Agent

Save session memories

Prompt:
Save the following memories to /Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/. For each memory, write the file first, then update MEMORY.md.

---

MEMORY 1 — file: project_apex_portfolio.md
---
name: project-apex-portfolio
description: Overview of the Waukee APEX portfolio system — what files exist, how they connect, and the design system in use
metadata:
  type: project
---

The Portfolio HTMLs folder is a standalone, offline HTML/CSS/JS system for Waukee APEX student-associates. No build tools, no backend — everything runs in the browser with localStorage for persistence.

**Key files:**
- `APEX_Professional_Dashboard.html` — central hub linking to all other tools
- `APEX_Professional_Portfolio.html` — portfolio evidence tracker
- `APEX_Review_Prep.html` — performance review preparation tool
- `Standard1.html` through `Standard5.html` — one page per APEX standard
- `Video Production Playbook.html`, `Social Media Playbook.html`, `Marketing Analytics Playbook.html` — project workflow guides
- `Project Task Boards.html` — standalone task board
- `APEX Vertical.png` — logo used in nav across all pages

**Design system:** Purple `#500778` primary, lime `#c4d600` secondary/accent. Inter font. All pages share the same fixed top nav (logo + links), white card components, and purple/gold color language.

**Why:** Built for Russ Goerend's DCS (Designing Communication Solutions) class at Waukee APEX. Student-associates use it throughout the semester to document work, track standards, and prepare for performance reviews.

**How to apply:** When editing any file, match the existing design system. All files are self-contained — edits are local only. No git repo.

---

MEMORY 2 — file: project_playbook_pattern.md
---
name: project-playbook-pattern
description: The playbook sidebar UI pattern used across Video, Social Media, and Marketing Analytics playbooks
metadata:
  type: project
---

All three playbooks (and Standard3 after a redesign) use the same sidebar UI pattern:

**Sidebar structure:** White background, `border-right: 1px solid #E5E7EB`, `position: sticky`, `top: var(--nav-height)`, `height: calc(100vh - var(--nav-height))`. Contains: sidebar-header (title + project manager + progress bar), phase groups with phase labels, step-btn buttons with step-check circles, sidebar-footer.

**Project switcher:** Each playbook stores multiple projects in localStorage under a namespaced key (e.g. `apex_dcs_video_projects_v1`). Functions: `newProject()` (prompts for name), `duplicateProject()` (prompts for name), `renameProject()`, `deleteProject()` (blocked if only one project). Save-before-switch bug was fixed — all switching functions call `saveState()` first.

**Step completion:** `.step-btn.done` adds a green checkmark to the `.step-check` circle. Progress bar fills via `updateProgress()`.

**Callout/teaching CSS classes:** `.callout`, `.callout-yellow`, `.callout-blue`, `.callout-green`, `.callout-purple`, `.glossary-term`, `.how-to-list` (numbered), `.platform-grid` (Social Media only).

**Why:** Pattern was built so student-associates can run multiple concurrent projects of the same type (e.g. two video projects) without duplicating files.

**How to apply:** If adding a new playbook or standard page, use this sidebar structure. The Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks are good reference implementations.

---

MEMORY 3 — file: project_foundational_content.md
---
name: project-foundational-content
description: Foundational "Before You Start" orientation pattern added to Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks
metadata:
  type: project
---

Both Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks have a Phase 0 "Before You Start" step added as the first step. Pattern established because students enter with zero prerequisite knowledge.

**What Phase 0 includes:**
- Plain-English explanation of what the discipline actually is in a professional context
- Glossary of 8–10 key terms with definitions written for zero-knowledge students
- Tool overview (what each tool is for, not just its name)
- Callout normalizing that they won't have access to everything
- Description of what a finished project looks like

**Marketing Analytics Phase 0 also added:**
- Expanded Metrics Plan step: plain-English definitions of CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS, Bounce Rate; "pick your north-star metric" callout; Inputs→Outputs→Outcomes framework expanded
- Expanded Analysis step: reporting-vs-analysis callout with side-by-side example; numbered how-to guide for actually doing the analysis

**Social Media Phase 0 also added:**
- Expanded Content Creation: platform format guide (dimensions/lengths), caption writing framework, hashtag strategy
- Expanded Publishing: posting time guidelines + first-hour playbook
- Performance Review checkpoint: "What to Measure" card defining Reach, Engagement Rate, Top Post, Follower Growth, Story Completion, Link Clicks
- Fixed bug: `.callout-yellow` and `.callout-blue` were used in HTML but not defined in CSS

**How to apply:** If adding a new playbook (e.g. a fourth strand), lead with Phase 0 using this pattern. The Video Production Playbook predates this pattern and does not have Phase 0 — it could be added later.

---

Now update MEMORY.md to add entries for all three. Read MEMORY.md first to see what's already there, then append the new entries.


Async agent launched successfully.
agentId: acf7e1ad3a171c215 (internal ID - do not mention to user. Use SendMessage with to: 'acf7e1ad3a171c215' to continue this agent.)
The agent is working in the background. You will be notified automatically when it completes.
Do not duplicate this agent's work — avoid working with the same files or topics it is using. Work on non-overlapping tasks, or briefly tell the user what you launched and end your response.
output_file: /private/tmp/claude-501/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/306d4261-e4b9-44ea-9047-ee5cf562a734/tasks/acf7e1ad3a171c215.output
Do NOT Read or tail this file via the shell tool — it is the full sub-agent JSONL transcript and reading it will overflow your context. If the user asks for progress, say the agent is still running; you'll get a completion notification.

Save session memories

Prompt:
Save the following memories to /Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/. For each memory, write the file first, then update MEMORY.md.

---

MEMORY 1 — file: project_apex_portfolio.md
---
name: project-apex-portfolio
description: Overview of the Waukee APEX portfolio system — what files exist, how they connect, and the design system in use
metadata:
  type: project
---

The Portfolio HTMLs folder is a standalone, offline HTML/CSS/JS system for Waukee APEX student-associates. No build tools, no backend — everything runs in the browser with localStorage for persistence.

**Key files:**
- `APEX_Professional_Dashboard.html` — central hub linking to all other tools
- `APEX_Professional_Portfolio.html` — portfolio evidence tracker
- `APEX_Review_Prep.html` — performance review preparation tool
- `Standard1.html` through `Standard5.html` — one page per APEX standard
- `Video Production Playbook.html`, `Social Media Playbook.html`, `Marketing Analytics Playbook.html` — project workflow guides
- `Project Task Boards.html` — standalone task board
- `APEX Vertical.png` — logo used in nav across all pages

**Design system:** Purple `#500778` primary, lime `#c4d600` secondary/accent. Inter font. All pages share the same fixed top nav (logo + links), white card components, and purple/gold color language.

**Why:** Built for Russ Goerend's DCS (Designing Communication Solutions) class at Waukee APEX. Student-associates use it throughout the semester to document work, track standards, and prepare for performance reviews.

**How to apply:** When editing any file, match the existing design system. All files are self-contained — edits are local only. No git repo.

---

MEMORY 2 — file: project_playbook_pattern.md
---
name: project-playbook-pattern
description: The playbook sidebar UI pattern used across Video, Social Media, and Marketing Analytics playbooks
metadata:
  type: project
---

All three playbooks (and Standard3 after a redesign) use the same sidebar UI pattern:

**Sidebar structure:** White background, `border-right: 1px solid #E5E7EB`, `position: sticky`, `top: var(--nav-height)`, `height: calc(100vh - var(--nav-height))`. Contains: sidebar-header (title + project manager + progress bar), phase groups with phase labels, step-btn buttons with step-check circles, sidebar-footer.

**Project switcher:** Each playbook stores multiple projects in localStorage under a namespaced key (e.g. `apex_dcs_video_projects_v1`). Functions: `newProject()` (prompts for name), `duplicateProject()` (prompts for name), `renameProject()`, `deleteProject()` (blocked if only one project). Save-before-switch bug was fixed — all switching functions call `saveState()` first.

**Step completion:** `.step-btn.done` adds a green checkmark to the `.step-check` circle. Progress bar fills via `updateProgress()`.

**Callout/teaching CSS classes:** `.callout`, `.callout-yellow`, `.callout-blue`, `.callout-green`, `.callout-purple`, `.glossary-term`, `.how-to-list` (numbered), `.platform-grid` (Social Media only).

**Why:** Pattern was built so student-associates can run multiple concurrent projects of the same type (e.g. two video projects) without duplicating files.

**How to apply:** If adding a new playbook or standard page, use this sidebar structure. The Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks are good reference implementations.

---

MEMORY 3 — file: project_foundational_content.md
---
name: project-foundational-content
description: Foundational "Before You Start" orientation pattern added to Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks
metadata:
  type: project
---

Both Marketing Analytics and Social Media playbooks have a Phase 0 "Before You Start" step added as the first step. Pattern established because students enter with zero prerequisite knowledge.

**What Phase 0 includes:**
- Plain-English explanation of what the discipline actually is in a professional context
- Glossary of 8–10 key terms with definitions written for zero-knowledge students
- Tool overview (what each tool is for, not just its name)
- Callout normalizing that they won't have access to everything
- Description of what a finished project looks like

**Marketing Analytics Phase 0 also added:**
- Expanded Metrics Plan step: plain-English definitions of CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS, Bounce Rate; "pick your north-star metric" callout; Inputs→Outputs→Outcomes framework expanded
- Expanded Analysis step: reporting-vs-analysis callout with side-by-side example; numbered how-to guide for actually doing the analysis

**Social Media Phase 0 also added:**
- Expanded Content Creation: platform format guide (dimensions/lengths), caption writing framework, hashtag strategy
- Expanded Publishing: posting time guidelines + first-hour playbook
- Performance Review checkpoint: "What to Measure" card defining Reach, Engagement Rate, Top Post, Follower Growth, Story Completion, Link Clicks
- Fixed bug: `.callout-yellow` and `.callout-blue` were used in HTML but not defined in CSS

**How to apply:** If adding a new playbook (e.g. a fourth strand), lead with Phase 0 using this pattern. The Video Production Playbook predates this pattern and does not have Phase 0 — it could be added later.

