diff --git a/app/components/CaseCard.tsx b/app/components/CaseCard.tsx
index 98470b0..8fa6869 100644
--- a/app/components/CaseCard.tsx
+++ b/app/components/CaseCard.tsx
@@ -3,13 +3,17 @@
 /**
  * CASE CARD — replaces the rejected repetitive photos with a coded, animated
  * data visual unique per case:
- *   - 3D tilt that tracks the pointer (Motion springs, transform-only).
- *   - An animated bars/sparkline "result chart" drawn in CSS + SVG, growing
- *     into view (no two cards look alike: different bars, colours, labels).
+ *   - 3D tilt that tracks the pointer via a SOFT spring (momentum => the card
+ *     floats and settles, never snaps). Transform-only.
+ *   - A small lift + accent shadow on hover; a press dip (scale 0.985) so the
+ *     whole card shares the page's tactile press language.
+ *   - An animated bars + sparkline "result chart" (CSS + GSAP DrawSVG on the
+ *     spark) growing into view — no two cards look alike.
  *   - A glare/sheen that follows the cursor across the surface.
- * Reduced-motion / touch: flat card, bars still grow on view via CSS.
+ *   - The chart panel gets a clip-path inset() wipe on first view (premium).
+ *   Reduced-motion / touch: flat card, bars still grow on view via CSS.
  */
-import { useRef } from "react";
+import { useEffect, useRef } from "react";
 import {
   motion,
   useMotionValue,
@@ -17,6 +21,8 @@ import {
   useTransform,
   useReducedMotion,
 } from "motion/react";
+import { gsap } from "./gsap";
+import { SPRING, EASE_OUT } from "./motion";
 
 export type CaseData = {
   tag: string;
@@ -29,17 +35,23 @@ export type CaseData = {
   accent: string; // brand accent for this card
 };
 
-export default function CaseCard({ data, index }: { data: CaseData; index: number }) {
+export default function CaseCard({
+  data,
+  index,
+}: {
+  data: CaseData;
+  index: number;
+}) {
   const reduce = useReducedMotion();
   const ref = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
   const mx = useMotionValue(0.5);
   const my = useMotionValue(0.5);
-  const rx = useSpring(useTransform(my, [0, 1], [7, -7]), { stiffness: 200, damping: 20 });
-  const ry = useSpring(useTransform(mx, [0, 1], [-9, 9]), { stiffness: 200, damping: 20 });
+  const rx = useSpring(useTransform(my, [0, 1], [6, -6]), SPRING.tilt);
+  const ry = useSpring(useTransform(mx, [0, 1], [-8, 8]), SPRING.tilt);
   const glare = useTransform(
     [mx, my],
     ([gx, gy]: number[]) =>
-      `radial-gradient(circle at ${gx * 100}% ${gy * 100}%, rgba(255,255,255,0.14), transparent 45%)`
+      `radial-gradient(circle at ${gx * 100}% ${gy * 100}%, rgba(255,255,255,0.16), transparent 45%)`
   );
 
   const onMove = (e: React.PointerEvent) => {
@@ -55,26 +67,57 @@ export default function CaseCard({ data, index }: { data: CaseData; index: numbe
     my.set(0.5);
   };
 
+  // DrawSVG the sparkline once the card scrolls in — a small, deliberate detail.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const el = ref.current;
+    if (!el || reduce) return;
+    const ctx = gsap.context(() => {
+      gsap.from(el.querySelector(".case__spark polyline"), {
+        drawSVG: "0%",
+        duration: 1.1,
+        ease: "power2.out",
+        scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top 82%", once: true },
+        delay: 0.15 + index * 0.05,
+      });
+    }, el);
+    return () => ctx.revert();
+  }, [reduce, index]);
+
   return (
     <motion.article
       ref={ref}
       className="case"
       onPointerMove={onMove}
       onPointerLeave={reset}
-      style={reduce ? undefined : { rotateX: rx, rotateY: ry, transformPerspective: 1000 }}
-      initial={reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { opacity: 0, y: 40 }}
-      whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
+      style={
+        reduce
+          ? undefined
+          : { rotateX: rx, rotateY: ry, transformPerspective: 1100 }
+      }
+      initial={reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { opacity: 0, y: 44, filter: "blur(4px)" }}
+      whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0, filter: "blur(0px)" }}
+      whileTap={reduce ? undefined : { scale: 0.985 }}
       viewport={{ once: true, margin: "0px 0px -12% 0px" }}
-      transition={{ duration: 0.7, ease: [0.16, 1, 0.3, 1] }}
+      transition={{ duration: 0.85, delay: index * 0.08, ease: EASE_OUT }}
     >
-      <div className="case__inner" style={{ ["--case-accent" as string]: data.accent }}>
+      <div
+        className="case__inner"
+        style={{ ["--case-accent" as string]: data.accent }}
+      >
         <div className="case__head">
           <span className="case__no">{String(index + 1).padStart(2, "0")}</span>
           <span className="case__tag">{data.tag}</span>
         </div>
 
-        {/* coded data visual — unique bars per case */}
-        <div className="case__viz" aria-hidden="true">
+        {/* coded data visual — unique bars per case, clip-wiped on first view */}
+        <motion.div
+          className="case__viz"
+          aria-hidden="true"
+          initial={reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { clipPath: "inset(0 0 100% 0)" }}
+          whileInView={{ clipPath: "inset(0 0 0% 0)" }}
+          viewport={{ once: true, margin: "0px 0px -10% 0px" }}
+          transition={{ duration: 0.9, delay: index * 0.08 + 0.1, ease: EASE_OUT }}
+        >
           <div className="case__bars">
             {data.bars.map((h, i) => (
               <span
@@ -96,7 +139,7 @@ export default function CaseCard({ data, index }: { data: CaseData; index: numbe
               strokeLinecap="round"
             />
           </svg>
-        </div>
+        </motion.div>
 
         <div className="case__body">
           <p className="case__problem">
diff --git a/app/components/CountUp.tsx b/app/components/CountUp.tsx
index e39e941..20c8dc3 100644
--- a/app/components/CountUp.tsx
+++ b/app/components/CountUp.tsx
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
  */
 import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from "react";
 import { animate, useInView, useReducedMotion } from "motion/react";
+import { EASE_OUT } from "./motion";
 
 export default function CountUp({
   to,
@@ -35,7 +36,7 @@ export default function CountUp({
     }
     const controls = animate(0, to, {
       duration,
-      ease: [0.16, 1, 0.3, 1],
+      ease: EASE_OUT,
       onUpdate: (v) => setVal(v),
     });
     return () => controls.stop();
diff --git a/app/components/Cursor.tsx b/app/components/Cursor.tsx
index 962999a..af62ac7 100644
--- a/app/components/Cursor.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Cursor.tsx
@@ -1,27 +1,32 @@
 "use client";
 
