diff --git a/web-app/css/styles.css b/web-app/css/styles.css
index 84b1ea9..c59dea6 100644
--- a/web-app/css/styles.css
+++ b/web-app/css/styles.css
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@
     --accent-border: rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.35);
     --overlay-color: rgba(8, 17, 32, 0.78);
     --on-accent: #ffffff;
+    --footer-card-color: #e9830f;
+    --footer-card-light: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+    --footer-card-border: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.25);
     --shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
     --shadow-modal: 0 25px 50px -12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45);
     --transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
@@ -50,6 +53,8 @@
     --shadow-modal: 0 35px 80px -12px rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.35);
     --text-color: #0f172a;
     --text-secondary: #64748b;
+    --footer-card-light: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.06);
+    --footer-card-border: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.18);
 
     --hero-green-nav-bg: #e8faf0;
     --hero-green-border: rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.30);
@@ -508,6 +513,82 @@ body {
     max-width: none;
 }
 
+.hero-title-wrapper {
+    position: relative;
+    display: inline-block;
+}
+
+.python-orbit {
+    position: absolute;
+    width: 400px;
+    height: 400px;
+    top: 50%;
+    left: 50%;
+    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
+    border: 2px solid rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.15);
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    animation: revolve 20s linear infinite;
+    pointer-events: none;
+    z-index: 1;
+}
+
+.python-orbiter {
+    position: absolute;
+    width: 50px;
+    height: 50px;
+    top: -25px;
+    left: 50%;
+    transform: translateX(-50%);
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    animation: rotate 4s linear infinite;
+}
+
+.python-logo {
+    font-size: 2.5rem;
+    filter: drop-shadow(0 4px 12px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.4));
+    animation: spinPython 3s linear infinite;
+}
+
+@keyframes revolve {
+    from {
+        transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0deg);
+    }
+    to {
+        transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(360deg);
+    }
+}
+
+@keyframes rotate {
+    from {
+        transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(0deg);
+    }
+    to {
+        transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(360deg);
+    }
+}
+
+@keyframes spinPython {
+    from {
+        transform: rotateY(0deg) scale(1);
+    }
+    50% {
+        transform: rotateY(180deg) scale(1.1);
+    }
+    to {
+        transform: rotateY(360deg) scale(1);
+    }
+}
+
+[data-theme="light"] .python-orbit {
+    border-color: rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.2);
+}
+
+[data-theme="light"] .python-logo {
+    filter: drop-shadow(0 4px 12px rgba(22, 163, 74, 0.3));
+}
+
 
 .hero-subtitle {
     font-size: 1.05rem;
@@ -526,7 +607,7 @@ body {
     color: var(--text-secondary);
     font-family: 'IBM Plex Mono', monospace;
     font-size: 0.78rem;
-    margin-bottom: 2.25rem;
+    margin-bottom: 5rem;
     opacity: 0.82;
     animation: fadeInUp 0.7s ease 0.3s both;
 }
@@ -552,7 +633,7 @@ body {
 
 .hero-features {
     display: flex;
-    gap: 1.05rem;
+    gap: 1.6rem;
     justify-content: center;
     align-items: center;
     flex-wrap: wrap;
@@ -573,7 +654,7 @@ body {
     align-items: center;
     gap: 0.38rem;
     background: transparent;
-    padding: 0.15rem 0 0.35rem;
+    padding: 0.25rem 0 0.35rem;
     border: 0;
     border-radius: 0;
     transition: color 0.2s ease;
@@ -2219,21 +2300,73 @@ body {
 .footer-brand {
     flex: 1 1 300px;
     max-width: 400px;
+    padding: 1.5rem;
+    background: var(--footer-card-light);
+    border: 1px solid var(--footer-card-border);
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    transition: var(--transition);
+}
+
+.footer-brand:hover {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
 }
 
 .footer-links {
     flex: 1 1 150px;
+    padding: 1.5rem;
+    background: var(--footer-card-light);
+    border: 1px solid var(--footer-card-border);
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    transition: var(--transition);
+}
+
+.footer-links:hover {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
 }
 
 .footer-newsletter {
     flex: 1 1 250px;
     max-width: 350px;
+    padding: 1.5rem;
+    background: var(--footer-card-light);
+    border: 1px solid var(--footer-card-border);
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    transition: var(--transition);
+}
+
+.footer-newsletter:hover {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-brand,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-links,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-newsletter {
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-brand:hover,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-links:hover,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-newsletter:hover {
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
 }
 
 .footer-brand h2 {
     font-size: 1.5rem;
     color: var(--text-color);
     margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--text-color), var(--footer-card-color));
+    -webkit-background-clip: text;
+    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+    background-clip: text;
 }
 
 .footer-brand p {
@@ -2253,19 +2386,33 @@ body {
     width: 40px;
     height: 40px;
     border-radius: 50%;
-    background: rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.08);
-    color: var(--accent-color);
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.1);
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
     font-size: 1.2rem;
     transition: var(--transition);
-    border: 1px solid rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.15);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.2);
     text-decoration: none;
 }
 
 .footer-social-icons a:hover {
-    background: var(--accent-color);
-    color: var(--on-accent);
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15), rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.1));
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
     transform: translateY(-5px);
-    box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.3);
+    box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.25);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-social-icons a {
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
+    color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.7);
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.1);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-social-icons a:hover {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12);
+    box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.1);
 }
 
