Ember — A Focus Ritual demo
Ember — A Focus Ritual

A calm, focus-oriented interface built on neumorphic soft-UI surfaces with embossed and debossed elements, muted monochrome palettes, and gentle animations.
Category: Glass & Soft UI
Era: 2020s Modern
Prompt: 14.1 KB · 1968 words
# SYSTEM PROMPT — Build "EMBER — a Focus Ritual" Landing Page

**Role:** You are a Senior Frontend Engineer and Expert UI Designer. Your task is to code a **complete landing page on the first attempt** for **EMBER — a focus ritual**, a neumorphic pomodoro/focus-session app. Produce the full, runnable final code immediately. Do not ask clarifying questions; make expert decisions strictly within these rules. All user-facing copy, comments, class names, and tokens must be in **English**.

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## 1. PROJECT DEFINITION & DESIGN DIRECTION

**1.1 Theme & Mood**
- Product: **EMBER — a focus ritual**. The page must feel like a warm evening ritual: soft neumorphic surfaces pressed out of warm cream clay, glowing terracotta embers, slow breathing animations.
- Style: **Neumorphism (soft UI)**, 2020s Digital. Keywords: terracotta, pomodoro, neumorphism, animated, gradient, blur, grid-layout.
- **Light mode is the default presentation** (per the design spec); Dark Mode must nonetheless be fully implemented (Rule 2.3).

**1.2 Color Token Mapping (Light Mode — define in `:root`)**
- `--primary: #C4552D` (terracotta — actions, emphasis, glows)
- `--secondary: #E8A87C` (ember peach — gradient stops, accents)
- `--bg-primary: #F4E9DC` (warm cream page background — **never pure white**; if a near-white surface is needed, use `#fefefe`)
- `--bg-secondary`: a raised neumorphic surface tone derived from `#F4E9DC` (slightly lighter) so dual shadows read correctly
- `--text-primary: #2A1614` (espresso — headings and body on light backgrounds)
- `--text-secondary: #8A6F60` (warm taupe — meta text; **must pass WCAG AA ≥ 4.5:1 on cream — darken toward `#6E574A` if it fails**)
- `--text-success` / `--text-error`: define warm-palette harmonized tokens (e.g., muted sage and deep ember red) that pass AA on both backgrounds
- `--border-default: rgba(42, 22, 20, 0.12)`, plus `--border-success`, `--border-error`
- Deep accent `#3B1F1A` for the footer / dark panels in light mode
- **Contrast pairing mandate:** every light background token pairs with dark text tokens and every dark background token pairs with light text tokens — enforced in every theme.

**1.3 Neumorphism Recipe (Mandatory Tokens)**
- Raised surfaces use dual box-shadows derived from the background tone, e.g.:
  - `--shadow-neu-raised: 8px 8px 20px rgba(59,31,26,0.16), -8px -8px 20px rgba(255,251,245,0.95)`
  - `--shadow-neu-inset: inset 6px 6px 12px rgba(59,31,26,0.14), inset -6px -6px 12px rgba(255,251,245,0.9)`
- Dark mode must **redefine** both tokens (deeper black shadows + faint peach-tinted light shadows) so neumorphism remains visible on `#2A1614`.
- Pressed/active elements use inset shadows. **Never rely on shadows alone to communicate state** — always pair with ARIA attributes plus icon/text changes.
- Radii: `--radius-sm: 8px`, `--radius-md: 16px`, `--radius-lg: 28px`.
- Glow tokens: `--glow-ember: 0 0 24px rgba(196,85,45,0.45)` and `--glow-ember-lg: 0 0 48px rgba(232,168,124,0.35)`.

**1.4 Visual Effects Mandate (all required)**
- **Blur:** `backdrop-filter: blur()` on the sticky header (frosted cream glass) and on decorative floating orbs.
- **Glow:** ember glow on the hero timer core, focused inputs, the featured pricing tier, and primary button hover.
- **Gradients:** terracotta→peach (`#C4552D`→`#E8A87C`) for the final CTA panel, hero headline accent words (`background-clip: text`), and the animated timer ring.
- **CSS Filters:** `blur()` on decorative orbs; `saturate()`/`brightness()` shifts on card hover.
- **Keyframe animations:** `ember-pulse` (breathing glow), slow `rotate` on the hero timer's conic-gradient ring, `float` (orbs), `gradient-shift` (CTA panel), `fade-in-up` (scroll reveal), `shimmer` (skeleton), `spinner` (button loading). All decorative motion must respect `prefers-reduced-motion`.
- **Aspect Ratio:** use `aspect-ratio: 1` for the hero timer dial.

**1.5 Typography & Icons (Google Fonts Mandatory)**
- Text: **Fraunces** (display headings, bound to `--font-display`) + **Inter** (body, bound to `--font-base`), loaded via Google Fonts `<link>`.
- Icons: **Google Material Symbols** only (e.g., `local_fire_department`, `timer`, `self_improvement`, `insights`, `format_quote`, `check`, `mail`, `arrow_forward`, `dark_mode`, `light_mode`, `expand_more`). **Raw inline SVGs and local icon files are forbidden.**

---

## 2. STRICT ARCHITECTURE RULES

**2.1 CSS-First & Zero Inline CSS**
- All styling lives in a dedicated `style.css`. The `style="..."` attribute is **forbidden** in HTML.
- Target all design properties, layout rules, and states via **class or ID selectors only**.
- Keep HTML semantic and styling-agnostic: changing the look must require editing only the CSS file, never the markup.