 /**
- * Custom cursor: a spring-following dot + a larger ring.
- * - Grows + shows a contextual label when hovering [data-cursor] targets.
- * - Hidden on touch / coarse pointers and when prefers-reduced-motion is set
- *   (falls back to the native cursor, which globals.css restores).
- * - Built with Motion springs for buttery follow without layout thrash
- *   (transform-only, GPU-friendly).
+ * Custom cursor — spring-following dot + trailing ring, the page's "alive" tell.
+ *  - Ring trails with visible momentum (soft spring); dot leads (tighter spring)
+ *    so the two have a believable lead/chase relationship — never a rigid pair.
+ *  - On [data-cursor] / links / buttons the ring grows + shows a contextual
+ *    label.
+ *  - On press (pointerdown anywhere) the ring dips to scale(0.82) for instant
+ *    tactile feedback — the same press language as the buttons.
+ *  - Hidden on touch / coarse pointers and with prefers-reduced-motion
+ *    (globals.css restores the native cursor).
  */
 import { useEffect, useState } from "react";
 import { motion, useMotionValue, useSpring } from "motion/react";
+import { SPRING } from "./motion";
 
 export default function Cursor() {
   const [enabled, setEnabled] = useState(false);
   const [hovering, setHovering] = useState(false);
   const [label, setLabel] = useState("");
+  const [pressed, setPressed] = useState(false);
 
   const x = useMotionValue(-100);
   const y = useMotionValue(-100);
-  const ringX = useSpring(x, { stiffness: 350, damping: 30, mass: 0.6 });
-  const ringY = useSpring(y, { stiffness: 350, damping: 30, mass: 0.6 });
-  const dotX = useSpring(x, { stiffness: 900, damping: 40 });
-  const dotY = useSpring(y, { stiffness: 900, damping: 40 });
+  const ringX = useSpring(x, SPRING.cursorRing);
+  const ringY = useSpring(y, SPRING.cursorRing);
+  const dotX = useSpring(x, SPRING.cursorDot);
+  const dotY = useSpring(y, SPRING.cursorDot);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     const fine = window.matchMedia("(pointer: fine)").matches;
@@ -44,10 +49,16 @@ export default function Cursor() {
         setLabel("");
       }
     };
+    const down = () => setPressed(true);
+    const up = () => setPressed(false);
 
     window.addEventListener("pointermove", move, { passive: true });
+    window.addEventListener("pointerdown", down, { passive: true });
+    window.addEventListener("pointerup", up, { passive: true });
     return () => {
       window.removeEventListener("pointermove", move);
+      window.removeEventListener("pointerdown", down);
+      window.removeEventListener("pointerup", up);
       document.documentElement.classList.remove("has-custom-cursor");
     };
   }, [x, y]);
@@ -57,12 +68,17 @@ export default function Cursor() {
   return (
     <div aria-hidden="true" className="cursor-layer">
       <motion.div
-        className={`cursor-ring ${hovering ? "is-hover" : ""} ${label ? "is-labelled" : ""}`}
+        className={`cursor-ring ${hovering ? "is-hover" : ""} ${
+          label ? "is-labelled" : ""
+        } ${pressed ? "is-pressed" : ""}`}
         style={{ x: ringX, y: ringY }}
       >
         {label && <span className="cursor-ring__label">{label}</span>}
       </motion.div>
-      <motion.div className="cursor-dot" style={{ x: dotX, y: dotY }} />
+      <motion.div
+        className={`cursor-dot ${pressed ? "is-pressed" : ""}`}
+        style={{ x: dotX, y: dotY }}
+      />
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/app/components/Faq.tsx b/app/components/Faq.tsx
index 7aeabec..0e8edad 100644
--- a/app/components/Faq.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Faq.tsx
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 import { useState } from "react";
 import { AnimatePresence, motion, useReducedMotion } from "motion/react";
 import { faqs } from "../content";
+import { EASE_DRAWER, EASE_OUT } from "./motion";
 
 export default function Faq() {
   const [open, setOpen] = useState<number | null>(0);
@@ -44,11 +45,25 @@ export default function Faq() {
                   aria-labelledby={`faq-btn-${i}`}
                   className="faq__panel"
                   initial={reduce ? { height: "auto", opacity: 1 } : { height: 0, opacity: 0 }}
-                  animate={{ height: "auto", opacity: 1 }}
-                  exit={reduce ? { height: "auto", opacity: 1 } : { height: 0, opacity: 0 }}
-                  transition={{ duration: 0.4, ease: [0.16, 1, 0.3, 1] }}
+                  animate={{
+                    height: "auto",
+                    opacity: 1,
+                    transition: { duration: 0.42, ease: EASE_DRAWER },
+                  }}
+                  exit={
+                    reduce
+                      ? { height: "auto", opacity: 1 }
+                      : { height: 0, opacity: 0, transition: { duration: 0.28, ease: EASE_OUT } }
+                  }
                 >
-                  <p className="faq__a">{f.a}</p>
+                  <motion.p
+                    className="faq__a"
+                    initial={reduce ? false : { y: -6, opacity: 0 }}
+                    animate={{ y: 0, opacity: 1, transition: { duration: 0.4, delay: 0.06, ease: EASE_OUT } }}
+                    exit={reduce ? undefined : { opacity: 0, transition: { duration: 0.15 } }}
+                  >
+                    {f.a}
+                  </motion.p>
                 </motion.div>
               )}
             </AnimatePresence>
diff --git a/app/components/Hero.tsx b/app/components/Hero.tsx
index 39a7910..d4d1e59 100644
--- a/app/components/Hero.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Hero.tsx
@@ -1,14 +1,17 @@
 "use client";
 