 .footer-links h3,
@@ -2284,9 +2431,26 @@ body {
     bottom: 0;
     left: 0;
     width: 40px;
-    height: 1px;
-    background: var(--accent-color);
+    height: 2px;
+    background: var(--footer-card-color);
     border-radius: 2px;
+    transition: var(--transition);
+}
+
+.footer-links:hover h3::after,
+.footer-newsletter:hover h3::after {
+    width: 60px;
+    background: var(--footer-card-color);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-links h3::after,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-newsletter h3::after {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.5);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-links:hover h3::after,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-newsletter:hover h3::after {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.7);
 }
 
 .footer-links ul {
@@ -2308,16 +2472,20 @@ body {
 
 .footer-links a i {
     font-size: 0.9rem;
-    color: var(--accent-color);
-    opacity: 0.7;
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    opacity: 0.8;
     transition: var(--transition);
 }
 
 .footer-links a:hover {
-    color: var(--accent-color);
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
     transform: translateX(5px);
 }
 
+.footer-links a:hover i {
+    opacity: 1;
+}
+
 .newsletter-form {
     display: flex;
     position: relative;
@@ -2327,8 +2495,8 @@ body {
     width: 100%;
     padding: 0.8rem 3.5rem 0.8rem 1.2rem;
     border-radius: 50px;
-    border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
-    background: var(--bg-color);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.2);
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.04);
     color: var(--text-color);
     font-family: inherit;
     font-size: 0.95rem;
@@ -2336,9 +2504,14 @@ body {
     transition: var(--transition);
 }
 
+.newsletter-form input::placeholder {
+    color: rgba(148, 163, 184, 0.6);
+}
+
 .newsletter-form input:focus {
-    border-color: var(--accent-color);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.12);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
 }
 
 .newsletter-form button {
@@ -2350,18 +2523,29 @@ body {
     height: 36px;
     border-radius: 50%;
     border: none;
-    background: var(--accent-color);
-    color: var(--on-accent);
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--footer-card-color), rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.8));
+    color: #5d4a3a;
     cursor: pointer;
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
     justify-content: center;
     transition: var(--transition);
+    font-weight: 600;
 }
 
 .newsletter-form button:hover {
-    box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.4);
-    transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.05);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.35);
+    transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .newsletter-form button {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.7);
+    color: #000000;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .newsletter-form button:hover {
+    background: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.85);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
 }
 
 .footer-bottom {
@@ -2370,7 +2554,7 @@ body {
     align-items: center;
     gap: 1rem;
     padding-top: 2rem;
-    border-top: 1px solid var(--border-color);
+    border-top: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
     color: var(--text-secondary);
     font-size: 0.95rem;
 }
@@ -2388,11 +2572,23 @@ body {
 }
 
 .footer-bottom-links a:hover {
-    color: var(--primary-color);
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
 }
 
 .separator {
-    color: var(--border-color);
+    color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.3);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-bottom {
+    border-top: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer-bottom-links a:hover {
+    color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.8);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .separator {
+    color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12);
 }
 
 /* ═══════════════════════════════════════
@@ -2821,6 +3017,21 @@ body {
         margin-bottom: 1rem;
     }
 
