14islands

14islands, minimalist, minimal

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Editorial Minimal Canvas — Large, impactful typography commands attention against vast, light-gray expanses.

Color palette

neutral
Canvas White
#f2f2f2

Primary page background, neutral surfaces. Provides a clean, bright stage for content.

Deep Graphite
#070707

Primary text, headings, icons, actionable element borders. Serves as the dominant dark element for strong contrast.

Off White
#ffffff

Used sparingly for specific background elements within content areas. Acts as a subtle variation to Canvas White.

Soft Gray Highlight
#a2a2a9

Secondary text, subtle borders, inactive states, and highlights. Offers a toned-down visual alternative to Deep Graphite.

Medium Gray Highlight
#797979

Tertiary text, less prominent information. Provides a slightly darker, more readable alternative to Soft Gray Highlight for smaller text.

Typography

Type scale
display180px · 0.8 · -0.05em
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
heading-lg100px · 1 · -0.04em
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
heading75px · 1 · -0.04em
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
heading-sm27px · 1.3
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
body16px · 1.4
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
caption12px · 1.2
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
AftenScreen
Weights
400
Sizes
27px, 75px, 100px, 180px
Line height
0.8, 1, 1.3
Letter spacing
-0.05em at 180px, -0.04em at 100px
Fallback
Open Sans, Montserrat

Display and large headlines. Its custom, wide letterforms and negative letter-spacing create a distinctive, impactful cadence, making large text feel like design elements themselves.

BentonSans
Weights
400
Sizes
12px, 16px
Line height
1.2, 1.4
Letter spacing
normal
Fallback
Inter, Lato

Body copy, navigation, small headlines, and functional text. A workhorse font that ensures readability without visual fuss, supporting the dramatic headlines.

Spacing & shape

Spacing
Card padding21px
Radius
Default4.16667px

Components

Agency Intro Block
Work Grid — Project Cards
Section Heading — Lovable Products
Text Link - PrimaryInteractive element, navigation links, inline text links

Plain text link in Deep Graphite (#070707) with no background or padding, emphasizing the content's editorial tone. Underline appears on hover/active states, matching text color. Typographic details match BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing.

Text Link - SecondaryInteractive element, secondary navigation links, subtle buttons

Plain text link in Soft Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) with no background or padding. Used for less prominent interactive elements. Typographic details match BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing.

Minimal Button - ActivePrimary action button, selected state button

A button with Deep Graphite (#070707) text and a matching border, without background or padding. Essentially a text link with an implicit clickable area. Typographic details match BentonSans 400.

Minimal Button - Inactive/SecondarySecondary action button, unselected state button

A button with Soft Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) text and a matching border, without background or padding. Used for less emphasized actions. Typographic details match BentonSans 400.

Section HeadingPrimary headings for content sections

Deep Graphite (#070707) text set in AftenScreen 180px, 0.8 line height, and -0.05em letter spacing. The dramatic scale and tight kerning are a signature brand element.

Inline Text HighlightHighlighting specific words or phrases.

A segment of text in Medium Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) within a Deep Graphite (#070707) string, typically using AftenScreen 75px, 1.0 line height, and -0.04em letter spacing. Used for visual variations within display text, like the '&' operator.

Body Text ParagraphStandard body copy for detailed information.

Paragraphs are set in BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing, and Deep Graphite (#070707) color. Clear and legible for extended reading.

