This page documents the standardized content elements and variants available for the PSI website. These elements provide consistent styling and behavior across different page types.

Data-Variant System

All content variants use a unified <section data-variant="..."> pattern for semantic HTML and consistent CSS targeting.

Variant 1: Numbered List

Use Case: Sequential content with automatic numbering (research steps, processes, timelines)

Syntax:

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<section data-variant="numbered">
<h3>Step Title</h3>
<p>Description of this step...</p>

<h3>Next Step Title</h3>
<p>Description of next step...</p>
</section>

Result:

Data Collection and Analysis

Systematic collection and evaluation of data on current privacy technologies and their comprehensibility among the population.

Prototyping and Usability Testing

Development and iterative improvement of explanation approaches through user-centered testing.

Evaluation and Validation

Scientific assessment of developed approaches regarding comprehensibility and effectiveness.


Variant 2: Cards

Use Case: Highlighting distinct topics, projects, or features that deserve visual separation

Syntax:

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<section data-variant="cards">
<article>
<h3>Card Title</h3>
<p>Card content goes here...</p>
</article>

<article>
<h3>Another Card Title</h3>
<p>Another card's content...</p>
</article>
</section>

Result:

Privacy & Security in Everyday Digital Life

Development of comprehensible data protection mechanisms for everyday digital applications.

Focus on user-friendly privacy tools and transparent data processing.

Awareness & Education

Research on effective methods for privacy education and awareness-raising.

Development of teaching and learning materials for diverse audiences.


Variant 4: Definition List

Use Case: Term definitions, glossaries, Q&A sections, concept explanations

Syntax:

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<section data-variant="definition">
<h3>Term or Question</h3>
<p>Definition or answer goes here...</p>

<h3>Another Term</h3>
<p>Another definition...</p>
</section>

Result:

What does "comprehensible" privacy technology mean?

Technologies that communicate privacy concepts in ways that enable users to make informed decisions without requiring technical expertise.

How do we measure comprehensibility?

Through user-centered studies, usability testing, and standardized assessment procedures for privacy communication.


Variant 4b: Indented Definition List

Use Case: Project descriptions, detailed term explanations where content flows as continuous text under headings

Syntax:

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<section data-variant="definition-indented">

### Project Name <span class="date-range">(2022–2026)</span>

Detailed project description that flows as continuous text. Can include inline links and references. Supports shortcodes like link-container and margin elements.

### Another Project <span class="date-range">(2021–2025)</span>

Another detailed description with flowing text content.

</section>

Result:

ForDaySec Sample Project (2022–2026)

Security in Everyday Digitalization (Bavarian Research Network). Our sub-project develops interactive training formats and investigates various explanation approaches to make data protection mechanisms comprehensible.

DiKuLe Example (2021–2025)

Developing Digital Cultures of Teaching. Our contributions include co-leading the overall project and establishing a professional video studio environment for the university.

Key Differences from Regular Definition:

  • Content flows as continuous text rather than short definitions
  • Uses markdown ### headings instead of HTML <h3> tags
  • Often used with date ranges in headings (<span class="date-range">)
  • Supports complex content including shortcodes and markdown links
  • Better suited for project descriptions and detailed explanations
  • Critical: Requires blank lines before/after headings and content for proper markdown processing
  • Critical: Use markdown ### syntax, NOT HTML <h3> tags inside the section

Variant 5: Timeline

Use Case: Chronological content, project phases, historical developments

Syntax:

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<section data-variant="timeline">
<h3>Phase/Date Title</h3>
<p>Description of what happened...</p>

<h3>Next Phase/Date</h3>
<p>Next development...</p>
</section>

Result:

2019-2021: Foundational Research

Systematic analysis of existing privacy communication and identification of comprehension problems.

2022-2024: Development Phase

Prototyping and iterative development of improved explanation approaches.

2024-2026: Evaluation & Transfer

Scientific validation and transfer into practice.


Accordion Components

Standard Project Accordion

Syntax:

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<details class="project-accordion">
<summary>
<span class="accordion-title">Project Title</span>
<span class="preview-text">Brief preview description...</span>
</summary>
<div class="accordion-content">
<p>Full project description and details go here...</p>
</div>
</details>

Result:

Example Research Project Developing user-friendly privacy tools for everyday applications...

This project focuses on creating privacy-enhancing technologies that are accessible to non-technical users. We develop intuitive interfaces and clear communication strategies to help users make informed decisions about their data.

The research involves user studies, prototype development, and iterative design improvements based on feedback from diverse user groups.

Overview Accordion with Project List

Syntax:

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<details class="projects-overview-accordion">
<summary>Show overview of all projects</summary>
<div class="accordion-content">

<h3>Current Projects</h3>
<div class="project-item">
<h4>Project Name</h4>
<p>Project description...</p>
</div>

</div>
</details>

Result:

Show overview of all projects

Current Projects

Privacy Dashboard for Smart Home

Development of a user-friendly overview for privacy settings in connected household devices.

Blockchain Privacy Tools

Research on comprehensible explanation approaches for blockchain-based privacy technologies.