+    .python-orbit {
+        width: 280px;
+        height: 280px;
+    }
+
+    .python-orbiter {
+        width: 40px;
+        height: 40px;
+        top: -20px;
+    }
+
+    .python-logo {
+        font-size: 2rem;
+    }
+
     .hero-subtitle {
         font-size: 1rem;
         margin-bottom: 2rem;
@@ -3142,4 +3353,854 @@ body {
     .sticky-filter-bar {
         transition: none;
     }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
+
+/* ==========================================================================
+   ARCADE REDESIGN OVERRIDES
+   ========================================================================== */
+
+:root {
+    --accent-color: #6abf8d;
+    --primary-color: #6abf8d;
+    --secondary-color: #f2a65a;
+    --success-color: #5fbf93;
+    --danger-color: #de6d5b;
+    --warning-color: #f2b85f;
+    --bg-color: #f8f5ee;
+    --surface-color: rgba(255, 253, 248, 0.82);
+    --panel-color: #fffaf1;
+    --control-color: #fffdf8;
+    --text-color: #2c241f;
+    --text-secondary: #75675d;
+    --border-color: rgba(118, 99, 84, 0.14);
+    --accent-soft: rgba(106, 191, 141, 0.16);
+    --accent-border: rgba(106, 191, 141, 0.28);
+    --overlay-color: rgba(255, 248, 240, 0.7);
+    --on-accent: #fffdf8;
+    --shadow: 0 22px 60px rgba(155, 123, 90, 0.14);
+    --shadow-modal: 0 35px 90px rgba(101, 72, 39, 0.18);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] {
+    --accent-color: #9fddb5;
+    --primary-color: #9fddb5;
+    --secondary-color: #f6c58d;
+    --success-color: #9fddb5;
+    --danger-color: #ff9e8c;
+    --warning-color: #ffd48f;
+    --bg-color: #13100f;
+    --surface-color: rgba(34, 28, 26, 0.92);
+    --panel-color: #1d1817;
+    --control-color: #2a2321;
+    --text-color: #f8eee4;
+    --text-secondary: #d8c6b6;
+    --border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.14);
+    --accent-soft: rgba(159, 221, 181, 0.14);
+    --accent-border: rgba(159, 221, 181, 0.28);
+    --overlay-color: rgba(15, 12, 11, 0.8);
+    --shadow: 0 28px 70px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.42);
+    --shadow-modal: 0 35px 90px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
+}
+
+body {
+    font-family: 'DM Sans', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
+    background:
+        radial-gradient(circle at top left, rgba(255, 219, 174, 0.44), transparent 30%),
+        radial-gradient(circle at top right, rgba(192, 245, 224, 0.46), transparent 24%),
+        linear-gradient(180deg, #fffdf8 0%, #f8f5ee 45%, #f5efe5 100%);
+    color: var(--text-color);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] body {
+    background:
+        radial-gradient(circle at top left, rgba(242, 166, 90, 0.12), transparent 28%),
+        radial-gradient(circle at top right, rgba(159, 221, 181, 0.1), transparent 24%),
+        linear-gradient(180deg, #161211 0%, #0f0c0b 100%);
+}
+
+.cursor-glow {
+    position: fixed;
+    width: 240px;
+    height: 240px;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    pointer-events: none;
+    z-index: 0;
+    opacity: 0.5;
+    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255, 197, 115, 0.28) 0%, rgba(121, 221, 183, 0.12) 42%, transparent 72%);
+    transform: translate3d(-50%, -50%, 0);
+    transition: opacity 0.25s ease;
+}
+
+.navbar {
+    padding: 1rem 12px;
+    background: transparent;
+    border-bottom: 0;
+}
+
+.nav-island,
+.nav-wrapper {
+    max-width: 1240px;
+    margin: 0 auto;
+    background: rgba(255, 252, 245, 0.72);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.12);
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    padding: 0.9rem 1.15rem;
+    box-shadow: 0 18px 44px rgba(146, 111, 74, 0.14);
+    backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
+    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    gap: 1rem;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .nav-island,
+[data-theme="dark"] .nav-wrapper {
+    background: rgba(29, 24, 23, 0.88);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 243, 224, 0.14);
+}
+
+.navbar.scrolled .nav-wrapper {
+    transform: translateY(-2px);
+    box-shadow: 0 20px 56px rgba(146, 111, 74, 0.18);
+}
+
+.logo-tagline {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
+    color: #6b5c50;
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .logo-tagline {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+    color: #f0dfd1;
+}
+
+.search-box {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.74);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.12);
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
+    height: 54px;
+    max-width: 460px;
+}
+
+.search-box i,
+.search-box input,
+[data-theme="light"] .search-box i,
+[data-theme="light"] .search-box input {
+    color: var(--text-color);
+}
+
+.search-box input::placeholder {
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .search-box {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.12);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .search-box i,
+[data-theme="dark"] .search-box input {
+    color: var(--text-color);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .search-box input::placeholder {
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+.theme-toggle,
+.sound-toggle {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff7ec, #f6dcc5);
+    color: #58463c;
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+    box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(180, 145, 100, 0.12);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .theme-toggle,
+[data-theme="dark"] .sound-toggle {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #443530, #2f2622);
+    color: #fff5eb;
+}
+
+.hero-section {
+    min-height: 0;
+    padding: 4rem 0 2rem;
+    background: transparent;
+}
+
+#boardCanvas {
+    opacity: 0.17;
+    mix-blend-mode: multiply;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] #boardCanvas {
+    opacity: 0.11;
+    mix-blend-mode: screen;
+}
+
+.hero-background {
+    background:
+        radial-gradient(circle at top left, rgba(255, 205, 142, 0.28), transparent 28%),
+        radial-gradient(circle at 85% 20%, rgba(183, 230, 215, 0.32), transparent 30%),
+        linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 253, 248, 0.78), rgba(255, 247, 237, 0.34));
+    opacity: 1;
+    mask-image: none;
+    -webkit-mask-image: none;
+}
+
+.hero-orb {
+    position: absolute;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    filter: blur(10px);
+    opacity: 0.55;
+    pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.hero-orb-one {
+    width: 240px;
+    height: 240px;
+    left: -40px;
+    top: 60px;
+    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(252, 193, 118, 0.52), transparent 70%);
+    animation: float 9s ease-in-out infinite;
+}
+
+.hero-orb-two {
+    width: 280px;
+    height: 280px;
+    right: -30px;
+    top: 100px;
+    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(158, 233, 205, 0.52), transparent 72%);
+    animation: float 11s ease-in-out infinite reverse;
+}
+
+.hero-shell {
+    position: relative;
+    z-index: 2;
+    display: block;
+    max-width: 760px;
+    margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+.hero-content,
+.hero-sidekick-card,
+.achievement-card,
+.featured-lab-card,
+.project-card,
+.sticky-filter-bar,
+.playground-section,
+.footer,
+.modal-content {
+    backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
+    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
+}
+
+.hero-content {
+    align-items: flex-start;
+    text-align: center;
+    max-width: none;
+    padding: 1.75rem;
+    border-radius: 34px;
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7), rgba(255, 249, 239, 0.6));
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+    box-shadow: var(--shadow);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-content {
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(35, 29, 27, 0.9), rgba(23, 19, 18, 0.96));
+}
+
+.hero-kicker,
+.section-kicker,
+.mini-label,
+.achievement-label,
+.lab-tag {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.4rem;
+    font-family: 'IBM Plex Mono', monospace;
+    font-size: 0.78rem;
+    letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    color: #8c7055;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-kicker,
+[data-theme="dark"] .section-kicker,
+[data-theme="dark"] .mini-label,
+[data-theme="dark"] .achievement-label,
+[data-theme="dark"] .lab-tag {
+    color: #e0b88f;
+}
+
+.hero-badge-row,
+.hero-cta-row,
+.projects-header-badges {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 1.5rem;
+}
+
+.hero-cta-row,
+.hero-features {
+    justify-content: center;
+}
+
+.hero-pill,
+.mini-badge,
+.projects-count-badge {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    padding: 0.7rem 1rem;
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+    box-shadow: 0 10px 18px rgba(176, 137, 94, 0.09);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-pill,
+[data-theme="dark"] .mini-badge,
+[data-theme="dark"] .projects-count-badge {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+}
+
+.hero-title {
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
+    font-size: clamp(3rem, 7vw, 5.6rem);
+    line-height: 1;
+    letter-spacing: -0.05em;
+    margin-top: 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.hero-title span {
+    display: block;
+}
+
+.hero-title-line + .hero-title-line {
+    margin-top: 0.18em;
+}
+
+.hero-title-accent {
+    font-style: italic;
+    color: #b87745;
+    max-width: none;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-title-accent {
+    color: #f0bb83;
+}
+
+.hero-subtitle {
+    font-size: 1.08rem;
+    line-height: 1.75;
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+    max-width: 56ch;
+    margin: 0.75rem auto 0;
+}
+
+.hero-typing {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 0.55rem;
+    align-items: center;
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+    padding: 0.85rem 1rem;
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    background: rgba(44, 36, 31, 0.05);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-typing {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+}
+
+.typing-label,
+.typing-text {
+    font-family: 'IBM Plex Mono', monospace;
+}
+
+.typing-text {
+    position: relative;
+    color: #9a643b;
+    font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .typing-text {
+    color: #f0bb83;
+}
+
+.typing-text::after {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1ch;
+    height: 1em;
+    margin-left: 2px;
+    border-right: 2px solid currentColor;
+    animation: blink 0.9s steps(1) infinite;
+    vertical-align: -0.12em;
+}
+
+@keyframes blink {
+    50% { opacity: 0; }
+}
+
+.hero-meta {
+    justify-content: center;
+    gap: 0.8rem;
+    margin: 1rem 0 0;
+}
+
+.hero-meta span {
+    padding: 0.75rem 0.95rem;
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.74);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-meta span {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.1);
+}
+
+.btn-explore,
+.btn-secondary-hero,
+.btn-random-project,
+.lab-action,
+.inline-link-button,
+.btn-play {
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    transition: transform 0.22s ease, box-shadow 0.22s ease, background 0.22s ease, color 0.22s ease;
+}
+
+.btn-explore,
+.btn-random-project,
+.lab-action {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #6abf8d, #7fcfbd);
+    color: #fffdf8;
+    box-shadow: 0 18px 28px rgba(106, 191, 141, 0.28);
+}
+
+.btn-random-project {
+    padding: 1rem 2.25rem;
+    font-size: 1rem;
+    min-width: 240px;
+    letter-spacing: 0.01em;
+    box-shadow: 0 20px 36px rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.35);
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #22c55e, #14b8a6);
+    color: #ffffff;
+}
+
+.btn-secondary-hero,
+.inline-link-button,
+.btn-play {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
+    color: var(--text-color);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .btn-secondary-hero,
+[data-theme="dark"] .inline-link-button,
+[data-theme="dark"] .btn-play {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+    color: var(--text-color);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.12);
+}
+
+.btn-secondary-hero {
+    padding: 1rem 1.35rem;
+}
+
+.hero-features,
+.sticky-filter-inner {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.58);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.08);
+    border-radius: 24px;
+    padding: 0.65rem;
+    gap: 0.55rem;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .hero-features,
+[data-theme="dark"] .sticky-filter-inner {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.1);
+}
+
+.feature-badge,
+.sticky-tab {
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    padding: 0.8rem 1rem;
+    text-transform: none;