Guidelines

Do
  • Prioritize `Canvas White` (`#f2f2f2`) as the main background for content areas and `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) for all primary text, ensuring visual clarity and impact.
  • Use `AftenScreen` at its largest sizes (75px, 100px, 180px) with negative letter-spacing for all hero and section headlines to create dramatic visual tension.
  • Employ `BentonSans` at 16px weight 400 with a 1.4 line height for all body copy and secondary informational text to maintain high readability.
  • Introduce `Soft Gray Highlight` (`#a2a2a9`) for secondary text elements or visual accents, especially for subheadings or subtle distinctions.
  • Apply a consistent `4.16667px` border-radius to all image containers and interactive elements, avoiding sharp corners while still maintaining a structured feel.
  • Maintain generous vertical spacing between sections, using values around `100px` to `108px` to ensure content breathes.
  • Ensure interactive elements (buttons, links) are either `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) or `Soft Gray Highlight` (`#a2a2a9`) with no background, relying on text and subtle borders for indication.
Don’t
  • Avoid using background colors other than `Canvas White` (`#f2f2f2`) or `Off White` (`#ffffff`) for primary content sections.
  • Do not introduce highly saturated or vivid chromatic colors; adhere strictly to the established neutral palette.
  • Refrain from using strong box-shadows or complex elevation effects; the design relies on spacing and typography for hierarchy.
  • Do not deviate from the specified negative letter-spacing for `AftenScreen` headlines, as this is a core part of its visual identity.
  • Avoid pill-shaped or overly rounded elements; the standard `4.16667px` radius should be used consistently.
  • Do not use generic system fonts; always specify `BentonSans` or `AftenScreen` (or their approved substitutes) for all text.
  • Do not add additional padding or background styles to the 'Minimal Button' components; their design is intentionally understated.

About this system

Show

This design system evokes the precision of a high-end editorial layout, prioritizing clear information delivery over decorative elements. The interplay of stark `#070707` text against expansive `#F2F2F2` backgrounds creates a powerful, almost architectural contrast, while the strategic use of `--color-grey-highlight-light` (`#a2a2a9`) provides subtle visual breaks that maintain gravity. Typography drives the aesthetic, with custom fonts `AftenScreen` delivering impactful, tightly kerned headlines and `BentonSans` ensuring legible, understated body copy, resulting in a system that feels both modern and timeless.

Layout

The page primarily uses a full-bleed pattern for its background colors (Canvas White), but content within these sections is constrained to a central max-width viewport (implicitly present, though not explicitly defined by a max-width token). The hero section features a large, centered headline over a dark background section, establishing a strong typographic focal point. Sections are clearly delineated by generous vertical spacing (`100px` to `108px`) and sometimes by subtle background color changes (e.g., `#f2f2f2` to a darker block). Content arrangement frequently uses a text-left, image-right or vice-versa alternating pattern, and showcases work in a clean grid-like structure (e.g., 2-column image grid). The navigation is a minimalist top bar, likely sticky, with spaced-out text links.

Imagery

The site uses a mix of high-quality, professional photography and product screenshots. Photography is typically studio-shot, often with muted backgrounds or a focus on the subject. Images are contained, not full-bleed, usually presented in rectangular frames with a subtle `4.16667px` border-radius. In some cases, illustrations or abstract graphics for product showcases are used, often demonstrating clean lines and a somewhat flat aesthetic. Imagery plays an explanatory and showcase role, breaking up text-heavy sections and visually presenting work examples, maintaining a balanced density between visuals and text.

Reminiscent of AIGA, Work & Company, Büro Union, Sagmeister & Walsh (old site).

# 14islands — Style Reference
> Editorial Minimal Canvas — Large, impactful typography commands attention against vast, light-gray expanses.

**Theme:** light

**Site:** https://14islands.com

This design system evokes the precision of a high-end editorial layout, prioritizing clear information delivery over decorative elements. The interplay of stark `#070707` text against expansive `#F2F2F2` backgrounds creates a powerful, almost architectural contrast, while the strategic use of `--color-grey-highlight-light` (`#a2a2a9`) provides subtle visual breaks that maintain gravity. Typography drives the aesthetic, with custom fonts `AftenScreen` delivering impactful, tightly kerned headlines and `BentonSans` ensuring legible, understated body copy, resulting in a system that feels both modern and timeless.