 /**
- * HERO — the signature moment. Fixes the client's 4 complaints head-on:
- *   (2) real background VIDEO (autoplay/muted/loop/playsinline, poster, cover,
- *       deferred load, reduced-motion -> poster still only).
- *   (3) ANIMATED SVG: a revenue growth line that draws itself (GSAP DrawSVG)
- *       with an area fill that fades up and a pulsing "live" marker.
- *   (1) real interaction: SplitText word reveal, cursor spotlight following the
- *       pointer, magnetic CTAs, parallax on scroll.
- *   (4) zero raster imagery beyond the video poster.
+ * HERO — the signature moment. One orchestrated, choreographed page-load with
+ * staggered reveals (the single highest-impact "alive" moment on the page).
+ *   - Real background VIDEO (autoplay/muted/loop/playsinline, poster, cover,
+ *     deferred load via IO, paused on hidden tab; reduced-motion -> poster only).
+ *   - ANIMATED SVG: a revenue growth line that DRAWS itself (GSAP DrawSVG) with
+ *     an area fill that fades up, grid ticks that draw in, and a "live" marker
+ *     that springs in then pulses.
+ *   - Headline revealed line-by-line behind a mask (clip + yPercent) with the
+ *     custom expo curve; eyebrow/sub/CTAs/trust stagger up with a blur mask.
+ *   - Pointer spotlight (spring-smoothed via CSS var) + parallax on scroll.
+ *   - Custom easing personality throughout; honors prefers-reduced-motion.
  */
 import { useEffect, useRef } from "react";
 import Link from "next/link";
@@ -16,17 +19,26 @@ import { gsap, SplitText } from "./gsap";
 import Magnetic from "./Magnetic";
 import { SITE } from "../content";
 
+/* Custom GSAP eases that mirror the CSS tokens (registered once, idempotent). */
+gsap.registerEase?.("emilOut", (p) => {
+  // approximates cubic-bezier(0.23,1,0.32,1) feel — strong, soft landing
+  return 1 - Math.pow(1 - p, 3.2);
+});
+
 export default function Hero() {
   const root = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
   const videoRef = useRef<HTMLVideoElement>(null);
+  // Spring-smoothed spotlight target so the glow trails the cursor with momentum
+  // instead of snapping to raw pointer position.
+  const target = useRef({ x: 50, y: 40 });
+  const current = useRef({ x: 50, y: 40 });
 
-  // Pointer spotlight (CSS vars on the hero -> radial-gradient follows cursor).
   const onPointerMove = (e: React.PointerEvent) => {
     const el = root.current;
     if (!el) return;
     const r = el.getBoundingClientRect();
-    el.style.setProperty("--mx", `${((e.clientX - r.left) / r.width) * 100}%`);
-    el.style.setProperty("--my", `${((e.clientY - r.top) / r.height) * 100}%`);
+    target.current.x = ((e.clientX - r.left) / r.width) * 100;
+    target.current.y = ((e.clientY - r.top) / r.height) * 100;
   };
 
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -34,92 +46,138 @@ export default function Hero() {
     if (!el) return;
     const reduce = window.matchMedia("(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)").matches;
 
-    // Defer the video: only start it once it's actually on screen + ready,
-    // and pause it when the tab/section is hidden (saves battery + main thread).
-    const video = videoRef.current;
-    if (video && !reduce) {
-      const io = new IntersectionObserver(
-        ([entry]) => {
-          if (entry.isIntersecting) video.play().catch(() => {});
-          else video.pause();
-        },
-        { threshold: 0.1 }
-      );
-      io.observe(video);
-      const onVis = () => {
-        if (document.hidden) video.pause();
-        else if (video.getBoundingClientRect().top < window.innerHeight) video.play().catch(() => {});
+    // --- spotlight: lerp current toward target each frame (momentum) ---
+    let rafId = 0;
+    if (!reduce) {
+      const tick = () => {
+        current.current.x += (target.current.x - current.current.x) * 0.08;
+        current.current.y += (target.current.y - current.current.y) * 0.08;
+        el.style.setProperty("--mx", `${current.current.x}%`);
+        el.style.setProperty("--my", `${current.current.y}%`);
+        rafId = requestAnimationFrame(tick);
       };
-      document.addEventListener("visibilitychange", onVis);
+      rafId = requestAnimationFrame(tick);
+    }
+
+    const video = videoRef.current;
+    let io: IntersectionObserver | null = null;
+    let onVis: (() => void) | null = null;
+
+    if (!reduce) {
+      if (video) {
+        io = new IntersectionObserver(
+          ([entry]) => {
+            if (entry.isIntersecting) video.play().catch(() => {});
+            else video.pause();
+          },
+          { threshold: 0.1 }
+        );
+        io.observe(video);
+        onVis = () => {
+          if (document.hidden) video.pause();
+          else if (video.getBoundingClientRect().top < window.innerHeight)
+            video.play().catch(() => {});
+        };
+        document.addEventListener("visibilitychange", onVis);
+      }
 
       const ctx = gsap.context(() => {
-        // 1) Headline: split into words/lines and reveal with a mask.
-        const split = new SplitText(".hero__h1", { type: "lines,words" });
+        // 1) Headline: split into lines+words, reveal each line from behind a
+        //    mask (overflow hidden on lines) with a deliberate stagger.
+        const split = new SplitText(".hero__h1", {
+          type: "lines,words",
+          linesClass: "hero__line",
+        });
         gsap.set(".hero__h1", { autoAlpha: 1 });
+        gsap.set(".hero__line", { overflow: "hidden" });
         gsap.from(split.words, {
-          yPercent: 120,
-          opacity: 0,
+          yPercent: 118,
+          duration: 1.15,
+          ease: "emilOut",
+          stagger: 0.045,
+          delay: 0.2,
+        });
+
+        // 2) Eyebrow, sub, CTAs, trust — lift + blur mask, tight stagger.
+        gsap.set(".hero__stagger", { autoAlpha: 0 });
+        gsap.to(".hero__stagger", {
+          autoAlpha: 1,
+          y: 0,
+          filter: "blur(0px)",
           duration: 1,
-          ease: "expo.out",
-          stagger: 0.04,
-          delay: 0.15,
+          ease: "emilOut",
+          stagger: 0.07,
+          delay: 0.55,
+          startAt: { y: 26, filter: "blur(5px)" },
         });
 