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;
+    background: transparent;
+}
+
+.feature-icon {
+    display: inline-flex;
+}
+
+.feature-badge::before,
+.feature-badge::after {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.feature-badge.active,
+.sticky-tab.active {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 198, 132, 0.32), rgba(125, 220, 185, 0.3));
+    color: var(--text-color);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .feature-badge,
+[data-theme="dark"] .sticky-tab {
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .feature-badge.active,
+[data-theme="dark"] .sticky-tab.active {
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.12);
+}
+
+.sticky-filter-bar {
+    top: 16px;
+    left: 12px;
+    right: 12px;
+    width: auto;
+    background: transparent;
+    border-bottom: 0;
+    box-shadow: none;
+}
+
+.hero-card-topline,
+.progress-card-header,
+.progress-caption,
+.featured-lab-header,
+.section-heading,
+.projects-header {
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    gap: 1rem;
+}
+
+.progress-card {
+    padding: 1rem;
+    border-radius: 22px;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.62);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .progress-card {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.1);
+}
+
+.progress-track {
+    overflow: hidden;
+    height: 12px;
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    background: rgba(106, 191, 141, 0.14);
+    margin: 0.85rem 0 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.progress-fill {
+    display: block;
+    height: 100%;
+    border-radius: inherit;
+    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #6abf8d, #f2c26c);
+}
+
+.achievement-grid {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
+    gap: 1rem;
+}
+
+.reward-mint,
+.lab-card-mint {
+    background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(203, 247, 224, 0.9), rgba(255, 251, 241, 0.9));
+}
+
+.reward-lavender {
+    background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(236, 226, 255, 0.9), rgba(255, 251, 241, 0.9));
+}
+
+.lab-card-orange {
+    background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(255, 225, 191, 0.92), rgba(255, 252, 244, 0.94));
+}
+
+.lab-card-cyan {
+    background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(208, 245, 246, 0.92), rgba(255, 252, 244, 0.94));
+}
+
+.achievement-strip,
+.projects-section {
+    padding: 1.2rem 0 2.5rem;
+}
+
+.achievement-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: 1.4fr repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));
+}
+
+.achievement-card {
+    padding: 1.35rem;
+    border-radius: 28px;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+    box-shadow: var(--shadow);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .achievement-card {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.1);
+}
+
+.achievement-card-gold {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: auto 1fr;
+    gap: 1rem;
+    align-items: start;
+    background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(255, 240, 210, 0.92), rgba(255, 252, 245, 0.94));
+}
+
+.achievement-icon,
+.achievement-stat {
+    width: 64px;
+    height: 64px;
+    border-radius: 20px;
+    display: grid;
+    place-items: center;
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffd497, #ffefc9);
+    color: #8f5f26;
+    font-size: 1.35rem;
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', sans-serif;
+}
+
+.achievement-stat {
+    width: auto;
+    height: auto;
+    border-radius: 18px;
+    padding: 0.45rem 0.8rem;
+    font-size: 2rem;
+}
+
+.section-heading,
+.projects-header {
+    align-items: end;
+    margin-bottom: 1.3rem;
+}
+
+.section-heading h2,
+.projects-header h2 {
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', sans-serif;
+    font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 4vw, 3rem);
+    line-height: 1;
+    margin-top: 0.4rem;
+}
+
+.projects-grid {
+    gap: 1.25rem;
+}
+
+.project-card {
+    position: relative;
+    overflow: hidden;
+    padding: 1.45rem 1.25rem 1.15rem;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    border-radius: 28px;
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12), rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08));
+    border: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.3);
+    box-shadow: 0 22px 40px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+    transform-style: preserve-3d;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .project-card {
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4), rgba(10, 10, 10, 0.5));
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+    box-shadow: 0 22px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
+}
+
+.project-card::before {
+    content: '';
+    position: absolute;
+    inset: 0;
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.12), transparent 38%, rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08));
+    opacity: 0;
+    transition: opacity 0.22s ease;
+}
+
+.project-card:hover::before {
+    opacity: 1;
+}
+
+.project-card:hover {
+    transform: translateY(-8px);
+    border-color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: 0 30px 48px rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15);
+}
+
+.card-icon {
+    width: 72px;
+    height: 72px;
+    display: grid;
+    place-items: center;
+    border-radius: 22px;
+    background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.25), rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.15));
+    color: #8b6649;
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.3);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.2);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .card-icon {
+    background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(40, 40, 40, 0.8), rgba(20, 20, 20, 0.9));
+    color: var(--footer-card-color);
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.08);
+    border-color: rgba(252, 176, 91, 0.1);
+}
+}
+
+.project-card h3 {
+    font-family: 'Fredoka', sans-serif;
+    font-size: 1.35rem;
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+}
+
+.project-card p {
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+    margin: 0.65rem 0 1rem;
+}
+
+.btn-play {
+    padding: 0.82rem 1.2rem;
+}
+
+.project-card .btn-share,
+.project-card .btn-favorite {
+    z-index: 3;
+}
+
+.project-card .btn-share {
+    width: 40px;
+    height: 40px;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
+}
+
+.project-card .btn-favorite {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
+}
+
+.project-card-badge {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.35rem;
+    padding: 0.45rem 0.7rem;
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    font-size: 0.76rem;
+    font-family: 'IBM Plex Mono', monospace;
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.1);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .project-card-badge {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 239, 223, 0.12);
+    color: var(--text-color);
+}
+
+.project-card-meta {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    margin-top: auto;
+}
+
+.footer {
+    margin-top: 3rem;
+    background: rgba(255, 252, 245, 0.76);
+    border-top: 1px solid rgba(128, 104, 85, 0.08);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer {
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer a,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer p,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer h2,
+[data-theme="dark"] .footer h3 {
+    color: var(--text-color);
+}
+
+.reveal-on-scroll {
+    opacity: 0;
+    transform: translateY(20px);
+}
+
+.reveal-on-scroll.is-visible {
+    opacity: 1;
+    transform: translateY(0);
+    transition: opacity 0.55s ease, transform 0.55s ease;
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 1100px) {
+    .achievement-grid {
+        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+    }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+    .cursor-glow {
+        display: none;
+    }
+
+    .nav-wrapper {
+        border-radius: 28px;
+        flex-wrap: wrap;
+    }
+
+    .search-box {
+        max-width: none;
+        width: 100%;
+        order: 3;
+    }
+
+    .hero-content {
+        padding: 1.35rem;
+    }
+
+    .hero-title {
+        font-size: 2.8rem;
+    }
+
+    .section-heading,
+    .projects-header,
+    .hero-card-topline,
+    .progress-card-header,
+    .progress-caption {
+        flex-direction: column;
+        align-items: flex-start;
+    }
+}
+
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+    .cursor-glow,
+    .hero-orb-one,
+    .hero-orb-two,
+    .typing-text::after {
+        animation: none !important;
+    }
+
+    .project-card,
+    .project-card:hover,
+    .btn-explore,
+    .btn-secondary-hero,
+    .btn-random-project,
+    .lab-action,
+    .inline-link-button,
+    .btn-play {
+        transform: none !important;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/web-app/index.html b/web-app/index.html
index 54d2507..e45672f 100644
--- a/web-app/index.html
+++ b/web-app/index.html
@@ -799,6 +799,7 @@
 <a class="skip-link" href="#main-content">
         🚀 Skip to main content
     </a>
+<div aria-hidden="true" class="cursor-glow" id="cursorGlow"></div>
 <!-- Navigation -->
      <nav aria-label="Primary" class="navbar">
          <div class="container nav-wrapper">
@@ -806,7 +807,7 @@
              <div class="navbar-brand">
 <a class="logo-wrap" href="#">
 <!-- LOGO IMAGE -->
-<img alt="PyMini Logo" class="navbar-logo" src="/assets/logo.png"/>
+<img alt="PyMini Logo" class="navbar-logo" src="assets/logo.png"/>
 <!-- TEXT -->
 <div class="logo-text">
     <span class="logo-py">py</span>
@@ -870,11 +871,48 @@
 <!-- Appears below navbar when user scrolls past the hero section  -->
 <main id="main-content" tabindex="-1">
     <section class="hero-section" aria-label="Welcome">
+        <canvas aria-hidden="true" id="boardCanvas"></canvas>
         <div class="hero-background"></div>
+        <div aria-hidden="true" class="hero-orb hero-orb-one"></div>
+        <div aria-hidden="true" class="hero-orb hero-orb-two"></div>
+        <div aria-hidden="true" class="hero-code-snippets">
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-one">for project in library: launch(project)</div>
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-two">score = accuracy * focus</div>
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-three">challenge = "typing-speed-tester"</div>
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-four">print("tiny arcade, huge learning energy")</div>
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-five">if curiosity &gt; 0: launch_random()</div>
+            <div class="code-snippet snippet-six">favorite_projects.append("math-quiz")</div>
+        </div>
         <div class="container">
-            <div class="hero-content">
-                <h2 class="hero-title">Learn Python the Fun Way!</h2>
-                <p class="hero-subtitle">25+ Mini Projects • Beautiful UI • Beginner Friendly • Zero Dependencies</p>
+            <div class="hero-shell">
+                <div class="hero-content">
+                <div class="hero-kicker">Python arcade for curious beginners</div>
+                <div class="hero-title-wrapper">
+                    <h1 class="hero-title">
+                        <span class="hero-title-line">build tiny python projects</span>
+                        <span class="hero-title-line hero-title-accent">and play in a playful coding aracade</span>
+                    </h1>
+                    <div aria-hidden="true" class="python-orbit">
+                        <div class="python-orbiter">
+                            <span class="python-logo">🐍</span>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+                <p class="hero-subtitle">Jump into browser-ready games, math experiments, and utility labs that feel rewarding from the first click.</p>
+
+                <div aria-live="polite" class="hero-typing">
+                    <span class="typing-label">Now loading:</span>
+                    <span class="typing-text" id="heroTypewriter">typing speed drills</span>
+                </div>
+                <div class="hero-meta">
+                    <span><strong id="heroProjectCount">0</strong> total projects</span>
+                    <span><strong id="heroGameCount">0</strong> games</span>
+                    <span><strong id="heroUtilityCount">0</strong> utilities</span>
+                </div>
+                <div class="hero-cta-row">
+                    <button class="btn-explore" id="exploreBtn" type="button">Explore the arcade</button>
+                    <button class="btn-secondary-hero" id="playgroundHeroBtn" type="button">Open Python playground</button>
+                </div>
 