---

Now update MEMORY.md to add entries for all three. Read MEMORY.md first to see what's already there, then append the new entries.


Saving some notes about the session in the background.

A few things we could pick up next time if useful:
- The Video Production Playbook is the only one without a Phase 0 orientation — same treatment could be applied
- Standard 1, 2, 4, and 5 could get the same sidebar redesign as Standard 3
- The `Standard4DCS.html` file hasn't been touched at all


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<output-file>/private/tmp/claude-501/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/306d4261-e4b9-44ea-9047-ee5cf562a734/tasks/acf7e1ad3a171c215.output</output-file>
<status>completed</status>
<summary>Agent "Save session memories" completed</summary>
<result>All done. Here is what was written:

- `/Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/project_apex_portfolio.md` — full system overview, key files, design system, context for Russ's DCS class
- `/Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/project_playbook_pattern.md` — sidebar UI pattern, project switcher, step completion, callout CSS classes
- `/Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/project_foundational_content.md` — Phase 0 "Before You Start" pattern, per-playbook expansions, CSS bug fix noted
- `/Users/russgoerend/.claude/projects/-Users-russgoerend-Desktop-Portfolio-HTMLs/memory/MEMORY.md` — created fresh (was empty) with an indexed entry for all three memories, including file name, description, type, and a one-line summary of each</result>
<usage><total_tokens>12554</total_tokens><tool_uses>7</tool_uses><duration_ms>36416</duration_ms></usage>
</task-notification>


Notes saved — future sessions will have full context on the file system, the playbook sidebar pattern, and the foundational content approach. Good stopping point for today!


You could add a Phase 0 orientation to the video playbook. Go ahead and do that while I still have usage left for this session


The user wants me to add a Phase 0 orientation to the Video Production Playbook, following the same pattern used for Social Media and Marketing Analytics. Let me read the relevant parts of the Video Production Playbook to understand its current structure, then add the Phase 0.

From earlier in the session, I know:
- The Video Production Playbook has a sidebar with phases
- STEPS array: `['setup','cp1a','discovery','brief','story','logistics','cp1','cp2a','gear','camera','audio','lighting','dayof','cp2','files','cp3a','edit','cp3','review','delivery']`
- The sidebar starts with `nav-setup` as active

- It has 20 steps

Now I need to check the existing sidebar structure and CSS to understand what callout variants are already present, then add the Phase 0 section with its sidebar entry, step HTML, update the STEPS array, adjust the active state, add a back button to setup, and include any missing CSS classes.

Looking at the Video Production Playbook, it already has the callout variants defined, but I'll need to add `.glossary-term` and `.how-to-list` styles. For the Phase 0 content, I'm planning to cover what professional video production entails, introduce key terminology like pre-production, B-roll, color grading, and the tools they'll be working with including cameras, microphones, editing software, and lighting equipment.


Let me grab the current sidebar structure and step-setup section quickly.


Bash

grep -n "phase-group\|phase-label\|nav-setup\|STEPS\s*=\|step-section active\|sidebar-title\|callout-yellow\|callout-blue\|callout-green\|callout-purple\|glossary-term\|how-to-list" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html" | head -40

Check sidebar structure and existing CSS classes in Video Production Playbook


111:        .sidebar-title {
179:        .phase-group { padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #F3F4F6; }
180:        .phase-label {
190:        .phase-label.pre  { color: var(--pre); }
191:        .phase-label.prod { color: var(--prod); }
192:        .phase-label.post { color: var(--post); }
338:        .callout-yellow { background: #FFFBEB; border: 1px solid #FDE68A; color: #78350F; }
339:        .callout-blue   { background: #EFF6FF; border: 1px solid #BFDBFE; color: #1E3A5F; }
341:        .callout-green  { background: #DCFCE7; border: 1px solid #86EFAC; color: #14532D; }
342:        .callout-purple { background: #F5F3FF; border: 1px solid #DDD6FE; color: #3B0764; }
840:
Video Production

858:

859:
◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

860:            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">
891:

892:
◆ Phase 2: Production

924:

925:
◆ Phase 3: Post-Production

964:

1040:

1082:

1112:

1157:

1191:

1288:

1417:

1481:

1584:

1625:

1775:

1825:

1968:    const STEPS = ['setup','cp1a','discovery','brief','story','logistics','cp1','cp2a','gear','camera','audio','lighting','dayof','cp2','files','cp3a','edit','cp3','review','delivery'];


Read

/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html


836
837
838
839

840
Video Production

841
New Project

842

843	                <select id="project-select" onchange="switchProject(this.value)"></select>
844

845	                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="newProject()">+ New</button>
846	                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="duplicateProject()">Duplicate</button>
847	                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="renameProject()">Rename</button>
848	                    <button type="button" class="btn-small btn-danger" onclick="deleteProject()">Delete</button>
849

850

851

852

853

854
0 of 20 steps complete

855

856
857
858

859
◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

860	            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">
861

862	                🎬 Project Setup
863	            </button>
864	            <button class="step-btn" id="nav-discovery" onclick="goTo('discovery')">
865

/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html

Video Production

New Project

                <select id="project-select" onchange="switchProject(this.value)"></select>

                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="newProject()">+ New</button>
                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="duplicateProject()">Duplicate</button>
                    <button type="button" class="btn-small" onclick="renameProject()">Rename</button>
                    <button type="button" class="btn-small btn-danger" onclick="deleteProject()">Delete</button>

0 of 20 steps complete

◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">

                🎬 Project Setup
            </button>
            <button class="step-btn" id="nav-discovery" onclick="goTo('discovery')">


Now I have a clear picture. Let me plan the additions:

1. Add `.glossary-term` and `.how-to-list` CSS (callout variants already exist)
2. Add Phase 0 sidebar group before Phase 1, remove `active` from nav-setup
3. Add step-orientation section before step-setup, change step-setup to remove `active`
4. Update STEPS array to add 'orientation'
5. Update progress label from "0 of 20" to "0 of 21"
6. Add back button to step-setup (currently has no prev button)

7. For the orientation step, I'll cover what professional video production entails—client work versus personal content—then introduce the core terminology like pre-production through post-production phases, plus technical concepts like color grading, audio mixing, and aspect ratios. I'll also outline the essential gear categories and the main software tools used in the industry, finishing with what a polished deliverable looks like.

8. Since the playbook already has dedicated sections for gear specifics, I should keep Phase 0 lighter and focus on the professional context, vocabulary, and the overall pipeline rather than duplicating technical details.

9. I need to add CSS classes for glossary terms and how-to lists, though the callout styles are already in place.

10. For the step navigation, I'm looking at the existing back button structure in the step-setup nav and need to implement something similar for the step-setup back button.

11. Now I'm making all the edits: adding the new CSS classes, updating the sidebar to include the Phase 0 group and adjust the active states, inserting the orientation step before step-setup, and updating the STEPS array to reflect these changes.


Good — all callout variants already exist, just need to add `.glossary-term` and `.how-to-list`. The playbook already has dedicated gear/camera/audio/lighting steps, so the Phase 0 should focus on professional context, core vocabulary, and the production pipeline — not duplicate those teaching steps.


Edit

/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html

.callout-purple { background: #F5F3FF; border: 1px solid #DDD6FE; color: #3B0764; }

        .callout-purple { background: #F5F3FF; border: 1px solid #DDD6FE; color: #3B0764; }
        .glossary-term { font-weight: 800; color: var(--primary); }
        .card p { font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.65; color: #374151; margin: 0 0 12px 0; }
        .card p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
        .how-to-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 10px 0 0 0; counter-reset: how-to; }
        .how-to-list li { counter-increment: how-to; display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #F3F4F6; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #374151; }
        .how-to-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
        .how-to-list li::before { content: counter(how-to); background: var(--pre); color: white; border-radius: 50%; width: 22px; height: 22px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }


The file /Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html has been updated successfully. (file state is current in your context — no need to Read it back)

        .callout-purple { background: #F5F3FF; border: 1px solid #DDD6FE; color: #3B0764; }
        .glossary-term { font-weight: 800; color: var(--primary); }
        .card p { font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.65; color: #374151; margin: 0 0 12px 0; }
        .card p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
        .how-to-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 10px 0 0 0; counter-reset: how-to; }
        .how-to-list li { counter-increment: how-to; display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #F3F4F6; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #374151; }
        .how-to-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
        .how-to-list li::before { content: counter(how-to); background: var(--pre); color: white; border-radius: 50%; width: 22px; height: 22px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }

.callout-teal   { background: #E0F2FE; border: 1px solid #7DD3FC; color: #0C4A6E; }

.callout-green  { background: #DCFCE7; border: 1px solid #86EFAC; color: #14532D; }

+        .glossary-term { font-weight: 800; color: var(--primary); }

+        .card p { font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.65; color: #374151; margin: 0 0 12px 0; }

+        .card p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }

+        .how-to-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 10px 0 0 0; counter-reset: how-to; }

+        .how-to-list li { counter-increment: how-to; display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #F3F4F6; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #374151; }

+        .how-to-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }

+        .how-to-list li::before { content: counter(how-to); background: var(--pre); color: white; border-radius: 50%; width: 22px; height: 22px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }

.question-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 10px 0 0 0; }


Now update the sidebar — add Phase 0, remove `active` from nav-setup, update progress label:


/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html

0 of 20 steps complete

◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">

0 of 21 steps complete

◆ Phase 0: Orientation

            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-orientation" onclick="goTo('orientation')">

                🎓 Before You Start
            </button>

◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

            <button class="step-btn" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">


0 of 20 steps complete

◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">

0 of 21 steps complete

◆ Phase 0: Orientation

            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-orientation" onclick="goTo('orientation')">

                🎓 Before You Start
            </button>

◆ Phase 1: Pre-Production

            <button class="step-btn" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">

+            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-orientation" onclick="goTo('orientation')">

-            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">

+            <button class="step-btn" id="nav-setup" onclick="goTo('setup')">


Now add the orientation step and fix setup's active class and back button:


/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html

        <!-- ═══════════════════════════════════ STEP: SETUP -->
        <div class="step-section active" id="step-setup">

◆ Phase 0 · Orientation

Before You Start

Professional video production is a client service — not a YouTube channel. Read this before your first meeting so you show up with the right vocabulary and the right mindset.

