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Phase 5: Brutalist Template

Formatting Rules for Archaeological Evidence

Template Overview

This phase established the brutalist formatting template for presenting archaeological evidence in the scaffold. The template prioritizes clarity, scannability, and aesthetic consistency.

Core Formatting Rules

1. Section Structure

  • Use Section component for major divisions
  • Nested borders for hierarchy (4px outer, 2px inner)
  • Consistent spacing (space-y-8 for sections, space-y-4 for content)

2. Typography

  • Monospace font throughout (font-mono)
  • h1: text-4xl font-bold
  • h2: text-2xl font-bold
  • h3: text-xl font-bold
  • Red accents for emphasis (text-red-500)

3. Code Blocks

  • Black background with white text
  • 2px white border
  • Preserve indentation and formatting
  • Use syntax highlighting sparingly

4. Lists & Tables

  • Bordered containers for visual grouping
  • Consistent padding (p-4)
  • Tables with border-collapse and white borders
  • Alternating row backgrounds for readability

Evidence Presentation Pattern

Standard Evidence Block:

<Section title="Evidence Category">
  <div className="border-2 border-white p-4">
    <h3 className="text-xl font-bold mb-2 text-red-500">
      Finding Title
    </h3>
    <p className="mb-4">
      Description of the finding...
    </p>
    <div className="border border-white p-3 bg-black">
      <p className="text-sm">Evidence quote or code sample</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</Section>

Clarity Principles

  • Reduce prose density: Break long paragraphs into scannable chunks
  • Visual hierarchy: Use borders and spacing to show relationships
  • Consistent patterns: Repeat successful formatting across pages
  • Sacred profanity: Preserve authentic voice and terminology
  • Terminal aesthetic: Maintain monospace, stark borders, minimal color

Application Strategy

The template was applied systematically across target pages:

  1. Identify evidence categories and findings
  2. Apply Section structure for major divisions
  3. Use nested borders for hierarchy
  4. Format code blocks and quotes consistently
  5. Add RelatedContent metadata for cross-references
  6. Validate aesthetic consistency

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