 
     </section>
@@ -962,12 +1000,12 @@ <h3>Dots &amp; Boxes AI</h3>
 <h3>Password Forge</h3>
 <p>Survive evolving firewall password rules!</p>
 <button class="btn-play">Try It</button>
-</div><div class="project-card" data-category="games" data-project="math-quiz" data-tags="game,math,quiz,mcq,lives,streak">
+</div><div class="project-card" data-category="games" data-project="math-quiz" data-tags="game,math,quiz,mcq,lives,difficulty">
 <div class="card-icon game-icon-brain">
 <i data-lucide="brain"></i>
 </div>
 <h3>Math Quiz</h3>
-<p>MCQ quiz with lives, streaks &amp; difficulty levels!</p>
+<p>MCQ quiz with lives and difficulty levels!</p>
 <button class="btn-play">Try It</button>
 </div><div class="project-card" data-category="games" data-project="snake-game">
 <div class="card-icon game-icon-snake">
@@ -1395,4 +1433,4 @@ <h3>Stay Updated</h3>
         });
     </script>
 </body>
-</html>
\ No newline at end of file
+</html>
diff --git a/web-app/js/hero-canvas.js b/web-app/js/hero-canvas.js
index c6f7134..ff44838 100644
--- a/web-app/js/hero-canvas.js
+++ b/web-app/js/hero-canvas.js
@@ -37,18 +37,18 @@ const H = () => canvas.offsetHeight;
 