                🎬

What professional video production actually means. You're not making content for yourself — you're solving a communication problem for a client. They have a deadline, an audience, an approval process, and a definition of success that has nothing to do with view counts. Your job is to understand that problem clearly before you touch a camera, and to deliver a polished product that serves their goal — not just looks impressive on your reel.

🎞 The Production Pipeline — How Every Project Flows

Every video project — no matter the size — moves through three phases. Understanding this pipeline before you start will help you see where each step in this playbook fits.

Pre-Production — Everything before you press record. Discovery, creative brief, scripting, shot planning, scheduling, and logistics. This phase determines whether the shoot goes smoothly or falls apart. Most professional video budgets spend more time here than anywhere else.

Production — The shoot itself. Capturing footage, recording audio, managing the crew and subjects, and solving problems on the fly. A well-planned pre-production makes this phase feel controlled. A poorly planned one makes it feel chaotic.

Post-Production — Everything after the shoot. File organization, editing, color grading, audio mixing, client review, revisions, and final delivery. This often takes longer than the shoot.

📖 Key Terms You Need to Know

These will come up in client meetings, checkpoint reviews, and throughout this playbook. Know them before you walk in the door.

A-Roll — Your primary footage. The interview subject speaking to camera, the presenter on stage, the main action of the scene. This is the backbone of your edit.

B-Roll — Supplemental footage cut over the A-roll audio. Hands on a keyboard, a wide shot of the building, a subject walking to their desk. B-roll makes an edit feel complete and covers jump cuts.

Coverage — The variety of shots you capture to give yourself options in the edit. Wide, medium, close-up, over-the-shoulder — coverage is what separates a professional shoot from a single locked-off camera.

Aspect Ratio — The proportional relationship between width and height. 16:9 is standard widescreen (most videos). 9:16 is vertical (Reels, TikTok, Stories). 1:1 is square. Confirm with the client before you shoot — changing this in post is painful.

Frame Rate — How many frames per second your camera captures. 24fps looks cinematic. 30fps looks like broadcast TV. 60fps can be slowed down to 50% for smooth slow motion. Set this before you shoot — you cannot change it in post.

White Balance — How the camera interprets color temperature. Incorrect white balance makes skin look orange or blue. Set it manually in any controlled environment — auto white balance can shift mid-shot.

Color Grade — The process of adjusting color, contrast, and tone in post-production to create a consistent visual style across all clips.

Audio Mix — Balancing and cleaning all audio tracks in post: interview audio, music, ambient sound, and any voiceover. Bad audio kills an otherwise good video. Viewers will tolerate imperfect visuals far longer than they'll tolerate bad sound.

Sequence / Timeline — The editing workspace where your clips are arranged in order. Your edit lives here.

Export / Render — The final step: converting your timeline into a deliverable video file (usually H.264 .mp4). Export settings affect file size and quality — confirm the client's requirements before rendering.

🛠 Tools You'll Use

Camera (Sony / Canon / DSLR) — The specific model matters less than understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). This playbook covers camera fundamentals in Phase 2.

Microphone — Lavalier (clip-on, discreet, ideal for interviews), shotgun (directional, mounted on camera or boom, good for run-and-gun), and XLR recorder. The right mic for the situation is covered in Phase 2.

Adobe Premiere Pro — The industry-standard editing software. Most DCS projects are edited here. If you haven't used it, YouTube tutorials on the basics are worth 30 minutes before you sit down to edit.

DaVinci Resolve — A free, professional-grade alternative to Premiere. Especially strong for color grading. Worth knowing exists.

Frame.io / Google Drive — How you'll share rough cuts with clients and mentors for review. Upload a link, share it, and collect timestamped feedback — much cleaner than emailing large files.

                ✅

What a finished project looks like. You'll end this playbook with a delivered video file the client has approved, a Google Drive folder of organized raw footage and project files, and at least one artifact in your portfolio. The strongest projects also include documentation of the client relationship — discovery notes, the creative brief, and the delivery confirmation email. Those are your Standard 1 evidence.

                <button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('orientation', 'setup')">I'm Ready — Start the Project →</button>


        <!-- ═══════════════════════════════════ STEP: SETUP -->
        <div class="step-section active" id="step-setup">

◆ Phase 0 · Orientation

Before You Start

Professional video production is a client service — not a YouTube channel. Read this before your first meeting so you show up with the right vocabulary and the right mindset.

                🎬

What professional video production actually means. You're not making content for yourself — you're solving a communication problem for a client. They have a deadline, an audience, an approval process, and a definition of success that has nothing to do with view counts. Your job is to understand that problem clearly before you touch a camera, and to deliver a polished product that serves their goal — not just looks impressive on your reel.

🎞 The Production Pipeline — How Every Project Flows

Every video project — no matter the size — moves through three phases. Understanding this pipeline before you start will help you see where each step in this playbook fits.

Pre-Production — Everything before you press record. Discovery, creative brief, scripting, shot planning, scheduling, and logistics. This phase determines whether the shoot goes smoothly or falls apart. Most professional video budgets spend more time here than anywhere else.

Production — The shoot itself. Capturing footage, recording audio, managing the crew and subjects, and solving problems on the fly. A well-planned pre-production makes this phase feel controlled. A poorly planned one makes it feel chaotic.

Post-Production — Everything after the shoot. File organization, editing, color grading, audio mixing, client review, revisions, and final delivery. This often takes longer than the shoot.

📖 Key Terms You Need to Know

These will come up in client meetings, checkpoint reviews, and throughout this playbook. Know them before you walk in the door.

A-Roll — Your primary footage. The interview subject speaking to camera, the presenter on stage, the main action of the scene. This is the backbone of your edit.

B-Roll — Supplemental footage cut over the A-roll audio. Hands on a keyboard, a wide shot of the building, a subject walking to their desk. B-roll makes an edit feel complete and covers jump cuts.

Coverage — The variety of shots you capture to give yourself options in the edit. Wide, medium, close-up, over-the-shoulder — coverage is what separates a professional shoot from a single locked-off camera.

Aspect Ratio — The proportional relationship between width and height. 16:9 is standard widescreen (most videos). 9:16 is vertical (Reels, TikTok, Stories). 1:1 is square. Confirm with the client before you shoot — changing this in post is painful.

Frame Rate — How many frames per second your camera captures. 24fps looks cinematic. 30fps looks like broadcast TV. 60fps can be slowed down to 50% for smooth slow motion. Set this before you shoot — you cannot change it in post.

White Balance — How the camera interprets color temperature. Incorrect white balance makes skin look orange or blue. Set it manually in any controlled environment — auto white balance can shift mid-shot.

Color Grade — The process of adjusting color, contrast, and tone in post-production to create a consistent visual style across all clips.

Audio Mix — Balancing and cleaning all audio tracks in post: interview audio, music, ambient sound, and any voiceover. Bad audio kills an otherwise good video. Viewers will tolerate imperfect visuals far longer than they'll tolerate bad sound.

Sequence / Timeline — The editing workspace where your clips are arranged in order. Your edit lives here.

Export / Render — The final step: converting your timeline into a deliverable video file (usually H.264 .mp4). Export settings affect file size and quality — confirm the client's requirements before rendering.

🛠 Tools You'll Use

Camera (Sony / Canon / DSLR) — The specific model matters less than understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). This playbook covers camera fundamentals in Phase 2.

Microphone — Lavalier (clip-on, discreet, ideal for interviews), shotgun (directional, mounted on camera or boom, good for run-and-gun), and XLR recorder. The right mic for the situation is covered in Phase 2.

Adobe Premiere Pro — The industry-standard editing software. Most DCS projects are edited here. If you haven't used it, YouTube tutorials on the basics are worth 30 minutes before you sit down to edit.

DaVinci Resolve — A free, professional-grade alternative to Premiere. Especially strong for color grading. Worth knowing exists.

Frame.io / Google Drive — How you'll share rough cuts with clients and mentors for review. Upload a link, share it, and collect timestamped feedback — much cleaner than emailing large files.

                ✅

What a finished project looks like. You'll end this playbook with a delivered video file the client has approved, a Google Drive folder of organized raw footage and project files, and at least one artifact in your portfolio. The strongest projects also include documentation of the client relationship — discovery notes, the creative brief, and the delivery confirmation email. Those are your Standard 1 evidence.

                <button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('orientation', 'setup')">I'm Ready — Start the Project →</button>

+        <!-- ═══════════════════════════════════ STEP: ORIENTATION -->

+        <div class="step-section active" id="step-orientation">

+
Professional video production is a client service — not a YouTube channel. Read this before your first meeting so you show up with the right vocabulary and the right mindset.

+            <div class="callout callout-blue">

+
What professional video production actually means. You're not making content for yourself — you're solving a communication problem for a client. They have a deadline, an audience, an approval process, and a definition of success that has nothing to do with view counts. Your job is to understand that problem clearly before you touch a camera, and to deliver a polished product that serves their goal — not just looks impressive on your reel.

+
🎞 The Production Pipeline — How Every Project Flows

+
Every video project — no matter the size — moves through three phases. Understanding this pipeline before you start will help you see where each step in this playbook fits.

+                <ol class="how-to-list">

+
Pre-Production — Everything before you press record. Discovery, creative brief, scripting, shot planning, scheduling, and logistics. This phase determines whether the shoot goes smoothly or falls apart. Most professional video budgets spend more time here than anywhere else.

+
Production — The shoot itself. Capturing footage, recording audio, managing the crew and subjects, and solving problems on the fly. A well-planned pre-production makes this phase feel controlled. A poorly planned one makes it feel chaotic.

+
Post-Production — Everything after the shoot. File organization, editing, color grading, audio mixing, client review, revisions, and final delivery. This often takes longer than the shoot.

+
These will come up in client meetings, checkpoint reviews, and throughout this playbook. Know them before you walk in the door.

+
A-Roll — Your primary footage. The interview subject speaking to camera, the presenter on stage, the main action of the scene. This is the backbone of your edit.