## Tokens — Colors

| Name | Value | Token | Role |
|------|------|------|------|
| Canvas White | `#f2f2f2` | `--color-canvas-white` | Primary page background, neutral surfaces. Provides a clean, bright stage for content. |
| Deep Graphite | `#070707` | `--color-deep-graphite` | Primary text, headings, icons, actionable element borders. Serves as the dominant dark element for strong contrast. |
| Off White | `#ffffff` | `--color-off-white` | Used sparingly for specific background elements within content areas. Acts as a subtle variation to Canvas White. |
| Soft Gray Highlight | `#a2a2a9` | `--color-soft-gray-highlight` | Secondary text, subtle borders, inactive states, and highlights. Offers a toned-down visual alternative to Deep Graphite. |
| Medium Gray Highlight | `#797979` | `--color-medium-gray-highlight` | Tertiary text, less prominent information. Provides a slightly darker, more readable alternative to Soft Gray Highlight for smaller text. |

## Tokens — Typography

### AftenScreen
- **Substitute:** Open Sans, Montserrat
- **Weights:** 400
- **Sizes:** 27px, 75px, 100px, 180px
- **Line height:** 0.8, 1, 1.3
- **Letter spacing:** -0.05em at 180px, -0.04em at 100px
- **Role:** Display and large headlines. Its custom, wide letterforms and negative letter-spacing create a distinctive, impactful cadence, making large text feel like design elements themselves.

### BentonSans
- **Substitute:** Inter, Lato
- **Weights:** 400
- **Sizes:** 12px, 16px
- **Line height:** 1.2, 1.4
- **Letter spacing:** normal
- **Role:** Body copy, navigation, small headlines, and functional text. A workhorse font that ensures readability without visual fuss, supporting the dramatic headlines.

## Tokens — Type Scale

| Role | Size | Line height | Letter spacing |
|------|------|------|------|
| caption | 12px | 1.2 | — |
| body | 16px | 1.4 | — |
| heading-sm | 27px | 1.3 | — |
| heading | 75px | 1 | -0.04em |
| heading-lg | 100px | 1 | -0.04em |
| display | 180px | 0.8 | -0.05em |

## Tokens — Spacing

- **Card padding:** 21px

## Tokens — Radius

- **Default:** 4.16667px

## Layout

The page primarily uses a full-bleed pattern for its background colors (Canvas White), but content within these sections is constrained to a central max-width viewport (implicitly present, though not explicitly defined by a max-width token). The hero section features a large, centered headline over a dark background section, establishing a strong typographic focal point. Sections are clearly delineated by generous vertical spacing (`100px` to `108px`) and sometimes by subtle background color changes (e.g., `#f2f2f2` to a darker block). Content arrangement frequently uses a text-left, image-right or vice-versa alternating pattern, and showcases work in a clean grid-like structure (e.g., 2-column image grid). The navigation is a minimalist top bar, likely sticky, with spaced-out text links.

## Imagery

The site uses a mix of high-quality, professional photography and product screenshots. Photography is typically studio-shot, often with muted backgrounds or a focus on the subject. Images are contained, not full-bleed, usually presented in rectangular frames with a subtle `4.16667px` border-radius. In some cases, illustrations or abstract graphics for product showcases are used, often demonstrating clean lines and a somewhat flat aesthetic. Imagery plays an explanatory and showcase role, breaking up text-heavy sections and visually presenting work examples, maintaining a balanced density between visuals and text.

## Components

### Agency Intro Block

### Work Grid — Project Cards

### Section Heading — Lovable Products

### Text Link - Primary
*Interactive element, navigation links, inline text links*

Plain text link in Deep Graphite (#070707) with no background or padding, emphasizing the content's editorial tone. Underline appears on hover/active states, matching text color. Typographic details match BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing.

### Text Link - Secondary
*Interactive element, secondary navigation links, subtle buttons*

Plain text link in Soft Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) with no background or padding. Used for less prominent interactive elements. Typographic details match BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing.

### Minimal Button - Active
*Primary action button, selected state button*

A button with Deep Graphite (#070707) text and a matching border, without background or padding. Essentially a text link with an implicit clickable area. Typographic details match BentonSans 400.

### Minimal Button - Inactive/Secondary
*Secondary action button, unselected state button*

A button with Soft Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) text and a matching border, without background or padding. Used for less emphasized actions. Typographic details match BentonSans 400.

### Section Heading
*Primary headings for content sections*

Deep Graphite (#070707) text set in AftenScreen 180px, 0.8 line height, and -0.05em letter spacing. The dramatic scale and tight kerning are a signature brand element.