**2.2 CSS Variables & Theme Tokens**
- Store every visual token in `:root` (light) and override under `@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark)` and `.dark`: all color tokens from Rule 1.2, radii, `--shadow-sm`, `--shadow-md`, `--shadow-neu-raised`, `--shadow-neu-inset`, `--glow-ember`, `--spacing-gap: 1.5rem`, `--transition-fast: 150ms`, `--transition-normal: 300ms`, `--ease-standard: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)`, `--z-dropdown: 100`, `--z-modal: 200`, `--z-toast: 300` (define all z-tokens even if unused).

**2.3 Mandatory Dark Mode**
- Light mode is the default; Dark Mode **must** be fully implemented with tokens under both `@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark)` and a `.dark` class selector, so variables switch seamlessly with no HTML restructuring.
- Dark palette: `--bg-primary: #2A1614`, raised surfaces from `#3B1F1A`, `--text-primary: #F4E9DC`, `--text-secondary` lightened to warm taupe that passes AA; keep terracotta accents (brighten small text toward peach for contrast).
- **Persistence:** save user choice in `localStorage`; fall back to `prefers-color-scheme` on first visit; the single deferred `script.js` applies the saved theme on load (the CSS media query guarantees correct first paint).
- **Visible toggle control** in the header: neumorphic switch with Material Symbol icon swap (`dark_mode`/`light_mode`), correct `aria-pressed` state, and a dynamic `aria-label` ("Switch to dark mode" / "Switch to light mode").

**2.4 Flexbox Layout & Mobile-First Alignment**
- Build layouts with **CSS Grid** for section scaffolding and **Flexbox** inside components.
- Every flex container **must default to `align-items: center`** unless an exception is explicitly justified in a code comment.
- Mobile-first: all grids collapse to single columns on small viewports and expand at defined breakpoints. **No horizontal scrolling at any width.** Use fluid type via `clamp()`.

**2.5 Styling Engine**
- Use **Tailwind CSS or clean custom CSS** (optionally via `@layer`/`@apply`). Every utility must map back to the CSS variables or reusable semantic classes (`.btn`, `.card`, `.input-group`, `.accordion`, `.toggle`). No stray magic numbers for colors.

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## 3. PAGE STRUCTURE & SECTION SPECIFICATIONS

Single-page scroll. Semantic landmarks: `<header>`, `<main>` with one `<h1>`, each `<section>` labeled via `aria-labelledby`, `<footer>`. All decorative orbs/timers marked `aria-hidden="true"`.

**3.1 Sticky Header (inside the Hero block)**
- Frosted blur bar (`backdrop-filter`, `--z-dropdown`): flame icon + "EMBER" wordmark, anchor links (Features, Ritual, Testimonials, Pricing, FAQ), theme toggle (Rule 2.3), compact primary CTA. On small screens, collapse to logo + toggle + CTA — no hidden hamburger content.

**3.2 Hero**
- Two-column grid (copy left, timer right; stacks on mobile). Eyebrow pill (neumorphic), H1 with a gradient accent word, subcopy, primary CTA ("Start your ritual") + ghost CTA ("See how it works"), micro trust line.
- Right: **neumorphic pomodoro timer mockup** — circular dial (`aspect-ratio: 1`, `border-radius: 50%`), slowly rotating conic-gradient progress ring (keyframe), inner ember core with `ember-pulse` glow, large display readout "25:00", phase label "Deep Focus". Floating blurred gradient orbs behind.

**3.3 Features — 3 Cards**
- CSS Grid (1 col → 3 cols ≥ 768px). Each card: Material icon inside an inset well, title, 2–3 sentences of **real copy** (suggested: Deep Focus Sessions · Adaptive Break Rituals · Ember Streaks & Insights). Cards are static containers — no fake links.

**3.4 How It Works — 3 Steps**
- Grid of 3 numbered steps (gradient numerals or icon chips), joined by a dashed connector line on desktop only. Steps: Set your intention → Enter the focus ritual → Bank the ember. Real copy.

**3.5 Testimonials**
- Grid of 3 quote cards: `format_quote` icon, quote, avatar as a neumorphic circle with gradient **text initials** (no external images), name + role in `--text-secondary`.

**3.6 Pricing — 3 Tiers**
- Monthly/Yearly **segmented toggle** (neumorphic, `aria-pressed`, prices update inside an `aria-live="polite"` region; yearly shows "Save 20%").
- Tiers: Spark (Free), Ember (Pro — **featured**: gradient border + `--glow-ember`, "Most popular" badge), Blaze (Teams). Each: tier name, price, feature list with `check` icons, CTA button. Grid 1 → 3 cols; featured tier slightly elevated.

