Sittercity — Find Local Child Care, Senior Care, & Pet Care

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

> Reference: https://www.sittercity.com · UIDiscovery: https://uidiscovery.com/sites/sittercity · captured 2026-09-23 at a 1440px desktop viewport (+ 390px iPhone shots) · [full page](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/full.webp) · [scroll video](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/preview.mp4)

## 1. Goal
Build an original marketing website for **[the user's brand]** that feels as considered as Sittercity — 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 Sittercity: structure, rhythm, hierarchy, palette mood and type pairing.
- Never reuse Sittercity'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
- Sittercity (sittercity.com): Education marketing website, dark.
- 9 sections: Logo cloud → Features → How it works → Features → Content → Statement → Footer.
- Spacing: short, dense bands (median section ≈356px).
- Type: one family (Graphik). Imagery: mostly typography with little or no imagery, some photography.

## 4. Page structure (top to bottom)

### 1. 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 (320px at 1440), page background; 5 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/sittercity/s-01.webp)

### 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 (440px at 1440), page background; 24 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); no interactive controls; 4 headings → ~3 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~8 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Sitters with the experience & skills you need”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/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 (294px at 1440), page background; 4 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 4 text links instead of buttons; 4 headings → ~3 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~3 words, like the reference); 3 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Babysitter”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-03.webp) · imagery: slot 1

### 4. How it works — show the path from sign-up to value as numbered steps.
- Layout: numbered steps in a row or vertical timeline. Half to one screen (542px at 1440), own light band #dff2ff; 5 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); one primary button.
- Slots: Section title (~7 words, like the reference); 5 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “How it works: Sitters come to you”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/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 (231px at 1440), page background; 2 image/graphics; one primary button.
- Slots: Section title (~7 words, like the reference); 2 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; One primary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Have Bright Horizons benefits? Sittercity is included.”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-05.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. Half to one screen (752px at 1440), page background; 16 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 1 text link instead of buttons; 6 headings → ~5 items under a title.
- Slots: Section title (~7 words, like the reference); 5 items: icon or visual + short title + 1–2 line description; Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “A proven network of reliable, trustworthy care”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-06.webp)

### 7. Content — supporting content that deepens one idea.
- Layout: text + media block. Compact band (356px at 1440), page background; 40 image elements (photo collage/gallery + small graphics); 21 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Heading (~8 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Text link action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Trusted by families in 96% of US neighborhoods”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-07.webp) · imagery: slot 3

### 8. Statement — a large-type moment that sets tone and pace.
- Layout: oversized typography with lots of space. Compact band (298px at 1440), own light band #ffede4; 3 image/graphics; primary + secondary button.
- Slots: Heading (~9 words, like the reference); Body copy; Supporting visual (see image plan); Primary + secondary action.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Find the care you need from someone you trust”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-08.webp)

### 9. Footer — navigation, legal and contact — the page's index.
- Layout: multi-column link groups, brand line, legal row. Half to one screen (584px at 1440), page background; 4 images/icons (a set of cards or a small gallery); 35 links (link lists / navigation).
- Slots: Brand mark + one-line description; 3–5 link columns; Newsletter or contact (optional); Legal row + social icons.
- Topic (tone/length only — never reuse): “Parenting Articles”
- [Screenshot](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-09.webp)

Inner pages also captured (About, Log in, Careers, Contact, Security): https://uidiscovery.com/sites/sittercity?view=pages

## 5. Design system
### Colour
| Role | Hex | Use | Contrast on background |
|---|---|---|---|
| background | `#282930` | page background | — |
| foreground | `#ffffff` | body text, headings | 14.5:1 |
| accent | `#99005c` | primary buttons, links, highlights — sparingly | 1.7:1 ⚠ not for text; use as a fill with #ffffff text (8.4:1) |
| surface | `#05070f` | cards, inputs, alternate bands | text on it 20.1:1 |
| muted | `#dff2ff` | secondary text, borders | 12.6:1 |

Captured palette: `#282930` `#05070f` `#99005c` `#ffffff` `#dff2ff` `#ffede4`. Section bands top→bottom: `#dff2ff` → `#ffede4`. Roles are assigned automatically — sanity-check them against the screenshot. Keep the palette's *mood* (dark, warm) and proportions; swap the accent for the user's brand colour.

### Tokens
```css
:root {
  --background: #282930;
  --foreground: #ffffff;
  --accent: #99005c;
  --surface: #05070f;
  --muted: #dff2ff;
  --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 Graphik. “Graphik” is a licensed face — use Inter (or Hanken Grotesk) 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(2.5rem, 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 ≈356px tall at 1440 (median; range 231–752px, 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
Radii and shadows weren't measured. 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 **typography with little or no imagery**, some photography (dark, warm, Education). Still glance at the linked screenshots to match the exact mood.

### Slot 1 · 3. Features → photography
- Photography, seen in the capture (art, illustrations). (measured from the screenshot) Count: a set of ~4 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-03.webp)
- **Stock** — “library bookshelf light dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/library-bookshelf-light-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/library%20bookshelf%20light%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/library%20bookshelf%20light%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: library bookshelf light. Composition: tight crop, identical framing and background across the whole set. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Warm colour grade that sits on #282930, #99005c, #05070f. 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 2 · 4. How it works → photography
- Education references lean on photography. Count: a set of ~5 in one consistent style. Aspect: 4:3. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-04.webp)
- **Stock** — “students studying together close up dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/students-studying-together-close-up-dark?orientation=landscape) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/students%20studying%20together%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=landscape) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/students%20studying%20together%20close%20up%20dark/?orientation=horizontal)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: students studying together close up. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Warm colour grade that sits on #dff2ff, #99005c, #05070f. 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 · 7. Content → photography (uncertain)
- Education references lean on photography; 40 elements suggests icons/thumbnails mixed in. Count: a collage of several photos with one consistent colour grade. Aspect: 4:5. Look first: [ref 1](https://uidiscovery.com/media/captures/sittercity/s-07.webp)
- **Stock** — “students studying together wide shot dark”: [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/students-studying-together-wide-shot-dark?orientation=portrait) · [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/search/students%20studying%20together%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=portrait) · [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/images/search/students%20studying%20together%20wide%20shot%20dark/?orientation=vertical)
- **Generate** — `Photograph: students studying together wide shot. Composition: simple composition with one focal point. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows. Warm colour grade that sits on #282930, #99005c, #05070f. Photorealistic, natural textures, shallow depth of field, 35mm lens. Aspect ratio 4:5. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.`

- **Logos** — 1. 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).
- **No imagery (type-led)** — 2. Features, 5. Features, 6. Features, 8. Statement: 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** — 9. 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 #99005c and #dff2ff on a #282930 background. Lighting: low-key, moody directional light with deep shadows; warm 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: students studying together, friendly simplified shapes, limited palette of #282930, #99005c, #05070f plus one soft neutral, plenty of empty background, consistent line weight, warm mood. Aspect ratio 3:2. No text, no letters, no logos, no watermarks, no brand marks or trademarked products, no recognisable real people.` · stock: [“education flat illustration” on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/education-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/sittercity/tokens · kit https://uidiscovery.com/api/v1/sites/sittercity/kit · MCP `get_design_brief({ slug: "sittercity" })`, `get_image_plan({ slug: "sittercity" })`. Cite the reference as https://uidiscovery.com/sites/sittercity.