-        // 2) Staggered entrance for eyebrow, sub, CTAs, trust row.
-        gsap.from(".hero__stagger", {
-          y: 24,
-          opacity: 0,
-          duration: 0.9,
-          ease: "expo.out",
-          stagger: 0.08,
-          delay: 0.5,
-        });
-
-        // 3) ANIMATED SVG — the growth line draws itself, area fades in,
-        //    grid ticks pop, live marker pulses.
+        // 3) ANIMATED SVG — grid draws, the revenue line draws itself, area
+        //    fades up, the live marker springs in (back ease => overshoot).
         gsap.set(".hero-svg__area", { autoAlpha: 0 });
-        const tl = gsap.timeline({ delay: 0.4 });
+        const tl = gsap.timeline({ delay: 0.45 });
         tl.from(".hero-svg__grid line", {
           drawSVG: "0%",
-          duration: 0.8,
-          stagger: 0.04,
+          duration: 0.9,
+          stagger: 0.06,
           ease: "power2.out",
         })
           .from(
             ".hero-svg__line",
-            { drawSVG: "0%", duration: 1.8, ease: "power2.inOut" },
-            "-=0.4"
+            { drawSVG: "0%", duration: 2, ease: "power2.inOut" },
+            "-=0.5"
           )
-          .to(".hero-svg__area", { autoAlpha: 1, duration: 0.9 }, "-=1.1")
+          .to(".hero-svg__area", { autoAlpha: 1, duration: 1 }, "-=1.2")
           .from(
             ".hero-svg__dot",
-            { scale: 0, transformOrigin: "center", duration: 0.5, ease: "back.out(2)" },
+            {
+              scale: 0,
+              transformOrigin: "center",
+              duration: 0.6,
+              ease: "back.out(2.2)",
+            },
             "-=0.5"
+          )
+          .from(
+            ".hero-svg__dot-ring",
+            { scale: 0.4, autoAlpha: 0, transformOrigin: "center", duration: 0.6, ease: "emilOut" },
+            "<"
           );
 
-        // 4) Parallax: video drifts slower than content as you scroll away.
+        // 4) Parallax: video drifts slower; content + SVG drift at different
+        //    rates as you scroll away => layered depth.
         gsap.to(".hero__media", {
-          yPercent: 18,
+          yPercent: 16,
           ease: "none",
-          scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: true },
+          scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: 0.6 },
+        });
+        gsap.to(".hero-svg", {
+          yPercent: 8,
+          ease: "none",
+          scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: 0.6 },
         });
         gsap.to(".hero__content", {
-          yPercent: -8,
-          opacity: 0.4,
+          yPercent: -10,
+          opacity: 0.3,
           ease: "none",
-          scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: true },
+          scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top top", end: "bottom top", scrub: 0.6 },
         });
       }, el);
 
       return () => {
-        io.disconnect();
-        document.removeEventListener("visibilitychange", onVis);
+        cancelAnimationFrame(rafId);
+        io?.disconnect();
+        if (onVis) document.removeEventListener("visibilitychange", onVis);
         ctx.revert();
       };
     }
 
-    // Reduced motion: still reveal the SVG line statically (no draw), show poster.
-    gsap.set([".hero__h1", ".hero__stagger", ".hero-svg__area"], { autoAlpha: 1 });
+    // Reduced motion: reveal everything statically, show poster only.
+    gsap.set([".hero__h1", ".hero__stagger", ".hero-svg__area"], {
+      autoAlpha: 1,
+      y: 0,
+      filter: "none",
+    });
+    return () => cancelAnimationFrame(rafId);
   }, []);
 
   return (
@@ -144,6 +202,7 @@ export default function Hero() {
         </video>
         <div className="hero__scrim" />
         <div className="hero__spotlight" />
+        <div className="hero__noise" />
       </div>
 
       {/* ---- animated SVG growth chart ---- */}
@@ -169,13 +228,11 @@ export default function Hero() {
           <line x1="0" y1="300" x2="1200" y2="300" />
           <line x1="0" y1="450" x2="1200" y2="450" />
         </g>
-        {/* area under the curve */}
         <path
           className="hero-svg__area"
           fill="url(#heroArea)"
           d="M0,520 C160,520 220,470 340,430 C470,388 520,300 660,290 C820,278 880,160 1040,120 C1110,102 1160,92 1200,86 L1200,600 L0,600 Z"
         />
-        {/* the revenue line that draws itself */}
         <path
           className="hero-svg__line"
           fill="none"
@@ -184,6 +241,7 @@ export default function Hero() {
           strokeLinecap="round"
           d="M0,520 C160,520 220,470 340,430 C470,388 520,300 660,290 C820,278 880,160 1040,120 C1110,102 1160,92 1200,86"
         />
+        <circle className="hero-svg__dot-ring" cx="1200" cy="86" r="18" fill="none" stroke="#10b981" strokeWidth="1.5" opacity="0.5" />
         <circle className="hero-svg__dot" cx="1200" cy="86" r="9" fill="#10b981" />
       </svg>
 
@@ -205,7 +263,11 @@ export default function Hero() {
 
         <div className="hero__cta hero__stagger">
           <Magnetic strength={0.4}>
-            <Link href={SITE.booking} className="btn btn--accent" data-cursor="Book it">
+            <Link
+              href={SITE.booking}
+              className="btn btn--accent"
+              data-cursor="Book it"
+            >
               Get your growth audit
             </Link>
           </Magnetic>
@@ -229,7 +291,11 @@ export default function Hero() {
         </dl>
       </div>
 
-      <a href="#manifesto" className="hero__scroll hero__stagger" aria-label="Scroll to content">
+      <a
+        href="#manifesto"
+        className="hero__scroll hero__stagger"
+        aria-label="Scroll to content"
+      >
         <span className="hero__scroll-line" aria-hidden="true" />
         Scroll
       </a>
diff --git a/app/components/Magnetic.tsx b/app/components/Magnetic.tsx
index fe6874b..7bf70ec 100644
--- a/app/components/Magnetic.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Magnetic.tsx
@@ -1,17 +1,20 @@
 "use client";
 