+
B-Roll — Supplemental footage cut over the A-roll audio. Hands on a keyboard, a wide shot of the building, a subject walking to their desk. B-roll makes an edit feel complete and covers jump cuts.

+
Coverage — The variety of shots you capture to give yourself options in the edit. Wide, medium, close-up, over-the-shoulder — coverage is what separates a professional shoot from a single locked-off camera.

+
Aspect Ratio — The proportional relationship between width and height. 16:9 is standard widescreen (most videos). 9:16 is vertical (Reels, TikTok, Stories). 1:1 is square. Confirm with the client before you shoot — changing this in post is painful.

+
Frame Rate — How many frames per second your camera captures. 24fps looks cinematic. 30fps looks like broadcast TV. 60fps can be slowed down to 50% for smooth slow motion. Set this before you shoot — you cannot change it in post.

+
White Balance — How the camera interprets color temperature. Incorrect white balance makes skin look orange or blue. Set it manually in any controlled environment — auto white balance can shift mid-shot.

+
Color Grade — The process of adjusting color, contrast, and tone in post-production to create a consistent visual style across all clips.

+
Audio Mix — Balancing and cleaning all audio tracks in post: interview audio, music, ambient sound, and any voiceover. Bad audio kills an otherwise good video. Viewers will tolerate imperfect visuals far longer than they'll tolerate bad sound.

+
Sequence / Timeline — The editing workspace where your clips are arranged in order. Your edit lives here.

+
Export / Render — The final step: converting your timeline into a deliverable video file (usually H.264 .mp4). Export settings affect file size and quality — confirm the client's requirements before rendering.

+
Camera (Sony / Canon / DSLR) — The specific model matters less than understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). This playbook covers camera fundamentals in Phase 2.

+
Microphone — Lavalier (clip-on, discreet, ideal for interviews), shotgun (directional, mounted on camera or boom, good for run-and-gun), and XLR recorder. The right mic for the situation is covered in Phase 2.

+
Adobe Premiere Pro — The industry-standard editing software. Most DCS projects are edited here. If you haven't used it, YouTube tutorials on the basics are worth 30 minutes before you sit down to edit.

+
DaVinci Resolve — A free, professional-grade alternative to Premiere. Especially strong for color grading. Worth knowing exists.

+
Frame.io / Google Drive — How you'll share rough cuts with clients and mentors for review. Upload a link, share it, and collect timestamped feedback — much cleaner than emailing large files.

+            <div class="callout callout-green">

+
What a finished project looks like. You'll end this playbook with a delivered video file the client has approved, a Google Drive folder of organized raw footage and project files, and at least one artifact in your portfolio. The strongest projects also include documentation of the client relationship — discovery notes, the creative brief, and the delivery confirmation email. Those are your Standard 1 evidence.

+                <button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('orientation', 'setup')">I'm Ready — Start the Project →</button>

-        <div class="step-section active" id="step-setup">

+        <div class="step-section" id="step-setup">

Before anything else, name this project and answer a few quick questions. This information will appear throughout the playbook to keep you grounded in the goal.


Now add the back button to Project Setup and update the STEPS array:


/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html

<button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('setup', 'cp1a')">Mark Complete & Continue →</button>

                <button class="btn-prev" onclick="goTo('orientation')">← Back</button>
                <button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('setup', 'cp1a')">Mark Complete & Continue →</button>


                <button class="btn-prev" onclick="goTo('orientation')">← Back</button>
                <button class="btn-next" onclick="markCompleteAndNext('setup', 'cp1a')">Mark Complete & Continue →</button>

+                <button class="btn-prev" onclick="goTo('orientation')">← Back</button>


/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html


// ── State ──────────────────────────────────────────────

const STORAGE_KEY = 'apex_dcs_video_v1';

const PROJECT_STORE_KEY = 'apex_dcs_video_projects_v1';

-    const STEPS = ['setup','cp1a','discovery','brief','story','logistics','cp1','cp2a','gear','camera','audio','lighting','dayof','cp2','files','cp3a','edit','cp3','review','delivery'];

+    const STEPS = ['orientation','setup','cp1a','discovery','brief','story','logistics','cp1','cp2a','gear','camera','audio','lighting','dayof','cp2','files','cp3a','edit','cp3','review','delivery'];

const DEFAULT_PROJECT_ID = 'project-default';


Final check:


Bash

grep -n "step-orientation\|nav-orientation\|glossary-term\|how-to-list\|STEPS\s*=" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html"

Verify all changes landed


343:        .glossary-term { font-weight: 800; color: var(--primary); }
346:        .how-to-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 10px 0 0 0; counter-reset: how-to; }
347:        .how-to-list li { counter-increment: how-to; display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #F3F4F6; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #374151; }
348:        .how-to-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
349:        .how-to-list li::before { content: counter(how-to); background: var(--pre); color: white; border-radius: 50%; width: 22px; height: 22px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }
867:            <button class="step-btn active" id="nav-orientation" onclick="goTo('orientation')">
980:

993:

1003:
A-Roll — Your primary footage. The interview subject speaking to camera, the presenter on stage, the main action of the scene. This is the backbone of your edit.

1004:
B-Roll — Supplemental footage cut over the A-roll audio. Hands on a keyboard, a wide shot of the building, a subject walking to their desk. B-roll makes an edit feel complete and covers jump cuts.

1005:
Coverage — The variety of shots you capture to give yourself options in the edit. Wide, medium, close-up, over-the-shoulder — coverage is what separates a professional shoot from a single locked-off camera.

1006:
Aspect Ratio — The proportional relationship between width and height. 16:9 is standard widescreen (most videos). 9:16 is vertical (Reels, TikTok, Stories). 1:1 is square. Confirm with the client before you shoot — changing this in post is painful.

1007:
Frame Rate — How many frames per second your camera captures. 24fps looks cinematic. 30fps looks like broadcast TV. 60fps can be slowed down to 50% for smooth slow motion. Set this before you shoot — you cannot change it in post.

1008:
White Balance — How the camera interprets color temperature. Incorrect white balance makes skin look orange or blue. Set it manually in any controlled environment — auto white balance can shift mid-shot.

1009:
Color Grade — The process of adjusting color, contrast, and tone in post-production to create a consistent visual style across all clips.

1010:
Audio Mix — Balancing and cleaning all audio tracks in post: interview audio, music, ambient sound, and any voiceover. Bad audio kills an otherwise good video. Viewers will tolerate imperfect visuals far longer than they'll tolerate bad sound.

1011:
Sequence / Timeline — The editing workspace where your clips are arranged in order. Your edit lives here.

1012:
Export / Render — The final step: converting your timeline into a deliverable video file (usually H.264 .mp4). Export settings affect file size and quality — confirm the client's requirements before rendering.

1017:
Camera (Sony / Canon / DSLR) — The specific model matters less than understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). This playbook covers camera fundamentals in Phase 2.

1018:
Microphone — Lavalier (clip-on, discreet, ideal for interviews), shotgun (directional, mounted on camera or boom, good for run-and-gun), and XLR recorder. The right mic for the situation is covered in Phase 2.

1019:
Adobe Premiere Pro — The industry-standard editing software. Most DCS projects are edited here. If you haven't used it, YouTube tutorials on the basics are worth 30 minutes before you sit down to edit.

1020:
DaVinci Resolve — A free, professional-grade alternative to Premiere. Especially strong for color grading. Worth knowing exists.

1021:
Frame.io / Google Drive — How you'll share rough cuts with clients and mentors for review. Upload a link, share it, and collect timestamped feedback — much cleaner than emailing large files.

2040:    const STEPS = ['orientation','setup','cp1a','discovery','brief','story','logistics','cp1','cp2a','gear','camera','audio','lighting','dayof','cp2','files','cp3a','edit','cp3','review','delivery'];


All three playbooks now have Phase 0. Here's what the Video Production orientation covers:

- **The production pipeline** — a numbered breakdown of Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production so students understand where each step in the playbook fits before they start
- **10-term glossary** — A-Roll, B-Roll, Coverage, Aspect Ratio, Frame Rate, White Balance, Color Grade, Audio Mix, Sequence/Timeline, Export/Render — all with practical context, not just definitions (e.g. "you cannot change frame rate in post")
- **Tools overview** — Camera, Microphone types, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Frame.io/Drive — with a pointer that Camera Fundamentals and Audio Fundamentals in Phase 2 will go deeper
- **What a finished project looks like** — ties the deliverable back to portfolio evidence and Standard 1


<ide_opened_file>The user opened the file /Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Video Production Playbook.html in the IDE. This may or may not be related to the current task.</ide_opened_file>

You also mentioned this: Standard 1, 2, 4, and 5 could get the same sidebar redesign as Standard 3

What would be different? I thought we matched Standard 3's sidebar with the other sidebars.


The user is asking what would be different about redesigning Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 compared to what we did with Standard 3. They're clarifying whether those other standards already have the same sidebar style as Standard 3 now has.

The answer is: Standard 3 now has the playbook-style white sidebar. Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 still have their original sidebar styles, which may be similar to or different from Standard 3's original navy sidebar. Let me quickly check what the other standards look like.


Good question — let me check what the other standards' sidebars actually look like before I say anything.


grep -n "sidebar\|aside\|sidebar-nav\|\.sidebar\b" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard1.html" | head -10
grep -n "sidebar\|aside\|sidebar-nav\|\.sidebar\b" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard4.html" | head -10

Check sidebar structure in Standard1 and Standard4


24:            --sidebar-width: 300px;
27:        .body-sidebar-open { padding-left: calc(var(--sidebar-width) + 20px); }
267:        .sidebar {
272:            width: var(--sidebar-width);
281:        .sidebar.open { transform: translateX(0); }
282:        .sidebar-header {
294:        .sidebar-header h3 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; }
309:

310:

331:            <button id="sidebarToggle" style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.9);font-size:0.8rem;font-weight:700;padding:8px 14px;border-radius:6px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.03em;transition:all 0.2s;background:none;border:none;cursor:pointer;">📌 Queue</button>
19:            --sidebar-width: 300px;
22:        .body-sidebar-open { padding-left: calc(var(--sidebar-width) + 20px); }
198:        .sidebar {
203:            width: var(--sidebar-width);
212:        .sidebar.open { transform: translateX(0); }
213:        .sidebar-header {
225:        .sidebar-header h3 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; }
240:

241:

262:            <button id="sidebarToggle" style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.9);font-size:0.8rem;font-weight:700;padding:8px 14px;border-radius:6px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.03em;transition:all 0.2s;background:none;border:none;cursor:pointer;">📌 Queue</button>


The other standards (1, 2, 4, 5) have a completely different sidebar — it's a "Queue" sidebar that slides in from the side. It's a different concept entirely — it's a collapsible side drawer that shows a work queue, not a navigation sidebar like Standard 3 had or the playbooks have.

