Retro Futurism

Core idea

The defining motion engine is scanlines + signal. The style must remain recognizable even when labels and decorative effects are removed.

Non-negotiable rules

• Treat signal behavior as motion logic, not a generic glitch overlay.
• Establish one era-inspired visual system instead of mixing every retro trope.
• Use tracking errors, RGB split and noise sparingly and at motivated moments.
• Typography should feel period-aware but remain readable.
• Power-on, scan and tape behavior can provide scene structure.

Workflow

1. Identify the single message or transformation the scene must communicate.
2. Design a strong hero frame before animating.
3. Load references/techniques.md and select 2–4 techniques.
4. Use references/recipes.md to plan entry, escalation and exit.
5. Block timing before adding micro-detail.
6. Implement deterministically in code.
7. QA the fastest frame sequence and hero hold at delivery resolution.

Timing model

For 6–12 seconds:

• 0–15% premise
• 15–55% establish system
• 55–80% strongest transformation
• 80–100% readable payoff

Motion principles

• Let scanlines + signal cause the movement.
• Prefer continuity to disappear/reappear edits.
• Match easing and frame cadence to the material/system.
• Keep one dominant idea per beat.
• Make the scene understandable muted.
• Transition using an object already present whenever possible.

Implementation

Use HTML/CSS, GSAP/Web Animations, SVG, Canvas, or WebGL as required. Choose the lightest stack that preserves the style's actual behavior.

Progressive references

• references/techniques.md
• references/recipes.md
• examples/prompts.md

Quality gate

• recognizable without style label
• readable hero message
• no unmotivated generic fades
• clear escalation and payoff
• coherent exit handoff
• paused frames still look intentionally composed

Prompt starter

Use the Retro Futurism skill.
Goal: [GOAL]
Content: [CONTENT]
Duration: [SECONDS]
Format: [ASPECT RATIO]
Let scanlines + signal drive the motion.
Build it in code.
Use only techniques that strengthen the story.