 /* ── Colour palette (pastel greens) ── */
 const C = {
-    boardLight: '#d6f2e0',
-    boardDark:  '#c1e9cf',
-    gridLine:   'rgba(19,107,66,0.12)',
-    snakeBody:  '#e95d5d',
-    snakeHead:  '#c0392b',
-    ladderRail: '#c07c1c',
-    ladderRung: '#e8a830',
-    dice:       'rgba(255,255,255,0.85)',
-    diceDot:    '#1e8a58',
-    token1:     '#4cbe8a',
-    token2:     '#f0a500',
-    num:        'rgba(19,107,66,0.4)',
+    boardLight: '#fff5e6',
+    boardDark:  '#f6ead7',
+    gridLine:   'rgba(132,97,67,0.12)',
+    snakeBody:  '#f08a6a',
+    snakeHead:  '#d46c4f',
+    ladderRail: '#d19a55',
+    ladderRung: '#f0c47c',
+    dice:       'rgba(255,255,255,0.88)',
+    diceDot:    '#6abf8d',
+    token1:     '#6abf8d',
+    token2:     '#c7a36b',
+    num:        'rgba(132,97,67,0.45)',
 };
 
 /* ── Board geometry ── */
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ const diceAnim = { val: 1, t: 0 };
 /* ── Draw board ── */
 function drawBoard() {
     const w = W(), h = H();
-    ctx.fillStyle = '#eaf7ef';
+    ctx.fillStyle = '#fff9f0';
     ctx.fillRect(0, 0, w, h);
 
