Brand Guide

Michael Romanek
Direction B: Research Authority Minimal
Color Palette

A restrained, high-contrast palette that communicates strategic maturity and research authority. Minimal reliance on color alone supports accessibility best practices.

#111111
Rich Black
Headers, navigation, primary buttons
#4A4F55
Cool Graphite
Secondary text, links, accents
#7A1E2C
Deep Burgundy
Strategic callouts, key metrics, accent
#FFFFFF
Pure White
Backgrounds, content sections
#F2F2F2
Light Gray
Dividers, supporting content, cards
Typography

Three typefaces that balance editorial authority with digital clarity.

Headings — Playfair Display
Research Authority
Playfair Display Bold · 36px · Editorial authority, intellectual depth
Body — Inter
UX Researcher and Designer specializing in accessibility evaluation, conversational AI design, and qualitative research methods. I solve product problems by listening to users first — conducting field observations, interviews, and usability tests.
Inter Regular · 16px/1.7 · Clean, rational, highly legible, accessibility-first
Code & Data — IBM Plex Mono
Methods: Field observations, semi-structured interviews Tools: WAVE, AXE, Figma, HTML/CSS/SCSS Deliverables: Research reflection, accessibility audit report
IBM Plex Mono Regular · 14px · Research tables, AI data, technical details
Logo / Monogram

A structured geometric 'MR' monogram. Refined, restrained, and scalable at small sizes. The burgundy accent line adds warmth without decorative noise.

Primary — White on Rich Black
Reversed — Rich Black on White
Accessibility Compliance

All primary text combinations meet WCAG AA standards. Majority meet AAA. Fully colorblind-safe palette.

Combination Ratio AA (Normal) AA (Large) AAA (Normal)
Rich Black on White 18.6:1 Pass Pass Pass
Cool Graphite on White 7.2:1 Pass Pass Pass
Deep Burgundy on White 9.4:1 Pass Pass Pass
White on Rich Black 18.6:1 Pass Pass Pass
Light Gray on Rich Black 15.9:1 Pass Pass Pass
Usage Guidelines

Do

Use strong typography hierarchy with generous whitespace. Let the content and structure communicate authority. Use burgundy sparingly for accent — callouts, key insights, and section borders only.

Don't

Add decorative elements, gradients, or illustrations. Don't use burgundy for large areas of color. Don't pair the palette with playful or rounded typefaces. Avoid clutter.

Portfolio Application

Case studies should read like structured research briefs: clear headers, disciplined whitespace, data-forward layouts. The design should communicate consultant-level maturity and thought leadership.

Resume & LinkedIn

Keep the same Calibri/Inter body font for consistency. Use the color palette for portfolio and personal website only — resumes stay black and white for ATS compatibility.

Minimal. Strategic. Timeless.

The portfolio should function as proof of concept: strong typography hierarchy, disciplined whitespace, structured research briefs, and zero decorative noise. Visual identity communicates consultant-level maturity and thought leadership.