A black background can feel heavy if everything competes at the same intensity. The trick is to keep most surfaces nearly flat and let borders do the work of separation. When you dial down secondary text slightly, hierarchy appears without introducing new colors. The result is calm and predictable, which helps content carry the page.
Navigation should behave the same on every page. A simple top bar with a compact logo and a small set of links is enough for most layouts. On mobile, the experience should not be a second design system. A slide-in drawer reuses the same links and keeps tap targets consistent.
Grids that scale without surprises
Teaser grids are where layouts tend to break first, especially when image aspect ratios vary. Using a fixed media height and object-fit keeps cards aligned. The grid should add columns as space allows, but it must also be able to lock to a maximum for testing. That is why the templates include both auto-fit and fixed max-column variants.
Multiple rows are a feature, not a failure. A single row of cards can look good in a mock, but real pages keep going. When you ensure spacing and typography remain steady across many rows, the layout becomes durable. That durability matters more than a single perfect hero moment.
Interaction details that feel intentional
The hamburger and the X should occupy the same spot so users do not chase a moving target. The drawer should slide from right to left, matching where it comes from and where it goes. An overlay helps signal that the menu is modal and keeps taps predictable. Closing on overlay click and Escape key makes the pattern behave like a standard panel.
Finally, the footer should behave like a footer and not like a floating widget. When there is little content, it rests at the bottom of the viewport. When there is more content, it moves naturally below the fold so the page scrolls. That relationship is controlled by a single flex column shell and a main area that can grow.