So Standard 3 had a fixed dark navy sidebar for NAVIGATION between sections. Standards 1, 2, 4, 5 have a completely different sidebar — a collapsible "Queue" panel.

So when I said "Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 could get the same sidebar redesign as Standard 3," I was actually wrong or misleading.

The real question is whether Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 would actually benefit from adding a left-side navigation sidebar like Standard 3 has, which depends on their content structure and whether they have sections that need that kind of navigation.

Let me look more closely at how one of these pages is actually structured to figure out if this redesign makes sense.


grep -n "sidebar.open\|transform: translateX\|position: fixed\|Queue\|work-queue" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard1.html" | head -10

Check if Standard1 sidebar is a slide-out drawer


27:        .body-sidebar-open { padding-left: calc(var(--sidebar-width) + 20px); }
34:            position: fixed;
268:            position: fixed;
276:            transform: translateX(-100%);
281:        .sidebar.open { transform: translateX(0); }
311:        <h3>📌 Work Queue</h3>
331:            <button id="sidebarToggle" style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.9);font-size:0.8rem;font-weight:700;padding:8px 14px;border-radius:6px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.03em;transition:all 0.2s;background:none;border:none;cursor:pointer;">📌 Queue</button>
557:        addToQueue(title, 'Standard1.html', brief);
568:    function addToQueue(title, url, desc) {
604:        document.body.classList.toggle('body-sidebar-open', !isOpen);


Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 have a completely different kind of sidebar — it's a slide-out "Work Queue" drawer that appears from the left when triggered by a button in the nav. It's not a persistent navigation sidebar like Standard 3 had.

So when I mentioned "Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 could get the same sidebar redesign as Standard 3," I was implying that those standards might benefit from having a left-side navigation sidebar like Standard 3 now has (and like the playbooks). But actually, it's a different situation because:

The key difference is that Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 currently have a collapsible Work Queue drawer rather than a navigation sidebar, while Standard 3 had a dark navy navigation sidebar that we redesigned to match the playbook style. Adding a new navigation sidebar to Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 would be a more substantial change than I initially suggested, and it would only make sense if their content is organized into navigable sections.


Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 are actually structurally different from Standard 3. Their sidebar is a **slide-out Work Queue drawer** — it's hidden off-screen and only appears when you click "📌 Queue" in the nav. It's not a navigation sidebar at all.

Standard 3 had a persistent left-side navigation panel for moving between sections, which is why it was a natural match for the playbook sidebar redesign.

So my suggestion was a bit loose. What it would actually mean for the other standards is: do their sections benefit from persistent left-nav the way Standard 3's four phases do? That's a content question more than a design one. If Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 have multiple distinct sections a student would jump between, it would make sense. If they mostly scroll linearly, it might not add much.

Do you want me to quickly look at the section structure of one of them so you can decide?


Yes that would be great. Although, Standard3 is a linear progression (do this then this then this) whereas the other standards are more of a choose-your-own adventure. So take that into consideration.


The user wants me to look at the section structure of Standards 1, 2, 4, and 5 to understand whether a persistent sidebar navigation would make sense given that they're "choose your own adventure" rather than linear. Let me read the structure of all four standards to understand their sections.


grep -n "section\|tab\|panel\|showSection\|showTab\|onclick.*show\|<h2\|<h1" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard1.html" | head -30
echo "---"
grep -n "section\|tab\|panel\|showSection\|showTab\|onclick.*show\|<h2\|<h1" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard4.html" | head -30
echo "---"
grep -n "section\|tab\|panel\|showSection\|showTab\|onclick.*show\|<h2\|<h1" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard5.html" | head -30

Check navigation structure of Standards 1, 4, and 5


142:        .editable-title {
153:        .editable-title[contenteditable="true"]:focus { background: #FFFBEB; border-radius: 4px; }
165:        .brief-text[contenteditable="true"]:focus { background: white; padding: 5px; border-radius: 4px; }
244:        .editable-title { margin-bottom: 0; }
338:
Standard 1: Servant Leadership & Client Relationships

366:
🏗 Portfolio Strands

495:                <div class="editable-title title-text"
496:                     contenteditable="true"
504:
${cardData.brief || 'Describe the experience...'}

665:        if (e.target.classList.contains('reflection-textarea') || e.target.hasAttribute('contenteditable')) {
---
269:
🚀 BSU Professional Sprint Portfolio v3

---
140:        .editable-title {
242:
Standard 5: Professional Skills

270:
🏗 Portfolio Strands

331:            { id: 'linkedin', title: '🔗🌐 LinkedIn Optimization', brief: 'Update your profile with a headshot, APEX headline, and "About" section featuring your Career Thesis.', reflection: '', link: '', isCustom: false },
360:
${data.title}

363:
${data.brief}

468:        if (e.target.classList.contains('reflection-textarea') || e.target.hasAttribute('contenteditable')) {


grep -n "col-header\|column\|strand\|Portfolio Strands\|col-title\|section-title\|data-col\|col-" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard1.html" | head -20
echo "---"
grep -n "col-header\|column\|strand\|Portfolio Strands\|col-title\|section-title\|data-col\|col-" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard5.html" | head -20

Check column/strand structure of Standards 1 and 5


94:        .indicators-content { padding: 20px; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr)); gap: 20px; font-size: 0.85rem; line-height: 1.5; }
109:        .strand-info {
120:        .strand-info-text { flex: 2; min-width: 300px; }
121:        .strand-info-text h2 { margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 1.2rem; color: #0369A1; }
122:        .strand-info-text p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.4; color: #0C4A6E; }
123:        .strand-steps { flex: 3; min-width: 300px; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 15px; }
128:        .vibe-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr)); gap: 25px; align-items: start; }
129:        .vibe-column { background: var(--card-bg); border-radius: 12px; padding: 20px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-top: 8px solid var(--accent); position: relative; padding-bottom: 80px; min-height: 400px; }
131:        .col-1 { border-top-color: #10B981; }
132:        .col-2 { border-top-color: #3B82F6; }
133:        .col-3 { border-top-color: #8B5CF6; }
134:        .col-4 { border-top-color: #F59E0B; }
172:        .action-area { margin-top: 15px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
259:        .col-1 .progress-pip.lit { background: #10B981; }
260:        .col-2 .progress-pip.lit { background: #3B82F6; }
261:        .col-3 .progress-pip.lit { background: #8B5CF6; }
262:        .col-4 .progress-pip.lit { background: #F59E0B; }
364:

365:

366:
🏗 Portfolio Strands

---
93:        .indicators-content { padding: 20px; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr)); gap: 20px; font-size: 0.85rem; line-height: 1.5; }
108:        .strand-info {
119:        .strand-info-text { flex: 2; min-width: 300px; }
120:        .strand-info-text h2 { margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 1.2rem; color: #0369A1; }
121:        .strand-info-text p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.4; color: #0C4A6E; }
122:        .strand-steps { flex: 3; min-width: 300px; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 15px; }
126:        .vibe-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(320px, 1fr)); gap: 25px; align-items: start; }
127:        .vibe-column { background: var(--card-bg); border-radius: 12px; padding: 20px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-top: 8px solid var(--accent); min-height: 400px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; position: relative; }
129:        .col-1 { border-top-color: #06B6D4; }
130:        .col-2 { border-top-color: #8B5CF6; }
131:        .col-3 { border-top-color: #F59E0B; }
132:        .col-4 { border-top-color: #10B981; }
164:        .action-area { margin-top: 15px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
268:

269:

270:
🏗 Portfolio Strands

273:

290:

296:

302:


Now I understand the structure of Standards 1 and 5. They use a **Kanban-style column layout** — multiple `vibe-column` columns (4 columns for S1, at least 3-4 for S5) displayed side by side. This is a horizontal multi-column grid layout, not a section-by-section navigation pattern.

The "choose your own adventure" nature means: students can add evidence cards to any column in any order. There's no linear progression of "do column 1, then column 2, then column 3."

This is completely different from what a persistent left-side nav would add value to.

A sidebar navigation would suggest moving between different sections, but since all columns are visible at once, there's nothing to navigate to — I should check Standard 4 to see if it follows a different pattern.