 /**
- * Magnetic wrapper: the child is pulled toward the cursor while hovered,
- * then springs back on leave. Transform-only (GPU). No-op on coarse pointers
- * and with prefers-reduced-motion, so keyboard/touch users get a static,
- * fully-clickable element.
+ * Magnetic wrapper — the child is pulled toward the cursor while hovered, then
+ * springs back with momentum on leave (loose spring => visible overshoot, the
+ * "alive" feel). The label inside also drifts at a deeper strength for a subtle
+ * parallax between the button and its text.
+ * Transform-only (GPU). No-op on coarse pointers and with prefers-reduced-motion
+ * so keyboard/touch users get a static, fully-clickable element.
  */
 import { useRef } from "react";
-import { motion, useMotionValue, useSpring } from "motion/react";
+import { motion, useMotionValue, useSpring, useTransform } from "motion/react";
+import { SPRING } from "./motion";
 
 export default function Magnetic({
   children,
-  strength = 0.4,
+  strength = 0.35,
   className,
 }: {
   children: React.ReactNode;
@@ -21,8 +24,11 @@ export default function Magnetic({
   const ref = useRef<HTMLSpanElement>(null);
   const x = useMotionValue(0);
   const y = useMotionValue(0);
-  const sx = useSpring(x, { stiffness: 250, damping: 18, mass: 0.4 });
-  const sy = useSpring(y, { stiffness: 250, damping: 18, mass: 0.4 });
+  const sx = useSpring(x, SPRING.magnetic);
+  const sy = useSpring(y, SPRING.magnetic);
+  // Inner content drifts a touch further => parallax depth between shell + label.
+  const innerX = useTransform(sx, (v) => v * 0.35);
+  const innerY = useTransform(sy, (v) => v * 0.35);
 
   const onMove = (e: React.PointerEvent) => {
     if (e.pointerType !== "mouse") return;
@@ -47,7 +53,9 @@ export default function Magnetic({
       onPointerLeave={reset}
       style={{ x: sx, y: sy, display: "inline-block" }}
     >
-      {children}
+      <motion.span style={{ x: innerX, y: innerY, display: "inline-block" }}>
+        {children}
+      </motion.span>
     </motion.span>
   );
 }
diff --git a/app/components/ProcessLoop.tsx b/app/components/ProcessLoop.tsx
index f396841..1e35114 100644
--- a/app/components/ProcessLoop.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ProcessLoop.tsx
@@ -62,18 +62,33 @@ export default function ProcessLoop() {
       });
 
       steps[0]?.classList.add("is-active");
+      const counter = el.querySelector<HTMLElement>(".loop__count-cur");
+      const node = el.querySelector<HTMLElement>(".loop-rail__node");
 
       SHAPES.forEach((shape, i) => {
         if (i === 0) return; // start shape already in markup
         const at = i - 1;
+        // morph the glyph + a counter-rotation so it tumbles as it transforms,
+        // and grow the rail fill (+ a node that rides the fill edge).
         tl.to(morph, { morphSVG: shape, duration: 1, ease: "power2.inOut" }, at)
-          .to(".loop-glyph", { rotate: i * 6, duration: 1, ease: "power2.inOut" }, at)
+          .to(".loop-glyph", { rotate: i * 5, duration: 1, ease: "power2.inOut" }, at)
           .to(
             ".loop-rail__fill",
             { scaleY: i / (total - 1), duration: 1, ease: "none" },
             at
+          )
+          .to(
+            node,
+            { top: `${(i / (total - 1)) * 100}%`, duration: 1, ease: "none" },
+            at
           );
       });
+
+      // separate light update so the counter is robust at every scroll position
+      tl.eventCallback("onUpdate", () => {
+        const idx = Math.min(total, Math.floor(tl.progress() * total) + 1);
+        if (counter) counter.textContent = String(idx).padStart(2, "0");
+      });
     }, el);
 
     return () => ctx.revert();
@@ -83,14 +98,21 @@ export default function ProcessLoop() {
     <section ref={root} id="process" className="loop frame" data-invert aria-labelledby="loop-h">
       <div className="loop-pin">
         <div className="wrap loop__inner">
-          <header className="sec-head">
-            <p className="kicker">
-              <span className="kicker__dot" />
-              The Feedback Loop
+          <header className="sec-head loop__head">
+            <div>
+              <p className="kicker">
+                <span className="kicker__dot" />
+                The Feedback Loop
+              </p>
+              <h2 id="loop-h" className="display sec-head__title">
+                How it works
+              </h2>
+            </div>
+            <p className="loop__count" aria-hidden="true">
+              <span className="loop__count-cur">01</span>
+              <span className="loop__count-sep">/</span>
+              <span className="loop__count-tot">0{processSteps.length}</span>
             </p>
-            <h2 id="loop-h" className="display sec-head__title">
-              How it works
-            </h2>
           </header>
 
           <div className="loop__stage">
@@ -112,6 +134,7 @@ export default function ProcessLoop() {
             <div className="loop__steps">
               <div className="loop-rail" aria-hidden="true">
                 <span className="loop-rail__fill" />
+                <span className="loop-rail__node" />
               </div>
               <ol>
                 {processSteps.map((p) => (
diff --git a/app/components/Reveal.tsx b/app/components/Reveal.tsx
index e077b54..ee9ee12 100644
--- a/app/components/Reveal.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Reveal.tsx
@@ -1,13 +1,18 @@
 "use client";
 
 /**
- * In-view reveal. Fades + lifts content when it scrolls into view (once).
- * - Motion `whileInView` with a viewport margin so it triggers slightly early.
- * - `stagger` cascades direct children via Motion variants.
- * - Honors prefers-reduced-motion (renders fully visible, no transform).
+ * In-view reveal — the page's core entrance vocabulary.
+ *  - Default: lift + fade + a touch of blur(4px -> 0) so content resolves INTO
+ *    place instead of just sliding (Emil's blur-masked entrance). Never appears
+ *    from nothing.
+ *  - variant="clip": a premium clip-path inset() wipe (bottom -> full) for
+ *    section/media reveals, paired with a small lift.
+ *  - `stagger` cascades direct <RevealItem> children via variants (30–80ms).
+ *  - Custom EASE_OUT curve everywhere; honors prefers-reduced-motion (keeps
+ *    opacity/color, drops all movement + blur).
  */
-import { motion, type Variants } from "motion/react";
-import { useReducedMotion } from "motion/react";
+import { motion, type Variants, useReducedMotion } from "motion/react";
+import { EASE_OUT } from "./motion";
 
 type Props = {
   children: React.ReactNode;
@@ -15,15 +20,29 @@ type Props = {
   delay?: number;
   y?: number;
   stagger?: number;
-  as?: "div" | "section" | "ul" | "ol" | "li" | "p" | "figure" | "header";
+  variant?: "lift" | "clip";
+  as?:
+    | "div"
+    | "section"
+    | "ul"
+    | "ol"
+    | "li"
+    | "p"
+    | "figure"
+    | "header"
+    | "span"
+    | "h2";
 };
 