Completed Projects

Cookie Banner Optimization

Scientific evaluation of various cookie banner designs regarding user comprehension and compliance.

Research Accordion (Shortcode)

Use Case: Specialized accordion for research topics with preview text and expandable details

Syntax:

Privacy & Security in Everyday Digital Life
User Studies • Ethnography • Security Training

Interdisciplinary investigation of security and privacy in real-world usage contexts, focusing on user-friendly protective measures and their practical feasibility in everyday digital life.

User studies on security tools • Ethnographic research in cooperation with FAU • Awareness and security training in software development • Everyday-suitable protective measures and their acceptance • ForDaySec User Studies (card game methodology for security awareness)

Result:

Example Research Topic
Methods • Analysis • Applications

This is an example of research content that explains complex topics in an accessible way. The accordion format allows users to get a preview and then expand for full details.

The preview text gives readers a quick overview of key aspects, while the expanded content provides comprehensive information including methodologies, findings, and practical applications.

Features:

  • Automatic styling with orange accent colors
  • Preview text for quick scanning
  • Expandable content for detailed information
  • Consistent with other accordion components

Link Containers

Standard Link Container

Use Case: Grouping related links with consistent styling and responsive behavior

Syntax:

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<div class="link-container">
<a href="#link1">First Link</a>
<a href="#link2">Second Link</a>
</div>

Result:

Important Limitation: Link containers cannot be used within shortcodes or accordion content due to Hugo’s markdown processing and nesting issues. Use regular markdown links instead within accordions.

Responsive Behavior:

  • Desktop: Horizontal layout with arrow prefixes (→ Link Text)
  • Tablet: Vertical stacked layout
  • Mobile: Button-style links with borders and touch-friendly targets

Color System

The website uses a unified orange accent color system for consistent branding and readability.

Orange Accent Colors:

  • Primary Orange: #BC5215 (H3, H4, links, accents)
  • Darker Orange: #8B3C0F (H2 headings, hover states)
  • Orange Background: rgba(188, 82, 21, 0.03) (3% opacity for card backgrounds)
  • Orange Border: rgba(188, 82, 21, 0.1) (10% opacity for card borders)

Applied Elements:

  • All H2 headings (darker orange) with orange dashed lines
  • All H3/H4 headings (primary orange)
  • All links (primary orange, darker on hover)
  • Card backgrounds and borders (orange tint)
  • Variant numbering and timeline elements
  • Accordion arrows and interactive elements

Preserved Colors (for future use):

  • Cyan: #24837B, #1A5F59, rgba(36, 131, 123, 0.03/0.1)
  • May be used selectively for hero sections, navigation, or table of contents

Accessibility: Orange colors maintain proper contrast ratios (>7:1) for WCAG compliance.


Technical Implementation

CSS Targeting

Variants use CSS attribute selectors:

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section[data-variant="cards"] { /* styles */ }
section[data-variant="numbered"] { /* styles */ }

Hugo Integration

These elements work with Hugo’s markdown processing and can be mixed with standard markdown content.

Responsive Behavior

All variants include responsive breakpoints:

  • Desktop: Full layout with optimal spacing
  • Tablet: Adjusted layouts for medium screens
  • Mobile: Stacked layouts optimized for touch

Migration from Old System

Old Shortcode Pattern (deprecated):

{{< variant-cards >}}
### Title
Content...
{{< /variant-cards >}}

New Data-Attribute Pattern (current):

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<section data-variant="cards">
<article>
<h3>Title</h3>
<p>Content...</p>
</article>
</section>

The new pattern avoids nested shortcode issues and provides cleaner, more semantic HTML output.


Best Practices

Semantic HTML

  • Use <section> for variant containers
  • Use <article> within cards for proper grouping
  • Use <h3> for variant item titles
  • Use <details> and <summary> for accordions

Content Guidelines

  • Keep card content focused and scannable
  • Use numbered variants for sequential processes
  • Use definition variants for explanatory content
  • Use timeline variants for chronological information

Accessibility

  • All variants maintain proper heading hierarchy
  • Interactive elements (accordions) are keyboard accessible
  • Color is not the only means of conveying information
  • Sufficient contrast ratios maintained

Technical Implementation

CSS Targeting

Variants use CSS attribute selectors:

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section[data-variant="cards"] { /* styles */ }
section[data-variant="numbered"] { /* styles */ }

Hugo Integration

These elements work with Hugo’s markdown processing and can be mixed with standard markdown content.

Responsive Behavior

All variants include responsive breakpoints:

  • Desktop: Full layout with optimal spacing
  • Tablet: Adjusted layouts for medium screens
  • Mobile: Stacked layouts optimized for touch

Migration from Old System

Old Shortcode Pattern (deprecated):

{{< variant-cards >}}
### Title
Content...
{{< /variant-cards >}}

New Data-Attribute Pattern (current):

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<section data-variant="cards">
<article>
<h3>Title</h3>
<p>Content...</p>
</article>
</section>

The new pattern avoids nested shortcode issues and provides cleaner, more semantic HTML output.