1	<!DOCTYPE html>
2	<html lang="en">
3	<head>
4	    <meta charset="UTF-8">
5	    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
6	    <title>BSU Portfolio v3 | Professional Sprint Log</title>
7	    <style>
8	        :root {
9	            --primary: #500778;    /* APEX Purple */
10	            --secondary: #c4d600;  /* APEX Lime Gold */
11	            --accent: #4b4f54;     /* APEX Dark Gray */
12	            --canva: #00C4CC;
13	            --bg: #F3F4F6;
14	            --card-bg: #FFFFFF;
15	            --text-main: #1F2937;
16	            --text-sub: #6B7280;
17	            --success: #10B981;
18	            --nav-height: 70px;
19	            --sidebar-width: 300px;
20	        }
21	        body { font-family: 'Inter', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; background-color: var(--bg); color: var(--text-main); margin: 0; padding-top: var(--nav-height); padding-bottom: 40px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; transition: padding-left 0.3s; }
22	        .body-sidebar-open { padding-left: calc(var(--sidebar-width) + 20px); }
23
24	        /* --- GLOBAL NAVIGATION --- */
25	        .main-nav {
26	            background: var(--primary);
27	            height: var(--nav-height);
28	            width: 100%;
29	            position: fixed;
30	            top: 0;

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>BSU Portfolio v3 | Professional Sprint Log</title>
    <style>
        :root {
            --primary: #500778;    /* APEX Purple */
            --secondary: #c4d600;  /* APEX Lime Gold */
            --accent: #4b4f54;     /* APEX Dark Gray */
            --canva: #00C4CC;
            --bg: #F3F4F6;
            --card-bg: #FFFFFF;
            --text-main: #1F2937;
            --text-sub: #6B7280;
            --success: #10B981;
            --nav-height: 70px;
            --sidebar-width: 300px;
        }
        body { font-family: 'Inter', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; background-color: var(--bg); color: var(--text-main); margin: 0; padding-top: var(--nav-height); padding-bottom: 40px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; transition: padding-left 0.3s; }
        .body-sidebar-open { padding-left: calc(var(--sidebar-width) + 20px); }

        /* --- GLOBAL NAVIGATION --- */
        .main-nav {
            background: var(--primary);
            height: var(--nav-height);
            width: 100%;
            position: fixed;
            top: 0;


grep -n "vibe-column\|col-header\|data-col\|col-1\|col-2\|col-3\|col-4\|showSection\|showTab" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard4.html" | head -20
echo "---"
grep -n "vibe-column\|col-header\|data-col\|col-1\|col-2\|col-3\|showSection\|showTab" "/Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard2.html" | head -20

Check column structure of Standard4 and Standard2


76:        .vibe-column { background: var(--card-bg); border-radius: 12px; padding: 20px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-top: 8px solid var(--primary); }
158:        [data-col="0"] .progress-pip.lit { background: #10B981; }
159:        [data-col="1"] .progress-pip.lit { background: #3B82F6; }
160:        [data-col="2"] .progress-pip.lit { background: #8B5CF6; }
161:        [data-col="0"] { border-top-color: #10B981 !important; }
162:        [data-col="1"] { border-top-color: #3B82F6 !important; }
163:        [data-col="2"] { border-top-color: #8B5CF6 !important; }
275:

386:

510:

696:            const colEl = card.closest('.vibe-column');
722:        const colEl = card.closest('.vibe-column');
880:        // Assign data-col to each column and add progress tracks
881:        document.querySelectorAll('.vibe-column').forEach((col, i) => {
900:            const colEl = card.closest('.vibe-column');
973:        document.querySelectorAll('.vibe-column').forEach(col => updateProgress(col));
---
ugrep: warning: /Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard2.html: No such file or directory


Now I have a clear picture:

- **Standard 1, 5**: Multi-column Kanban-style layouts with 4 columns (`vibe-column col-1` through `col-4`), displayed side-by-side. These are "choose your own adventure" — students add evidence to any column independently.
- **Standard 4**: Similar multi-column Kanban layout (3 columns with `data-col` attributes). Same choose-your-own-adventure pattern.
- **Standard 2**: Doesn't exist (No such file or directory) — interesting!

So the structure of Standards 1, 4, 5 is fundamentally different from Standard 3:

- Standard 3 was a tabbed/sectioned page where you navigate between phases → sidebar nav makes sense
- Standards 1, 4, 5 display ALL content simultaneously as side-by-side columns → no sections to navigate between, so a sidebar nav wouldn't add value

The "choose your own adventure" nature is expressed through multiple visible columns, not through navigating between hidden sections. A persistent sidebar nav doesn't make sense for Standards 1, 4, and 5 since there's nothing to navigate — it's all visible at once. They'd benefit from a different kind of sidebar improvement instead.

For these standards, a sidebar could surface summary info, progress tracking, or quick jumps to specific columns. The Work Queue drawer they already have is actually well-suited to their layout structure.


I have a clear enough picture now. My honest assessment: **a persistent sidebar nav doesn't make sense for Standards 1, 4, and 5** — and the reason is exactly what you said about choose-your-own-adventure.

Standard 3 had four phases a student works through in order, one at a time. The sidebar nav was useful because there were sections to navigate *between* — only one was visible at a time.

Standards 1, 4, and 5 are Kanban-style column layouts — all the columns are visible at once on the same page. There's nothing to navigate between. Adding a sidebar nav there would just push all the content to the right for no reason.

The slide-out Work Queue drawer they already have is actually the right pattern for that structure — it's supplemental, not navigational.

So the suggestion I made at the end of the session was off-base. Standard 3 was a special case because of its section-by-section flow. The others don't need the same treatment, and forcing it on them would make them worse, not better.


Nice. Thanks for catching that. I appreciate that you could see the bigger picture.


Thanks — it's the kind of thing that's easy to miss when you're in "let's do more" mode at the end of a session. The right answer was to look before recommending.

Good session today. A lot got done.


<ide_opened_file>The user opened the file /Users/russgoerend/Desktop/Portfolio HTMLs/Standard4DCS.html in the IDE. This may or may not be related to the current task.</ide_opened_file>

Let's take a look at the Standard4DCS file. I think the entire thing (content and all) needs a rewrite.

The idea is to walk the student-associates through learning about what a brand is, then a personal brand, reflecting on themselves, then designing branding to showcase thier own personal brand.


Let's take a look at the Standard4DCS file. I think the entire thing (content and all) needs a rewrite.   The idea is to walk the student-associates through learning about what a brand is, then a pers…


The user wants to rewrite Standard4DCS.html from scratch. Let me first read the current file to understand what's there, then we can plan the rewrite together.


Let me read what's currently in there first.


1	<!DOCTYPE html>
2
3
4	    <meta charset="UTF-8">
5	    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
6	    <title>Waukee APEX Brand Launchpad</title>
7	    <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
8
76
77
78
79
80
Waukee APEXBrand Launchpad

81	        <button onclick="showSection('discovery')" id="btn-discovery" class="active">1. Core Strategy</button>
82	        <button onclick="showSection('visuals')" id="btn-visuals">2. Visual Identity</button>
83	        <button onclick="showSection('assets')" id="btn-assets">3. Digital Assets</button>
84
<button class="btn-reset" onclick="clearData()">Reset Project</button>

85
86
87
88

89
Phase 1: Discovery

90
91

92

1. Brand DNA

Map your professional values and skills. This reflection is the fuel for your brand.

93

2. The UVP

Draft your Unique Value Proposition—the elevator pitch for your professional self.

94

3. Archetype Sync

Identify your "Brand Vibe" to ensure your personality matches your goals.

95

4. AI Strategy

Synthesize your DNA into a cohesive creative brief using guided AI prompts.

96

97
98

99
💎 Core Values

100
Select 3 values that define your work ethic.

101

102

103
104

105
🚀 Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

106	                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-uvp')">Show Formula & Examples</button>
107

108	                    Formula: I help [Who] achieve [What] by [How].
109

🔗 Personal Brand Statement Guide
110

111	                <textarea id="uvp-text" rows="3" placeholder="I help... by..." oninput="autoSave()"></textarea>
112

113
114

115
Bridge to Visuals

116
Now that we've defined Who you are and What you do, it's time to decide what that looks like. In the next phase, we'll translate your values into colors and fonts.

117	                <button class="btn-action btn-purple" onclick="showSection('visuals')">START VISUAL IDENTITY</button>
118

119

120
121

122
Phase 2: Visual Identity

123
124

125

1. Color Theory

Select a palette that communicates trust, energy, or innovation.

126

2. Typography

Choose fonts that tell your brand's story before someone reads a word.

127

3. AI Designer

Use AI to generate logo concepts and mood boards based on your DNA.

128

4. Style Guide

Document your rules to ensure your brand looks the same everywhere.

129

130
131

132
🎭 Brand Archetype

133	                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-archetype')">What is an Archetype?</button>
134

135	                    The Creator: Innovative/Unique (Apple) | The Sage: Knowledgeable (Google)
136

137

138

139
140

141
🎨 Visual Standards

142	                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-tools')">Design Tools</button>
143

144	                    ✨ Coolors (Palette Gen) | 🔡 Google Fonts
145

146

147

Element	Choice (Hex / Font Name)

148

149
Primary Color	<input type="text" id="color-primary" placeholder="#000000" oninput="autoSave()">

150
Secondary Color	<input type="text" id="color-secondary" placeholder="#FFFFFF" oninput="autoSave()">

151
Heading Font	<input type="text" id="font-primary" placeholder="e.g., Montserrat" oninput="autoSave()">

152

153

154

155
156

157
✨ AI Design Consultant

158	                <button class="btn-action btn-gold" onclick="generateBrandPrompt()">GENERATE DESIGN PROMPT</button>
159

160

161	                    <button class="btn-action btn-purple" style="margin-top:10px" onclick="copyAndOpen()">COPY & OPEN AI</button>
162

163

164
165

166
Bridge to Production

167
Your strategy is set and your "look" is decided. Now it's time to build. In Phase 3, you will create your final logo, LinkedIn profile, and business cards.

168	                <button class="btn-action btn-purple" onclick="showSection('assets')">GO TO PRODUCTION LAB</button>
169

170

171
172

173
Phase 3: Digital Assets

174
175

176

1. Bio Copy

Translate your UVP into a high-impact LinkedIn headline and bio.

177

2. Logo Kit

Produce a primary logo and an icon version for your social profiles.

178

3. Network Tools

Design a business card that serves as your physical professional handshake.

179

4. Final Launch

Compile everything into a Style Guide for your APEX Portfolio.

180

181
182

183
💼 Professional Copy

184	                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-li')">LinkedIn Formulas</button>
185

186	                    Headline: [Job Title/Specialty] | [Value Statement] | [Industry Keyword]
187

188	                <textarea id="linkedin-copy" rows="2" placeholder="Professional Headline..." oninput="autoSave()"></textarea>
189

190
191

192
📦 Submission Tracking

193

194

Deliverable	Status / Link

195

196
Final Logo File	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to PNG/SVG...">

197
LinkedIn Profile Draft	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to Word/Doc...">

198
Business Card PDF	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to Mockup...">

199

200

201

202

203
204
205
300
301

<!DOCTYPE html>

    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Waukee APEX Brand Launchpad</title>
    <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">

Waukee APEXBrand Launchpad

        <button onclick="showSection('discovery')" id="btn-discovery" class="active">1. Core Strategy</button>
        <button onclick="showSection('visuals')" id="btn-visuals">2. Visual Identity</button>
        <button onclick="showSection('assets')" id="btn-assets">3. Digital Assets</button>

<button class="btn-reset" onclick="clearData()">Reset Project</button>

Phase 1: Discovery

1. Brand DNA

Map your professional values and skills. This reflection is the fuel for your brand.

