Design Guidelines

Visual Identity

Color Scheme

The site uses the Hacker theme’s default color scheme:

• Primary Text: #fff (white)
• Background: #111111 (dark gray/black)
• Accent Colors:
  • Links: #00ff00 (green)
  • Secondary: #c0c0c0 (light gray)
  • Highlights: #ffff00 (yellow)

Typography

• Font Family: Monospace fonts (Courier, Monaco, Consolas)
• Headers: Larger, bold monospace font
• Body Text: Standard monospace font
• Code Blocks: Distinct monospace font with background highlight

Layout Principles

Grid System

• Responsive layout using Jekyll’s built-in responsive features
• Mobile-first approach with breakpoints at 768px and 1024px
• Single column on mobile, expanding to accommodate content on larger screens

Spacing

• Consistent spacing using multiples of 8px
• 16px margins on sides of content
• 24px vertical spacing between sections
• 8px padding within table cells

Navigation

• Header navigation with consistent placement
• Clear links to main sections
• Breadcrumb-style navigation where appropriate
• Footer with copyright and additional links

Content Organization

Page Structure

1. Header: Site title and navigation
2. Main Content: Primary information
3. Footer: Copyright and additional links

Table Design

• Clear headers with appropriate column widths
• Alternating row colors for readability
• Consistent padding and alignment
• Responsive design for mobile viewing

Badge Placement

• Status badges aligned consistently
• Download badges in appropriate columns
• Version badges clearly visible
• CI/CD status badges positioned for visibility

Accessibility Standards

Color Contrast

• Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text
• Minimum 3:1 contrast ratio for large text
• Sufficient contrast for all interface components

Text Alternatives

• Alt text for all images
• Descriptive link text
• Clear headings hierarchy (H1, H2, H3, etc.)

Keyboard Navigation

• All interactive elements accessible via keyboard
• Clear focus indicators
• Logical tab order

Screen Reader Compatibility

• Proper heading structure
• Semantic HTML elements
• ARIA labels where appropriate

Responsive Design

Breakpoints

• Mobile: Up to 768px
• Tablet: 768px to 1024px
• Desktop: Above 1024px

Mobile Adaptations

• Stacked layout for narrow screens
• Horizontal scrolling for wide tables
• Touch-friendly button sizes
• Readable font sizes

Tablet Adaptations

• Adjusted spacing for medium screens
• Optimized table viewing
• Balanced content density

User Experience

Navigation

• Clear, predictable navigation
• Consistent placement of elements
• Breadcrumbs for deeper pages
• Search functionality (if implemented)

Loading Performance

• Optimized images and assets
• Minimal external dependencies
• Efficient Jekyll templates

Error Handling

• Clear 404 page with navigation options
• Helpful error messages
• Links back to main content

Branding Guidelines

Logo Usage

• If a logo exists, maintain consistent sizing and placement
• Ensure proper contrast against backgrounds
• Maintain minimum clear space around logos

Typography Standards

• Consistent use of monospace fonts
• Proper sizing hierarchy
• Emphasis through weight rather than color when possible

Component Design

Buttons

• Consistent styling with theme
• Clear hover and active states
• Accessible color contrast
• Appropriate sizing for touch targets

Forms

• Consistent styling (if forms exist)
• Clear labeling
• Proper spacing
• Accessible inputs

Cards/Containers

• Consistent border and shadow styles
• Appropriate padding
• Clear visual hierarchy
• Responsive behavior

Design Evolution

Consistency

• Maintain visual consistency across all pages
• Follow established patterns
• Document new patterns for future use

Innovation

• Carefully consider new design elements
• Test with users when possible
• Maintain backward compatibility
• Ensure changes align with overall aesthetic