     for (let row = 0; row < ROWS; row++) {
@@ -294,4 +294,4 @@ function loop() {
     }
 
     loop();
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/web-app/js/main.js b/web-app/js/main.js
index f9094c2..c04163d 100644
--- a/web-app/js/main.js
+++ b/web-app/js/main.js
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ function debounce(func, delay) {
 // Sync the theme-color <meta> tag with the current theme
 function syncThemeColor(theme) {
     var meta = document.getElementById('themeColorMeta');
-    if (meta) meta.setAttribute('content', theme === 'light' ? '#f0fdf4' : '#0f172a');
+    if (meta) meta.setAttribute('content', theme === 'light' ? '#fffdf8' : '#201a18');
 }
 
 document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
     var backToTopButton = document.getElementById('backToTop');
     var tabs = document.querySelectorAll('.tab');
     var projectCards = Array.from(document.querySelectorAll('.project-card'));
-    var searchInput = document.getElementById('projectSearch');
+    var searchInput = document.getElementById('projectSearch') || document.getElementById('searchInput');
     var searchClear = document.getElementById('searchClear');
     var searchDropdown = document.getElementById('searchDropdown');
     var searchShortcut = document.getElementById('searchShortcut');
@@ -75,6 +75,14 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
     var stickyFilterBar = document.getElementById('stickyFilterBar');
     var stickyTabs = document.querySelectorAll('.sticky-tab');
     var heroSection = document.querySelector('.hero-section');
+    var cursorGlow = document.getElementById('cursorGlow');
+    var heroTypewriter = document.getElementById('heroTypewriter');
+    var heroProjectCount = document.getElementById('heroProjectCount');
+    var heroGameCount = document.getElementById('heroGameCount');
+    var heroUtilityCount = document.getElementById('heroUtilityCount');
+    var playgroundHeroBtn = document.getElementById('playgroundHeroBtn');
+    var revealItems = document.querySelectorAll('.reveal-on-scroll');
+    var featureLaunchers = document.querySelectorAll('[data-project-target]');
 
     var currentCategory = 'all';
     var currentSearchQuery = '';
@@ -86,10 +94,43 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
     //-----------------------project count badge------------------------------------
     const projectCountBadge = document.getElementById("projectCountBadge");
     const projectCount = document.querySelectorAll(".project-card").length;
+    const gameCount = projectCards.filter(function (card) { return card.getAttribute('data-category') === 'games'; }).length;
+    const utilityCount = projectCards.filter(function (card) { return card.getAttribute('data-category') === 'utilities'; }).length;
 