2. The UVP

Draft your Unique Value Proposition—the elevator pitch for your professional self.

3. Archetype Sync

Identify your "Brand Vibe" to ensure your personality matches your goals.

4. AI Strategy

Synthesize your DNA into a cohesive creative brief using guided AI prompts.

💎 Core Values

Select 3 values that define your work ethic.

🚀 Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-uvp')">Show Formula & Examples</button>

                    Formula: I help [Who] achieve [What] by [How].

🔗 Personal Brand Statement Guide

                <textarea id="uvp-text" rows="3" placeholder="I help... by..." oninput="autoSave()"></textarea>

Bridge to Visuals

Now that we've defined Who you are and What you do, it's time to decide what that looks like. In the next phase, we'll translate your values into colors and fonts.

                <button class="btn-action btn-purple" onclick="showSection('visuals')">START VISUAL IDENTITY</button>

Phase 2: Visual Identity

1. Color Theory

Select a palette that communicates trust, energy, or innovation.

2. Typography

Choose fonts that tell your brand's story before someone reads a word.

3. AI Designer

Use AI to generate logo concepts and mood boards based on your DNA.

4. Style Guide

Document your rules to ensure your brand looks the same everywhere.

🎭 Brand Archetype

                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-archetype')">What is an Archetype?</button>

                    The Creator: Innovative/Unique (Apple) | The Sage: Knowledgeable (Google)

🎨 Visual Standards

                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-tools')">Design Tools</button>

                    ✨ Coolors (Palette Gen) | 🔡 Google Fonts

Element	Choice (Hex / Font Name)

Primary Color	<input type="text" id="color-primary" placeholder="#000000" oninput="autoSave()">

Secondary Color	<input type="text" id="color-secondary" placeholder="#FFFFFF" oninput="autoSave()">

Heading Font	<input type="text" id="font-primary" placeholder="e.g., Montserrat" oninput="autoSave()">

✨ AI Design Consultant

                <button class="btn-action btn-gold" onclick="generateBrandPrompt()">GENERATE DESIGN PROMPT</button>

                    <button class="btn-action btn-purple" style="margin-top:10px" onclick="copyAndOpen()">COPY & OPEN AI</button>

Bridge to Production

Your strategy is set and your "look" is decided. Now it's time to build. In Phase 3, you will create your final logo, LinkedIn profile, and business cards.

                <button class="btn-action btn-purple" onclick="showSection('assets')">GO TO PRODUCTION LAB</button>

Phase 3: Digital Assets

1. Bio Copy

Translate your UVP into a high-impact LinkedIn headline and bio.

2. Logo Kit

Produce a primary logo and an icon version for your social profiles.

3. Network Tools

Design a business card that serves as your physical professional handshake.

4. Final Launch

Compile everything into a Style Guide for your APEX Portfolio.

💼 Professional Copy

                <button class="btn-toggle" onclick="toggleEx('ex-li')">LinkedIn Formulas</button>

                    Headline: [Job Title/Specialty] | [Value Statement] | [Industry Keyword]

                <textarea id="linkedin-copy" rows="2" placeholder="Professional Headline..." oninput="autoSave()"></textarea>

📦 Submission Tracking

Deliverable	Status / Link

Final Logo File	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to PNG/SVG...">

LinkedIn Profile Draft	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to Word/Doc...">

Business Card PDF	<input type="text" placeholder="Link to Mockup...">


Now I have a complete picture of the current Standard4DCS.html. The user wants a full rewrite with this progression:
1. What is a brand?
2. What is a personal brand?
3. Reflecting on yourself
4. Designing branding to showcase your personal brand

The current file has:
- A dark navy sidebar (same old style as Standard 3 before the redesign)
- 3 phases: Core Strategy, Visual Identity, Digital Assets
- Values selection pills
- UVP textarea
- Brand Archetype selection
- Color/font inputs
- AI prompt generator

- Submission tracking

The user wants a complete content rewrite — not just a sidebar redesign. This is a full rebuild. I'm thinking through the new content structure they're describing. Phase 0 would introduce what a brand actually is — the total impression someone makes, not just a logo — with examples and the distinction between brand identity (what you design) and brand (what people perceive). Phase 1 shifts to personal branding in a professional context, exploring reputation and how it's built.

Now I'm mapping out the remaining phases: Phase 2 is a deep self-reflection section where students work through values, strengths, what makes them unique, personality traits, target audience, and their unique value proposition through interactive text areas and selections. Phase 3 moves into the actual design work — selecting a brand archetype, learning about color psychology and typography, documenting visual standards, and using an AI prompt builder to generate logo concepts and deliverables like LinkedIn headers and business cards.

Before I build this out, I need to clarify a few things: the navigation structure (the playbook sidebar seems right for this linear flow), whether to stick with the existing design system colors, what specific artifacts need to be tracked, and the context around mentorship checkpoints — who the mentor is and where those touchpoints happen in the journey.


OK, I've read the whole thing. The current version is shallow — the "brand education" is essentially missing, it jumps straight into selections and form fields without actually teaching students what a brand is or why it matters.

Before I build anything, let me propose the structure so we're aligned:

---

**Phase 0 — What is a Brand?**
Teach the concept: a brand isn't a logo, it's the total impression you make. Examples of real brands and what they communicate beyond visuals. The distinction between brand identity (what you design) and brand (what people feel/remember).

**Phase 1 — What is a Personal Brand?**
Teach how personal branding applies to a student entering professional work. Why it matters. The components: values, voice, visual identity, presence. A reflection prompt on how they currently come across vs. how they want to come across.

**Phase 2 — Reflect on Yourself**
The self-discovery work: values, strengths, what makes them different, brand personality/adjectives, who their "audience" is (clients, employers, collaborators). Builds toward drafting a UVP.

**Phase 3 — Design Your Brand**
Color psychology + palette selection, typography choices, brand archetype, AI prompt builder for logo concepts. Visual standards documentation.

**Phase 4 — Build & Deliver**
Deliverable tracking: logo file, LinkedIn profile/headline, business card, portfolio entry.

---

A few things I need from you before building:
1. **Is this linear progression?** It reads that way — same sidebar pattern as Standard 3 with completion buttons between phases?
2. **Mentor checkpoints?** Standard 3 has "Reflect with Russ" — should any phases have a check-in here?
3. **AI prompt builder** — keep the concept of generating a prompt for an AI design tool, or drop it?
4. **Deliverables in Phase 4** — what specifically should students hand in?


1. Yes.
2. Yes. Could be check in with me, Maria, and/or Kayt
3. Drop it
4. Let's start with what you think is appropriate


Great, now I have everything I need to build this. Let me plan it out:

**Structure:**
- Phase 0: What is a Brand? (orientation/teaching)
- Phase 1: What is a Personal Brand?
- Phase 2: Reflect on Yourself (self-discovery)
- Phase 3: Design Your Brand (visual identity)
- Phase 4: Build & Deliver (deliverables)

**Sidebar:** Playbook-style (white, sticky, phase groups, step-check circles, progress bar)
**Navigation:** Linear with completion buttons (like Standard 3)
**Checkpoints:** With Russ, Maria, and/or Kayt at appropriate places

I'll skip the AI prompt builder and stick with the existing design system colors—purple and lime green. For mentor checkpoints, I'm routing the reflection and identity work through Russ after Phase 2, then bringing in Maria and Kayt for the visual and social media decisions in Phase 3, with flexibility on who handles the final deliverables review. Phase 0 will establish that a brand is fundamentally about the total impression and feeling you create, not just a logo.

I'm distinguishing between brand identity (the designed elements like colors and tone) and brand itself (what people actually perceive), using Apple, Nike, and Patagonia as anchors. The key teaching moment is that while you can't fully control your brand, you can shape it intentionally. I'll include a callout that every professional already has a personal brand, whether they've acknowledged it or not.

Moving into Phase 1, I'm explaining personal branding as how you present yourself professionally through your reputation and the narrative around your skills and values. For high school students specifically, this matters because it influences how clients and employers perceive them.

Now I'm laying out the four core components: your values (what you believe in), your voice (your communication style), your visual identity (design choices), and your presence (where you show up professionally). I'm following this with a reflection prompt to help them assess how they currently come across versus how they'd like to be perceived.

Phase 2 is shifting into self-discovery work that will eventually lead to identifying their unique value proposition.

I'm structuring this phase with six sections: selecting core values, identifying strengths, articulating what makes them different, choosing three adjectives that capture their desired communication style, defining their target audience, and then using a formula to craft their UVP statement. There's a checkpoint built in where they can discuss their UVP with Russ to validate whether it feels authentic.

Phase 3 moves from reflection into the visual design work, starting with selecting a brand archetype that aligns with their positioning.

Now I'm laying out the brand archetypes with real-world examples to make each one tangible, then moving into color psychology where I explain what different colors communicate before having them select their palette.

For typography, I'm teaching how serif fonts convey tradition and trust, sans-serif feels modern and accessible, script adds elegance but needs restraint, and monospace signals technical precision. Then there's a mood board section where they describe their brand in three words to capture the essence, followed by a checkpoint to validate everything aligns with their unique value proposition and chosen archetype before moving into actual asset creation.

Now I'm thinking through the final phase where everything gets assembled into tangible deliverables—a style guide that locks in consistency across all brand touchpoints, plus the actual assets like logos, LinkedIn optimization, business cards, and portfolio documentation. There's a final review with stakeholders to ensure everything's production-ready. I'm also mapping out the navigation flow across these phases and considering whether each one should break into smaller substeps or stay as single units based on how Standard 3 structures its playbooks. I'm mapping out the completion buttons for each phase — they'll advance the student through the workflow and trigger mentor checkpoints at key stages. I'll style the checkpoint buttons to match Standard 3's design system, using the same CSS variables and button patterns throughout.