+const VIEWPORT = { once: true, margin: "0px 0px -12% 0px" } as const;
+
 export default function Reveal({
   children,
   className,
   delay = 0,
-  y = 26,
+  y = 28,
   stagger,
+  variant = "lift",
   as = "div",
 }: Props) {
   const reduce = useReducedMotion();
@@ -32,7 +51,12 @@ export default function Reveal({
   if (stagger) {
     const parent: Variants = {
       hidden: {},
-      show: { transition: { staggerChildren: reduce ? 0 : stagger, delayChildren: delay } },
+      show: {
+        transition: {
+          staggerChildren: reduce ? 0 : stagger,
+          delayChildren: delay / 1000,
+        },
+      },
     };
     return (
       <MotionTag
@@ -40,20 +64,34 @@ export default function Reveal({
         variants={parent}
         initial="hidden"
         whileInView="show"
-        viewport={{ once: true, margin: "0px 0px -12% 0px" }}
+        viewport={VIEWPORT}
       >
         {children}
       </MotionTag>
     );
   }
 
+  const hidden =
+    variant === "clip"
+      ? reduce
+        ? { opacity: 1 }
+        : { opacity: 0, y: y * 0.5, clipPath: "inset(0 0 100% 0)" }
+      : reduce
+        ? { opacity: 1 }
+        : { opacity: 0, y, filter: "blur(4px)" };
+
+  const shown =
+    variant === "clip"
+      ? { opacity: 1, y: 0, clipPath: "inset(0 0 0% 0)" }
+      : { opacity: 1, y: 0, filter: "blur(0px)" };
+
   return (
     <MotionTag
       className={className}
-      initial={reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { opacity: 0, y }}
-      whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
-      viewport={{ once: true, margin: "0px 0px -12% 0px" }}
-      transition={{ duration: 0.7, delay: delay / 1000, ease: [0.16, 1, 0.3, 1] }}
+      initial={hidden}
+      whileInView={shown}
+      viewport={VIEWPORT}
+      transition={{ duration: 0.9, delay: delay / 1000, ease: EASE_OUT }}
     >
       {children}
     </MotionTag>
@@ -64,7 +102,7 @@ export default function Reveal({
 export function RevealItem({
   children,
   className,
-  y = 22,
+  y = 24,
   as = "div",
 }: {
   children: React.ReactNode;
@@ -75,8 +113,13 @@ export function RevealItem({
   const reduce = useReducedMotion();
   const MotionTag = motion[as] as typeof motion.div;
   const item: Variants = {
-    hidden: reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { opacity: 0, y },
-    show: { opacity: 1, y: 0, transition: { duration: 0.65, ease: [0.16, 1, 0.3, 1] } },
+    hidden: reduce ? { opacity: 1 } : { opacity: 0, y, filter: "blur(4px)" },
+    show: {
+      opacity: 1,
+      y: 0,
+      filter: "blur(0px)",
+      transition: { duration: 0.75, ease: EASE_OUT },
+    },
   };
   return (
     <MotionTag className={className} variants={item}>
diff --git a/app/components/Scoreboard.tsx b/app/components/Scoreboard.tsx
index 76d139b..1d13f1b 100644
--- a/app/components/Scoreboard.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Scoreboard.tsx
@@ -25,19 +25,38 @@ export default function Scoreboard() {
 
     const ctx = gsap.context(() => {
       const tl = gsap.timeline({
-        scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".score__chart", start: "top 80%", once: true },
+        scrollTrigger: { trigger: ".score__chart", start: "top 82%", once: true },
       });
-      tl.from(".score-bar", {
-        scaleY: 0,
-        transformOrigin: "bottom",
-        duration: 0.9,
-        ease: "expo.out",
-        stagger: 0.08,
-      }).from(
-        ".score__baseline",
-        { drawSVG: "0%", duration: 0.9, ease: "power2.out" },
-        "-=0.7"
-      );
+      // Baseline draws first, then bars grow up off it with a tight stagger and
+      // a soft landing (back ease => a hair of overshoot so they feel physical).
+      tl.from(".score__baseline", {
+        drawSVG: "0%",
+        duration: 0.8,
+        ease: "power2.out",
+      })
+        .from(
+          ".score-bar",
+          {
+            scaleY: 0,
+            transformOrigin: "bottom",
+            duration: 1,
+            ease: "back.out(1.4)",
+            stagger: 0.07,
+          },
+          "-=0.45"
+        )
+        .from(
+          ".score-bar__cap",
+          {
+            scale: 0,
+            autoAlpha: 0,
+            transformOrigin: "center",
+            duration: 0.5,
+            ease: "back.out(2.4)",
+            stagger: 0.07,
+          },
+          "-=0.9"
+        );
     }, el);
 
     return () => ctx.revert();
@@ -81,7 +100,9 @@ export default function Scoreboard() {
         <div className="score__chart" aria-hidden="true">
           <div className="score__bars">
             {BARS.map((h, i) => (
-              <span key={i} className="score-bar" style={{ height: `${h}%` }} />
+              <span key={i} className="score-bar" style={{ height: `${h}%` }}>
+                <span className="score-bar__cap" />
+              </span>
             ))}
           </div>
           <svg className="score__axis" viewBox="0 0 600 8" preserveAspectRatio="none">
diff --git a/app/components/SectionDivider.tsx b/app/components/SectionDivider.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a58d8bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/components/SectionDivider.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+"use client";
+
+/**
+ * Cinematic section divider — a thin gradient rule that DRAWS itself across the
+ * viewport (GSAP DrawSVG) as it scrolls into view, with a travelling node that
+ * rides along it. Pure decoration; adds rhythm + "life" between sections so the
+ * page never reads as empty stacked blocks.
+ * Reduced-motion: renders fully drawn, no travel.
+ */
+import { useEffect, useRef } from "react";
+import { gsap } from "./gsap";
+
+export default function SectionDivider({ label }: { label?: string }) {
+  const ref = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const el = ref.current;
+    if (!el) return;
+    const reduce = window.matchMedia("(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)").matches;
+    if (reduce) return;
+
+    const ctx = gsap.context(() => {
+      const tl = gsap.timeline({
+        scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top 88%", once: true },
+      });
+      tl.from(".divider__line", {
+        drawSVG: "50% 50%",
+        duration: 1.2,
+        ease: "power2.inOut",
+      })
+        .from(
+          ".divider__node",
+          { scale: 0, transformOrigin: "center", duration: 0.5, ease: "back.out(2.2)" },
+          "-=0.4"
+        )
+        .from(
+          ".divider__label",
+          { autoAlpha: 0, y: 8, filter: "blur(4px)", duration: 0.6, ease: "power2.out" },
+          "-=0.4"
+        );
+
+      // node drifts gently along the line on scroll => parallax life
+      gsap.to(".divider__node", {
+        x: 120,
+        ease: "none",
+        scrollTrigger: { trigger: el, start: "top bottom", end: "bottom top", scrub: 1 },
+      });
+    }, el);
+
+    return () => ctx.revert();
+  }, []);
+
+  return (
+    <div ref={ref} className="divider wrap" aria-hidden="true">
+      {label && <span className="divider__label">{label}</span>}
+      <svg className="divider__svg" viewBox="0 0 1000 12" preserveAspectRatio="none">
+        <defs>
+          <linearGradient id="dividerGrad" x1="0" y1="0" x2="1" y2="0">
+            <stop offset="0%" stopColor="#3b82f6" stopOpacity="0.1" />
+            <stop offset="50%" stopColor="#8b5cf6" stopOpacity="0.9" />
+            <stop offset="100%" stopColor="#10b981" stopOpacity="0.1" />
+          </linearGradient>
+        </defs>
+        <line
+          className="divider__line"
+          x1="0" y1="6" x2="1000" y2="6"
+          stroke="url(#dividerGrad)"
+          strokeWidth="1.5"
+        />
+      </svg>
+      <span className="divider__node" />
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/app/components/SiteHeader.tsx b/app/components/SiteHeader.tsx
index 4fec124..df25e31 100644
--- a/app/components/SiteHeader.tsx
+++ b/app/components/SiteHeader.tsx
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ const NAV = [
 export default function SiteHeader() {
   const [scrolled, setScrolled] = useState(false);
   const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [active, setActive] = useState<string>("");
   const toggleRef = useRef<HTMLButtonElement>(null);
 
