spatial navigation thesis: ink aether mvp prototype
publication date: july 18, 2025
author: sichen ying, founder
version: 3.0
1. core thesis
the ink aether website is a spatial thesis, architected as a dual-state interface inspired by a folded paper model. it offers two distinct modes of interaction: a direct document view (the folded state) for informational clarity, and an immersive canvas view (the unfolded state) for spatial exploration. the interface is an architectural embodiment of our core mission: to translate complexity into clarity.
the primary function of this prototype is to serve as a credibility engine, proving our unique value proposition to our target audience—innovators in deep technology—and compelling them to begin a conversation.design principle = credibility > conversion.
2. primary user persona
this prototype is designed for a single, focused user persona:
• the innovator (evaluation & validation): founders, ctos, and product leads in our target sectors (ai, biotech, aerospace). they are technically literate, strategically minded, and time-poor. they are not "users"; they are potential strategic partners evaluating our methodology and depth of thought.
3. site map & dual-state architecture
the architecture provides two distinct modes of interaction, serving different user intents.
• mode a: the document (folded state / mvp)
◦ interface: a standard, minimalist website. the l00 key plan is presented as a static visual map, not an interactive canvas.
◦ function: provides direct, fast access to the four core content pages. this serves the "evaluator" persona who needs immediate answers.
◦ navigation: simple, direct links from a main navigation menu or the static map.
▪ /about-us
▪ /offerings (featuring one case study)
▪ /resources (featuring key articles)
▪ /contact
• mode b: the canvas (unfolded state / v2+)
◦ interface: the full spatial experience, accessed via a distinct "unfold" or "explore" interaction from mode a.
◦ function: allows for deep, immersive exploration of the studio's architecture and philosophy. this serves the "explorer" persona.
◦ navigation: a permission-based, four-level pyramid.
▪ l00: the key plan (universal macro view): the interactive 2d top-down diamond floorplan with the central core.
▪ l01: the public atrium (visitor access): interactive zones for all public-facing content.
▪ l02: the inner studio (peer/student access): unlocks deeper, non-public zones within the central core.
▪ l03: the control room (partner/internal access): unlocks the strategic heart of the central core.
4. system architecture & functionality (mvp scope)
the mvp will focus exclusively on building mode a: the document. the interactive experience of mode b will be prototyped in figma to validate the user journey before future development.
mvp features (mode a):
• pages: a homepage featuring the static map, and the four core content pages: /about-us, /offerings, /resources, and /contact.
• responsive design: a fully responsive layout that is optimized for desktop and mobile viewing.
5. technical architecture
the project will be implemented in two distinct phases, corresponding to the two modes.
• phase 1: mvp (mode a)
◦ technology: webflow.
◦ purpose: to build the entire document-based website.
◦ rationale: provides a best-in-class visual editor for rapid development and easy content management, perfectly suited for a high-quality document site.
• phase 2: v2+ (mode b)
◦ technology: hybrid stack (webflow + custom javascript).
◦ content layer: webflow. builds and manages all content overlays for the spatial interface.
◦ navigation engine: custom javascript. builds the interactive canvas, camera logic, and animations using a library like gsap or pixijs.
6. design principles
the interface embodies our core philosophy.
• visual: minimalist, architectural, serene. the primary layout is a diamond with a central square core. the color palette is muted whites, creams, and natural tones, with black ink accents.
• interaction: deliberate, fluid, and contemplative.
• copy: concise, direct, and structured. every word serves a purpose.