Now I'm building the full HTML file with the sidebar navigation, step sections for each phase, and JavaScript to handle progress tracking with localStorage using the key `apex_s4dcs_v1` to persist the student's values, voice adjectives, archetype, strengths, differentiator, and audience data.

Building the layout structure... the identity elements themselves, but the actual brand lives in people's minds — what I can do is craft the visual and verbal identity so deliberately that it shapes how people perceive and feel about the organization. I'm moving into comparing brand versus brand identity with concrete examples like Apple, where the minimal aesthetic communicates creativity and premium quality, and then showing how Nike and Patagonia use their visual systems to evoke specific emotions like determination and environmental consciousness.

Now I'm transitioning to the personal brand section, establishing that everyone already has one whether they've intentionally built it or not — the real work is making deliberate choices about how you present yourself across all touchpoints.

I'm laying out the four core components: your values as your professional foundation, your voice as how you communicate, and visual identity as the consistent aesthetic you project across platforms.

Then I'm moving into a reflection phase where students answer two key questions about how they currently come across versus how they want to be perceived, with a completion button that unlocks the next section. The second phase emphasizes that this introspection work is critical—rushing past it to jump into design will undermine the whole personal brand.

Now I'm laying out the core reflection cards: students select up to three values from a curated list and explain why those matter to them with a concrete example, then articulate their actual strengths rather than aspirational ones, identify what genuinely differentiates them from peers, and choose three adjectives that capture their brand voice. Now moving into the design phase where I'll translate the brand identity into visual elements. Before diving into any design tools, I should keep the UVP and voice adjectives front and center—every color choice, font, and visual element needs to connect back to who they are. Starting with brand archetypes to ensure visual consistency with their personality. ent and authentic — not just pretty.
- The Creator: Makes things. Innovative, expressive, original. (Apple, LEGO, Adobe)
- The Sage: Shares knowledge. Thoughtful, credible, research-driven. (Google, TED, The Economist)
- The Hero: Gets things done. Determined, confident, results-focused. (Nike, FedEx, the military)
- The Explorer: Finds new paths. Independent, curious, adventurous. (Patagonia, Jeep, REI)
- The Everyman: Connects with everyone. Relatable, genuine, unpretentious. (IKEA, Target, Budweiser)
- The Magician: Creates transformation. Visionary, inspiring, sometimes mysterious. (Disney, Dyson, Tesla)
- The Ruler: Commands authority. Polished, leadership-focused, prestigious. (Rolex, Mercedes, Harvard)

Now I'm moving through the color psychology card — colors set the emotional tone before any words land. Purple signals creativity and luxury, blue builds trust and calm, while green conveys growth and balance. Warmer tones like orange and yellow bring energy and optimism, whereas black and red demand sophistication or urgency respectively. Then there's the typography card, where serif fonts feel traditional and authoritative for formal fields, while sans-serif typefaces project modernity and approachability across tech and creative spaces.

Script fonts work as elegant accents only, and monospace carries that technical precision for development-focused brands. After choosing heading and body fonts, the next step is distilling the brand into three feeling words — not what it does, but how it makes people feel. Then there's a checkpoint to validate these choices with Maria and Kayt, ensuring the archetype, colors, and typography all align with the values and unique value proposition from earlier, before moving into the build and delivery phase.

Now I'm laying out Phase 4, which focuses on actually creating the tangible brand assets. The core idea is that every deliverable needs to feel like it's coming from the same person — consistency across the logo, LinkedIn profile, business card, and how you introduce yourself. I'm starting with a brand style guide that documents all the decisions in one place: hex codes, fonts, logo rules, and voice adjectives. This becomes both a working reference and a portfolio artifact. Then there's the logo itself, which needs both a primary version and a simplified icon for smaller applications like profile pictures and favicons.

For the logo, I'm noting that it has to function in both color and black-and-white — that's a critical constraint for versatility. The LinkedIn profile section walks through updating the headline with a specific formula, refreshing the about section to reflect the UVP and voice, adding a branded header image instead of something generic, and using a professional profile photo. Finally, there's the business card, which ties everything together visually using the brand colors and fonts, with all the essential contact information included.

Now I'm moving into the portfolio piece — adding at least one artifact from this project to Standard 4, with the Style Guide being the strongest candidate. Then there's the final checkpoint where I sit down with Russ to walk through the entire brand system from values and UVP all the way through to the finished logo and LinkedIn presence, with space to capture notes from that review before officially marking the project complete.

I'm going to build this out as a fairly comprehensive file using the same sidebar layout pattern from the Standard 3 redesign, pulling in the purple and lime color scheme.

Building the component structure... think about what CSS to include. I'll keep it focused — the playbook design system:
- Fixed top nav
- App shell (flex)
- White sidebar (sticky, playbook style)
- Main content with cards, callouts, step sections
- Phase badges
- Form elements

I'll borrow the CSS from the playbooks/Standard3 where applicable and create a cohesive stylesheet.

For the top nav, I need to include the standard links. Looking at Standard3.html, it links to: Dashboard, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Standard4DCS is kind of a sub-page of S4, so it should probably link similarly. Actually looking at the other files, Standard4DCS is in the same folder. I'll give it a nav that links back to Dashboard and S4.

Let me now write the file. I'll be careful to make it complete and functional.

I'm setting up the step progression with five phases — orientation, personal reflection, design, and delivery — tracking progress as "0 of 5 phases complete." For data persistence, I'll use a distinct localStorage key to avoid conflicts with other playbooks, then define all the form fields I need to save including values, voice preferences, archetype selection, and various text inputs for impressions, strengths, and branding details, plus color and font choices.

I'm building the HTML structure using the same design patterns as the other playbooks — callout classes, glossary terms, card styling, and numbered step lists — with phase badges to show progress and checkpoint buttons that mark phases as visited, similar to how Standard 3 handles its check-in functionality. I need to decide between the playbook pattern and the Standard 3 pattern for Standard4DCS. Since Standard 3 was redesigned with the playbook visual style but uses its own simpler JavaScript with `markVisited` and `showSection` rather than `markCompleteAndNext`, I should follow that same approach for consistency — using `showSection` for navigation and `markVisited` to track progress.

Now I'm laying out the complete HTML file with the phase structure and button interactions. and I'll keep the phase labels consistent with just the numeric identifiers in standard purple. For the mentor checkpoints, I'm using the same card pattern from the playbooks — mentor avatar, name, role, and their checkpoint questions. I'll set up mentor cards for both Russ and Maria & Kayt.

Now I'm structuring the HTML content with each phase as its own section. Phase 0 starts with "What is a Brand?" and includes a foundational explanation that challenges common misconceptions about branding.

Building the phase sections... Writing the HTML structure... Writing the complete file... Writing the HTML file... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Writing component styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Still writing styles... Building the Personal Brand Studio interface... Building the sidebar navigation... Building out the educational content about brand identity — distinguishing between the brand itself (what people think and feel) versus brand identity (the designable elements like logos, colors, and fonts), and reinforcing that with Bezos's definition of brand as reputation. The logo itself is almost irrelevant — Nike's brand identity was forged through decades of consistent messaging around performance and determination. Apple communicates through restraint and feeling rather than specifications, using white space and simplicity to convey premium innovation. Patagonia's strength comes from what they actively reject as much as what they embrace, building authenticity through their environmental stance and refusal to play the corporate game.

The real pattern here is that these companies started with a clear sense of identity and values, then designed everything — visuals, messaging, experience — to reinforce that core. That's the approach I'm taking with this project too.

Now I'm moving into the personal branding section. The key point is that everyone already has a personal brand whether they realize it or not — it's just a question of whether it's intentional or accidental. Everything from how you present yourself on LinkedIn to how you follow up after meetings sends a message about who you are professionally. Personal branding is really about deliberately shaping that perception by telling a coherent story about your skills, values, and approach.

For someone in a student-associate role, this brand gets communicated through client interactions, your portfolio, the consistency of your work, follow-ups, and all those touchpoints like email signatures and business cards. The goal here is to make that branding deliberate rather than leaving it to chance. I'm also seeing there's a framework coming up about the four core components that make up a personal brand. Building out the reflection section with text input fields... Building the reflection interface... Building out the form sections... I'm showing an example UVP to guide the user, then moving into a checkpoint section where they can discuss their work with an instructor named Russ Goerend who teaches communication design and business startup courses. I'm moving through the reflection checkpoint and now entering the design phase. This section is asking me to translate my UVP and voice into visual choices—everything I create should tie back to what I've already discovered about myself.

Before diving into design tools, I need to keep my UVP and three voice adjectives front and center, because good design is about intentional expression, not decoration. I'm looking at brand archetypes to find the universal personality pattern that matches who I am professionally, then using color psychology to reinforce my values and archetype rather than just picking colors I personally like.

Building out the color swatches... Writing the color palette interface... Writing the typography section... Building the mentor checkpoint section... Building out the deliverables section now, starting with the brand style guide and moving through all the key assets someone needs to create for a cohesive brand identity. Building the form layout... Building the form layout... Building the interactive form interface... Setting up the interactive selection interface... Writing component logic... Writing the auto-save function... Continuing to restore the rest of the form fields from storage, then I'm re-populating the pill selections by checking which values were previously saved and marking them as selected in the UI. Writing the reset function...

Now I'm reviewing the complete structure—the navigation, sidebar with progress tracking, all five phases with their respective components and checkpoints are in place. The implementation looks comprehensive with the brand identity teaching, personal context, values and voice selection, archetype and design system, and the final phase all accounted for.

I need to verify the section ID routing is working correctly—the `showSection()` function constructs IDs by prepending `step-` to the phase identifier, which matches how I've structured the HTML sections, so the navigation should flow properly between phases. are `id="step-orientation"` etc. ✓

The sidebar buttons use `onclick="showSection('orientation')"` and the function correctly targets `btn-orientation` with the active class. For the checkmarks, I'm relying on CSS to style them green when the step-btn has the `done` class, so those IDs aren't actually being referenced in the JavaScript — they're just there for potential future use.

Now checking that `autoSave()` fires properly on pill toggles and archetype selection, and verifying the mentor checkpoint buttons call `markVisited` before navigating between phases.