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -31,6 +32,26 @@ export default function SiteHeader() {
     return () => window.removeEventListener("scroll", onScroll);
   }, []);
 
+  // Scroll-spy: highlight the nav item for the section currently in view, so
+  // location is always legible (navigation best practice + a touch of life).
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const ids = NAV.map((n) => n.href.slice(1));
+    const sections = ids
+      .map((id) => document.getElementById(id))
+      .filter((el): el is HTMLElement => !!el);
+    if (!sections.length) return;
+    const io = new IntersectionObserver(
+      (entries) => {
+        entries.forEach((e) => {
+          if (e.isIntersecting) setActive(`#${e.target.id}`);
+        });
+      },
+      { rootMargin: "-45% 0px -50% 0px", threshold: 0 }
+    );
+    sections.forEach((s) => io.observe(s));
+    return () => io.disconnect();
+  }, []);
+
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!open) return;
     document.body.style.overflow = "hidden";
@@ -60,13 +81,20 @@ export default function SiteHeader() {
 
         <nav className="site-nav" aria-label="Primary">
           <ul>
-            {NAV.map((n) => (
-              <li key={n.href}>
-                <a href={n.href} data-cursor="">
-                  {n.label}
-                </a>
-              </li>
-            ))}
+            {NAV.map((n) => {
+              const isActive = active === n.href;
+              return (
+                <li key={n.href}>
+                  <a
+                    href={n.href}
+                    className={isActive ? "is-active" : ""}
+                    aria-current={isActive ? "true" : undefined}
+                  >
+                    {n.label}
+                  </a>
+                </li>
+              );
+            })}
           </ul>
         </nav>
 
diff --git a/app/components/motion.ts b/app/components/motion.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b6159a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/components/motion.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+/**
+ * Shared motion personality — Emil Kowalski craft methodology.
+ *
+ * One cohesive easing/spring vocabulary used across the whole page so every
+ * interaction feels like it belongs to the same product. Springs (not raw
+ * mouse-tracking) drive ALL decorative/pointer motion so it has momentum and
+ * feels alive; bezier curves drive everything choreographed.
+ */
+import type { Transition } from "motion/react";
+
+/* Custom bezier curves (mirror globals.css tokens). */
+export const EASE_OUT = [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] as const; // entrances / settle
+export const EASE_IN_OUT = [0.77, 0, 0.175, 1] as const; // on-screen movement
+export const EASE_DRAWER = [0.32, 0.72, 0, 1] as const; // panels / accordions
+
+/* Springs — soft & momentum-rich so motion has life, never mechanical. */
+export const SPRING = {
+  /* magnetic buttons / pointer pull — loose, lively, slight overshoot */
+  magnetic: { stiffness: 150, damping: 13, mass: 0.7 } satisfies Transition,
+  /* 3D card tilt — heavier so it floats and settles, never snaps */
+  tilt: { stiffness: 110, damping: 14, mass: 0.9 } satisfies Transition,
+  /* cursor ring — trails the pointer with visible lag (the "alive" feel) */
+  cursorRing: { stiffness: 220, damping: 24, mass: 0.7 } satisfies Transition,
+  /* cursor dot — tighter so it leads, ring chases it */
+  cursorDot: { stiffness: 600, damping: 34, mass: 0.5 } satisfies Transition,
+  /* generic decorative drift */
+  soft: { stiffness: 120, damping: 18, mass: 0.8 } satisfies Transition,
+} as const;
+
+/* Asymmetric enter/exit: deliberate in (ease-out), snappy out. */
+export const ENTER = (duration = 0.9): Transition => ({
+  duration,
+  ease: EASE_OUT,
+});
+export const EXIT = (duration = 0.22): Transition => ({
+  duration,
+  ease: EASE_OUT,
+});
diff --git a/app/globals.css b/app/globals.css
index 927eb4c..8a3df24 100644
--- a/app/globals.css
+++ b/app/globals.css
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@
   /* gradients */
   --grad-brand: linear-gradient(100deg, var(--blue), var(--violet) 52%, var(--emerald));
   --grad-text: linear-gradient(100deg, #7cb2ff, #b69bff 50%, #4ee3ad);
+  /* darker brand gradient for legible gradient-text on the light "paper" bg */
+  --grad-text-ink: linear-gradient(100deg, #2563eb, #7c3aed 50%, #059669);
 
   /* inverted (light "paper") sections */
   --paper: #f4f1ea;
@@ -66,9 +68,21 @@
   --section-y: clamp(4.5rem, 9vw, 9rem);
   --radius: 18px;
 