### Inline Text Highlight
*Highlighting specific words or phrases.*

A segment of text in Medium Gray Highlight (#a2a2a9) within a Deep Graphite (#070707) string, typically using AftenScreen 75px, 1.0 line height, and -0.04em letter spacing. Used for visual variations within display text, like the '&' operator.

### Body Text Paragraph
*Standard body copy for detailed information.*

Paragraphs are set in BentonSans 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing, and Deep Graphite (#070707) color. Clear and legible for extended reading.

## Guidelines

### Do

- Prioritize `Canvas White` (`#f2f2f2`) as the main background for content areas and `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) for all primary text, ensuring visual clarity and impact.
- Use `AftenScreen` at its largest sizes (75px, 100px, 180px) with negative letter-spacing for all hero and section headlines to create dramatic visual tension.
- Employ `BentonSans` at 16px weight 400 with a 1.4 line height for all body copy and secondary informational text to maintain high readability.
- Introduce `Soft Gray Highlight` (`#a2a2a9`) for secondary text elements or visual accents, especially for subheadings or subtle distinctions.
- Apply a consistent `4.16667px` border-radius to all image containers and interactive elements, avoiding sharp corners while still maintaining a structured feel.
- Maintain generous vertical spacing between sections, using values around `100px` to `108px` to ensure content breathes.
- Ensure interactive elements (buttons, links) are either `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) or `Soft Gray Highlight` (`#a2a2a9`) with no background, relying on text and subtle borders for indication.

### Don't

- Avoid using background colors other than `Canvas White` (`#f2f2f2`) or `Off White` (`#ffffff`) for primary content sections.
- Do not introduce highly saturated or vivid chromatic colors; adhere strictly to the established neutral palette.
- Refrain from using strong box-shadows or complex elevation effects; the design relies on spacing and typography for hierarchy.
- Do not deviate from the specified negative letter-spacing for `AftenScreen` headlines, as this is a core part of its visual identity.
- Avoid pill-shaped or overly rounded elements; the standard `4.16667px` radius should be used consistently.
- Do not use generic system fonts; always specify `BentonSans` or `AftenScreen` (or their approved substitutes) for all text.
- Do not add additional padding or background styles to the 'Minimal Button' components; their design is intentionally understated.

## Agent Prompt Guide

### Quick Color Reference
- Text: `#070707`
- Background: `#f2f2f2`
- Secondary Text/Highlight: `#a2a2a9`
- Default Border: `#070707`
- Background Alternative: `#ffffff`

### 3-5 Example Component Prompts
1. **Create a hero section:** Set the background to `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`). Center the text. The main headline is 'Design & Technology', with 'Design' and 'Technology' in `AftenScreen` 180px, `Deep Graphite`, `0.8` line height, and `-0.05em` letter spacing. The '&' symbol should be `Soft Gray Highlight` (`#a2a2a9`), `AftenScreen` 75px, `0.8` line height, and `-0.05em` letter spacing. Below, add a subheadline 'Creative agency' in `BentonSans` 16px, `Soft Gray Highlight`, `1.4` line height, normal letter spacing, aligned center.
2. **Generate a content section with alternating layout:** Set the background to `Canvas White` (`#f2f2f2`). Create two columns. Left column: a `Medium Gray Highlight` (`#797979`) text block in `BentonSans` 16px, 1.4 line height, normal letter spacing, with padding `21px`. Right column: a product screenshot with `4.16667px` border-radius.
3. **Design a call-to-action button:** Create a 'Learn More' button with `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) text on an `rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)` background, and a `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`) border, no padding. The font should be `BentonSans` 16px, 400 weight. Use a focus state with a slightly darker `#070707` border. No border-radius on the element itself, but make sure the content inside respects the overall aesthetic.
4. **Build a navigation bar:** Create a horizontal navigation with `BentonSans` 16px, 400 weight links in `Deep Graphite` (`#070707`). The links should have `normal` letter spacing and no background or padding. Space items with `25px` `margin-right`. Include a logo (text-based '14islands') on the far left, using `BentonSans` 16px at `Deep Graphite`, and 'Contact' on the far right.

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