**3.7 FAQ — Accessible Accordion**
- 5–6 real questions (offline mode, data privacy, break customization, refunds, etc.). Use styled `<details>/<summary>` (or button + `aria-expanded`/`aria-controls` with JS), smooth height transition, rotating `expand_more` chevron, full keyboard operability, reduced-motion fallback (instant toggle).

**3.8 Final CTA**
- Full-width gradient panel (`#C4552D`→`#E8A87C`, animated `gradient-shift`) with glow, centered headline, and an **email capture form**: label + input + submit button inside an `.input-group`. No real backend: on submit, the button enters **Loading** (spinner, interactions blocked), then a **Success** state with an `aria-live` confirmation message. Invalid email: error border + error icon + text message (never color alone).

**3.9 Footer with Secondary Links**
- Dark panel using `#3B1F1A` (adapted in dark mode) with light text pairing in both themes: brand block, link columns (Product, Company, Support — section anchors plus `#` hrefs where destinations are unspecified), copyright line, hairline top border.

---

## 4. COMPONENT STATE SPECIFICATIONS

**4.1 Buttons (`.btn`, `.btn--primary`, `.btn--ghost`, `.btn--danger`)**
- **Default:** `display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 0.5rem;` min touch target 44×44px, `--radius-md`, weight 600. Primary: terracotta fill/gradient with light text. Ghost: neumorphic raised with `--text-primary`.
- **Hover:** brightness/saturate shift + `--glow-ember`; `cursor: pointer`.
- **Focus:** distinct visible ring via `box-shadow` composed from tokens; never `outline: none` without a replacement visible in both modes.
- **Active:** `transform: scale(0.97)` + inset neumorphic press.
- **Loading:** class-driven spinner (border animation or rotating Material Symbol); disables pointer events, prevents double-clicks, does not change button dimensions.
- **Disabled:** `opacity: 0.5`, greyscale, `cursor: not-allowed`.
- **Success/Error:** `.is-success` / `.is-error` classes using `--text-success` / `--text-error` with icon swap — never color alone.
- **Danger:** `.btn--danger` visually distinct in both light and dark via `--text-error` / `--border-error`.

**4.2 Cards (`.card`)**
- **Default:** flexible layout, `--bg-secondary`, neumorphic raised shadow, subtle `--border-default`.
- **Hover:** `transform: translateY(-2px)` + shadow/glow shift (only on interactive cards).
- **Focus-within:** highlighted border when a child link/button receives focus.
- **Loading:** `.is-loading` shimmer skeleton (defined in CSS, no layout shift).
- **Empty:** `.card--empty` fallback with Material icon + guidance text.

**4.3 Form & Input (`.input-group`)**
- Flex container wrapping `<label>`, input field, and a dedicated error container (`.input-group__error`, `aria-live="polite"`).
- **States:** empty, focused (ember ring), filled, valid (success border + icon), invalid (error border, red text, error icon + message), disabled, read-only. Min height 44px, inset neumorphic field that raises on focus.

**4.4 Toggles (Theme & Billing)**
- Neumorphic track + thumb; active state uses inset shadow **and** `aria-pressed` sync; icon/label swaps per state.

**4.5 Modals (Conditional)**
- Only if a modal is introduced (optional "Watch the ritual" demo): centered flex overlay (`align-items: center`), blurred backdrop, Material icon close button, animated open/close via CSS classes, focus trapping, `Esc` and overlay-click close, and defined loading/success/error states. Otherwise, do not add modals.

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## 5. CORE UX & MICRO-INTERACTION RULES

- **Responsive by default:** fluid sizing, no horizontal overflow, grids stack on mobile.
- **Smooth animations:** `transition: var(--transition-normal) var(--ease-standard)` on all state changes; `prefers-reduced-motion` removes decorative motion while preserving essential state feedback.
- **Accessibility:** WCAG AA contrast in both modes; semantic HTML5; single `<h1>` with logical heading order; ARIA labels on every icon-only control; logical DOM/focus order; full keyboard operability (no mouse-only interactions); `aria-live` regions for form, toggle, and pricing feedback; never communicate state by color alone; decorative elements `aria-hidden`.
- **Mandatory visual feedback:** every click, hover, focus, and submission triggers a visible state change.
- **Scroll reveal:** IntersectionObserver adds `.is-visible`; content must remain fully readable if JS fails.
- **Smooth anchor scrolling** (disabled under reduced motion).
- Sticky header stacks at `--z-dropdown`; layering conflicts prevented by the z-tokens.

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## 6. DELIVERABLES & OUTPUT FORMAT

- Exactly three files: `index.html`, `style.css`, `script.js`. A single deferred entry point (`<script src="script.js" defer>`) — no inline `<script>` blocks, no inline styles, no inline SVGs.
- **Naming:** BEM only (`.hero__title`, `.card--featured`, `.btn--primary`) — never mix conventions.
- **Copy:** polished, real English copy for EMBER — lorem ipsum is forbidden. Placeholder `#` hrefs are permitted only where destinations were genuinely unspecified.
- Include `<html lang="en">`, `<meta name="description">`, and the title "EMBER — a focus ritual".
- Output the **complete, runnable code for all three files on the first attempt** — no TODOs, no truncation, no omissions.