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Learning Design Solutions Landing Page

Overview

This is a distinctive Bootstrap-based landing page for Learning Design Solutions, designed following Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework and avoiding generic Bootstrap aesthetics.

Brand Colors Used

  • Navy Blue: #1e3a8a (Primary)
  • Lime Green: #84cc16 (Accent)
  • Coral Orange: #f97316 (CTA/Accent)
  • Dark Grey: #1f2937 (Text)
  • Light Grey: #f9fafb (Backgrounds)

Design Characteristics

  • Sharp corners (no border-radius)
  • Clean typography: Inter (body) + Libre Baskerville (display headings)
  • Asymmetric layouts to avoid generic Bootstrap patterns
  • Three-color accent bars reflecting logo design
  • Academic yet modern aesthetic

Required Images

Place these images in the /images folder:

Logo Files (Required)

  1. lds-logo-horizontal-white.png - Horizontal logo for dark navy navbar
  2. lds-logo-stacked-white.png - Stacked logo for footer

Content Images (Recommended)

  1. andrew-doig.jpg - Professional photo of Andrew Doig for About section
    • Suggested dimensions: 600x600px minimum
    • Should show professionalism and approachability

Client Logos (Optional but Recommended)

  1. You can add individual client logos or use the composite image provided
    • Place in /images/clients/ subfolder
    • Logos shown: Dyson, ICAS, GCU, Heriot-Watt, Future Learn, Reels, etc.

StoryBrand Framework Implementation

1. Character (The Hero)

Programme Directors, Deans, Digital Learning Managers at well-funded HE institutions

2. Problem

  • External: Need to reach global online learners, limited internal capacity
  • Internal: Frustration, tension between goals and capacity
  • Philosophical: "Putting lectures online isn't enough - you need academic transformation"

3. Guide

Andrew Doig - 30 years academic experience, former Associate Professor, understands HE culture

4. Plan

Four clear steps: Consulting β†’ Piloting β†’ Planning β†’ Building

5. Calls to Action

  • Direct: "Book a Consultation"
  • Transitional: "Get Free Guide" (lead magnet)

6. Failure Stakes

Missing global market, poor-quality courses, stretched teams, damaged reputation

7. Success

Maintain institutional identity whilst reaching global audiences with quality programmes

Section Breakdown

  1. Navigation - Sticky navy bar with green bottom border
  2. Hero - Navy gradient background, clear value proposition
  3. Problems - 6 problem cards with hover effects
  4. What Links Them - Educational explanation
  5. Empathy Quote - Bordered quote section
  6. About Andrew - Navy background, credentials
  7. What's Really Happening - 3-step cycle
  8. Our Approach - Asymmetric layout, backwash effect
  9. Process - 4 numbered steps
  10. Results - Case study teasers (navy background)
  11. Is This Right? - Two-column comparison
  12. FAQ - Accordion with custom styling
  13. Lead Magnet - Navy section with white form
  14. Contact - Process + form
  15. Footer - Dark with green accents

Language Guidelines

  • British English throughout
  • CEFR Level A2-B1 (simple, clear sentences)
  • Friendly but professional tone
  • Short paragraphs for readability
  • Active voice

Key Messaging Points

NOT "Digital Transformation"

Andrew was very clear: LDS does NOT do digital transformation. They do academic transformation enabled by technology.

Core Message

  • Clients already have their platforms (VLE/LMS)
  • The transformation is pedagogical, not technological
  • "You've been teaching in classrooms for 150 years. We're going to rethink your approach to teaching."

Target Market

  • Private universities (fast decision-making)
  • Chartered institutes (ICAS model)
  • HE-adjacent organisations with funding
  • NOT typical UK public universities (too slow procurement)

Forms

Both forms currently use JavaScript alerts for demonstration. Replace with your actual form handling:

Lead Magnet Form (#leadMagnetForm)

Captures: Name, Email, Institution, Role

Contact Form (#contactForm)

Captures: Name, Email, Institution, Message

Technical Details

  • Bootstrap 5.3.2 via CDN
  • Google Fonts: Inter + Libre Baskerville
  • Fully responsive (mobile-first)
  • Smooth scroll navigation
  • No jQuery required (vanilla JavaScript)
  • All CSS embedded in <head> for single-file deployment

Preview Link

πŸ”— Live Preview: https://serenichron.github.io/lds-landingpage/

This GitHub Pages deployment allows Andrew to preview the landing page before Squarespace integration.

Deployment to Squarespace

This page was designed to be embedded in Squarespace. Options:

  1. Code Block: Paste entire HTML into a Code Block
  2. Custom Page: Use Developer Mode to create custom template
  3. Embed: Work with Steve (site maintainer) to integrate

Squarespace Integration Notes

  • May need to extract CSS to separate file depending on Squarespace limitations
  • Navigation might need adjustment to match existing site nav
  • Forms should connect to Squarespace form handlers or external service (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot)
  • See ../SQUARESPACE_INTEGRATION.md for full integration plan and API options

Bootstrap Customization Philosophy

This page demonstrates distinctive Bootstrap design:

  • βœ… Uses Bootstrap grid and components as foundation
  • βœ… Heavily customized colors (not default blue)
  • βœ… Custom typography beyond Bootstrap defaults
  • βœ… Asymmetric layouts (not generic three-column cards)
  • βœ… Sharp corners throughout (not default rounded)
  • βœ… Strategic spacing variety (not uniform padding)
  • βœ… Hover effects and subtle animations
  • ❌ NO generic Bootstrap patterns
  • ❌ NO default color schemes
  • ❌ NO predictable layouts

What Makes This Page Different from Generic Bootstrap

  1. Custom Color Scheme: Navy, green, orange (not Bootstrap blue)
  2. Sharp Aesthetic: Zero border-radius throughout
  3. Asymmetric Layouts: Varied column widths, not predictable grids
  4. Typography Hierarchy: Large display headings vs body creates drama
  5. Accent Bars: Three-color bars reflect brand identity
  6. Navy Hero: Dark gradient hero (not light centered content)
  7. Educational Tone: Academic but modern (not corporate or tech startup)

Next Steps

  1. Add Images: Place required images in /images folder
  2. Test Forms: Connect forms to your email/CRM system
  3. Review Copy: Ensure all messaging aligns with current positioning
  4. Add Analytics: Insert Google Analytics or tracking code
  5. Test Responsive: Check on mobile devices
  6. Squarespace Integration: Work with Steve to embed properly

Content Updates Needed

  • Add actual phone number in contact section
  • Add Andrew Doig photo
  • Add client logos section (composite image provided)
  • Connect forms to actual backend
  • Update any institutional names/details as needed

Maintenance

To update colors, modify CSS variables in :root:

:root {
    --lds-navy: #1e3a8a;
    --lds-green: #84cc16;
    --lds-orange: #f97316;
    /* etc */
}

Questions?

Contact Vlad for design/development questions. Contact Andrew for content/messaging questions.

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