     if (projectCountBadge) {
         projectCountBadge.textContent = `${projectCount} projects`;
     }
+    if (heroProjectCount) heroProjectCount.textContent = String(projectCount);
+    if (heroGameCount) heroGameCount.textContent = String(gameCount);
+    if (heroUtilityCount) heroUtilityCount.textContent = String(utilityCount);
+
+    var rotatePhrases = [
+        'typing speed drills',
+        'math quiz rounds',
+        'logic puzzle practice',
+        'browser-ready Python wins'
+    ];
+
+    if (heroTypewriter && !prefersReducedMotion()) {
+        var phraseIndex = 0;
+        setInterval(function () {
+            phraseIndex = (phraseIndex + 1) % rotatePhrases.length;
+            heroTypewriter.textContent = rotatePhrases[phraseIndex];
+        }, 2200);
+    }
+
+    if (cursorGlow && !prefersReducedMotion()) {
+        document.addEventListener('pointermove', function (event) {
+            cursorGlow.style.left = event.clientX + 'px';
+            cursorGlow.style.top = event.clientY + 'px';
+        });
+        document.addEventListener('pointerleave', function () {
+            cursorGlow.style.opacity = '0';
+        });
+        document.addEventListener('pointerenter', function () {
+            cursorGlow.style.opacity = '0.5';
+        });
+    }
     // ── Theme Toggle ────────────────────────────────────────────────
     function updateThemeToggleAria(isLightTheme) {
         if (!themeToggle) return;
@@ -100,7 +141,7 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
     }
 
     if (themeToggle) {
-        var savedTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme') || 'dark';
+        var savedTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme') || 'light';
         html.setAttribute('data-theme', savedTheme);
         syncThemeColor(savedTheme);
         themeToggle.innerHTML =
@@ -150,6 +191,8 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {
     if (backToTopButton) {
         var toggleBackToTopButton = function () {
             backToTopButton.classList.toggle('visible', window.scrollY > 300);
+            var navbar = document.querySelector('.navbar');
+            if (navbar) navbar.classList.toggle('scrolled', window.scrollY > 12);
         };
         window.addEventListener('scroll', toggleBackToTopButton, { passive: true });
         toggleBackToTopButton();
@@ -703,6 +746,14 @@ if (stickyFilterBar && heroSection) {
     // ── Wire Cards and Play Buttons ───────────────────────────────────
     projectCards.forEach(function (card) {
         var name = card.getAttribute('data-project');
+        var categoryName = card.getAttribute('data-category') || 'project';
+        var metaRow = document.createElement('div');
+        metaRow.className = 'project-card-meta';
+
+        var categoryBadge = document.createElement('span');
+        categoryBadge.className = 'project-card-badge';
+        categoryBadge.textContent = categoryName;
+        metaRow.appendChild(categoryBadge);
 
         var favBtn = document.createElement('button');
         favBtn.className = 'btn-favorite';
@@ -743,6 +794,7 @@ if (stickyFilterBar && heroSection) {
                 openProjectSafe(name, play);
             });
         }
+        card.appendChild(metaRow);
         card.addEventListener('click', function () { openProjectSafe(name, card); });
     });
 
@@ -781,6 +833,47 @@ if (stickyFilterBar && heroSection) {
         randomProjectBtn.addEventListener('click', selectRandomProject);
     }
 
+    if (playgroundHeroBtn) {
+        playgroundHeroBtn.addEventListener('click', function () {
+            var playgroundTab = document.getElementById('playgroundTab');
+            if (playgroundTab) playgroundTab.click();
+        });
+    }
+
+    featureLaunchers.forEach(function (node) {
+        node.addEventListener('click', function (e) {
+            if (e.target.closest('[data-project-target]') === node) {
+                var targetProject = node.getAttribute('data-project-target');
+                if (targetProject) openProjectSafe(targetProject, node);
+            }
+        });
+    });
+
+    if (!prefersReducedMotion()) {
+        projectCards.forEach(function (card) {
+            card.addEventListener('mousemove', function (event) {
+                var rect = card.getBoundingClientRect();
+                var px = (event.clientX - rect.left) / rect.width;
+                var py = (event.clientY - rect.top) / rect.height;
+                var rotateY = (px - 0.5) * 10;
+                var rotateX = (0.5 - py) * 8;
+                card.style.transform = 'perspective(900px) rotateX(' + rotateX + 'deg) rotateY(' + rotateY + 'deg) translateY(-8px)';
+            });
+            card.addEventListener('mouseleave', function () {
+                card.style.transform = '';
+            });
+        });
+
+        var parallaxItems = document.querySelectorAll('[data-parallax]');
+        window.addEventListener('scroll', function () {
+            var scrollY = window.scrollY;
+            parallaxItems.forEach(function (item) {
+                var ratio = parseFloat(item.getAttribute('data-parallax') || '0');
+                item.style.transform = 'translateY(' + Math.round(scrollY * ratio) + 'px)';
+            });
+        }, { passive: true });
+    }
+
     // ── Intersection Observer Animations ─────────────────────────────
     if (!prefersReducedMotion()) {
         try {
@@ -795,6 +888,22 @@ if (stickyFilterBar && heroSection) {
         } catch (e) { /* ignore */ }
     }
 
+    if (!prefersReducedMotion()) {
+        try {
+            var revealObserver = new IntersectionObserver(function (entries, obs) {
+                entries.forEach(function (entry) {
+                    if (!entry.isIntersecting) return;
+                    entry.target.classList.add('is-visible');
+                    obs.unobserve(entry.target);
+                });
+            }, { threshold: 0.2 });
+
+            revealItems.forEach(function (item) { revealObserver.observe(item); });
+        } catch (e) { /* ignore */ }
+    } else {
+        revealItems.forEach(function (item) { item.classList.add('is-visible'); });
+    }
+
     // ── Explore Button (smooth scroll to projects) ───────────────────
     var exploreBtn = document.getElementById('exploreBtn');
     if (exploreBtn) {