide-shot?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/minimal%20desk%20with%20laptop%20wide%20shot/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/minimal%20desk%20with%20laptop%20wide%20shot/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: minimal desk with laptop wide shot. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: soft natural daylight, airy and high-key. Cool colour grade that sits on #0f0f16, #356aff, #6593ff. 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.`

- **Logos** — 2. 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).

### 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 #0f0f16, #356aff, #6593ff 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/shortwave/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/shortwave/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "shortwave" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "shortwave" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/shortwave.