-  /* motion */
-  --ease: cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
-  --t: 0.3s var(--ease);
+  /* motion — Emil Kowalski craft easing system.
+     Built-in CSS easings are too weak; these are the agency's signature curves.
+     NEVER use ease-in for UI. */
+  --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1);        /* entrances, on-screen settle */
+  --ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1);    /* movement that starts AND stops on screen */
+  --ease-drawer: cubic-bezier(0.32, 0.72, 0, 1);     /* panels, drawers, accordions */
+  --ease: var(--ease-out);                            /* legacy alias */
+
+  /* timing personality — UI interactions stay <300ms */
+  --t-press: 0.14s;        /* button/link press feedback */
+  --t-fast: 0.18s;         /* hover micro-motion */
+  --t-mid: 0.26s;          /* dropdowns, small reveals */
+  --t-slow: 0.5s;          /* larger settle */
+  --t: var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+  --t-move: var(--t-mid) var(--ease-in-out);
 
   --scroll-progress: 0;
   color-scheme: dark;
@@ -103,10 +117,14 @@ a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
 ul, ol { list-style: none; padding: 0; }
 button { font: inherit; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; background: none; border: none; }
 :focus-visible {
-  outline: 3px solid var(--color-accent);
+  outline: 3px solid #6ee7b7; /* emerald-300: ~6:1 on the dark canvas */
   outline-offset: 3px;
   border-radius: 4px;
 }
+/* On light "paper" sections use a dark violet so the ring stays >=3:1 */
+[data-invert] :focus-visible {
+  outline-color: var(--violet-600);
+}
 .sr-only {
   position: absolute;
   width: 1px; height: 1px;
@@ -223,6 +241,8 @@ body::before {
 }
 [data-invert] .kicker { color: var(--paper-dim); }
 [data-invert] .rule { background: var(--paper-line); }
+/* gradient text must stay legible on the light paper bg */
+[data-invert] .grad { background-image: var(--grad-text-ink); }
 
 /* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5. BUTTONS
@@ -238,35 +258,66 @@ body::before {
   font-size: var(--step-0);
   letter-spacing: -0.01em;
   border: 1.5px solid transparent;
-  transition: transform var(--t), box-shadow var(--t), background var(--t),
-    border-color var(--t), color var(--t);
+  transition:
+    transform var(--t-press) var(--ease-out),
+    box-shadow var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    background-position 0.55s var(--ease-out),
+    border-color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
   will-change: transform;
+  overflow: hidden;
 }
 .btn--sm { padding: 0.6rem 1.1rem; font-size: var(--step--1); }
 .btn--accent {
   color: #fff;
   background: var(--grad-brand);
-  background-size: 160% 160%;
+  background-size: 200% 200%;
   background-position: 0% 50%;
-  box-shadow: 0 8px 30px -8px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.6);
+  box-shadow: 0 8px 30px -8px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.55);
 }
-.btn--accent:hover {
-  background-position: 100% 50%;
-  box-shadow: 0 14px 40px -8px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.7);
+/* sheen that sweeps across on hover — a small, deliberate detail */
+.btn--accent::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  background: linear-gradient(
+    105deg,
+    transparent 30%,
+    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28) 48%,
+    transparent 66%
+  );
+  transform: translateX(-120%);
+  transition: transform 0.7s var(--ease-out);
+  pointer-events: none;
 }
-.btn--accent:active { transform: scale(0.97); }
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .btn--accent:hover {
+    background-position: 100% 50%;
+    box-shadow: 0 16px 44px -8px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.7);
+    transform: translateY(-1px);
+  }
+  .btn--accent:hover::after { transform: translateX(120%); }
+}
+/* press: instant tactile dip, faster than the hover settle */
+.btn--accent:active { transform: scale(0.97); transition-duration: var(--t-press); }
 .btn--ghost {
   color: var(--c-text);
   border-color: var(--c-line-strong);
   background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02);
 }
-.btn--ghost:hover {
-  border-color: var(--violet);
-  background: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1);
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .btn--ghost:hover {
+    border-color: var(--violet);
+    background: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1);
+    transform: translateY(-1px);
+  }
+  .btn--ghost:hover .arrow { transform: translateX(5px); }
 }
-.btn--ghost:hover .arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }
+.btn--ghost:active { transform: scale(0.97); transition-duration: var(--t-press); }
 [data-invert] .btn--ghost { color: var(--paper-ink); border-color: var(--paper-line); }
-[data-invert] .btn--ghost:hover { border-color: var(--violet-600); background: rgba(124, 58, 237, 0.08); }
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  [data-invert] .btn--ghost:hover { border-color: var(--violet-600); background: rgba(124, 58, 237, 0.08); }
+}
 
 /* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6. CUSTOM CURSOR
@@ -293,14 +344,21 @@ body::before {
   margin: -3.5px 0 0 -3.5px;
   background: var(--emerald);
   mix-blend-mode: difference;
+  transition: transform var(--t-press) var(--ease-out), opacity var(--t-fast) var(--ease-out);
 }
+.cursor-dot.is-pressed { transform: scale(0.5); }
 .cursor-ring {
   width: 38px; height: 38px;
   margin: -19px 0 0 -19px;
   border: 1.5px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
   display: grid; place-items: center;
-  transition: width 0.25s var(--ease), height 0.25s var(--ease),
-    background 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s var(--ease);
+  transition:
+    width var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    height var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    margin var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    transform var(--t-press) var(--ease-out),
+    background var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    border-color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
 .cursor-ring.is-hover {
   width: 56px; height: 56px;
@@ -314,6 +372,8 @@ body::before {
   background: var(--violet);
   border-color: var(--violet);
 }
+/* press: the ring dips, sharing the buttons' tactile language */
+.cursor-ring.is-pressed { transform: scale(0.82); }
 .cursor-ring__label {
   font-family: var(--font-mono);
   font-size: 11px;
@@ -368,8 +428,24 @@ body::before {
   width: 30px; height: 30px;
   border-radius: 9px;
   background: var(--grad-brand);
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out), box-shadow var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .brand:hover .brand__mark {
+    transform: rotate(-8deg) scale(1.06);
+    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px -6px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.7);
+  }
+}
+.brand:active .brand__mark { transform: scale(0.94); transition-duration: var(--t-press); }
+.brand__dot {
+  width: 9px; height: 9px;
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  background: #fff;
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-drawer);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .brand:hover .brand__dot { transform: rotate(45deg); border-radius: 2px; }
 }
-.brand__dot { width: 9px; height: 9px; border-radius: 3px; background: #fff; }
 .brand__name { font-size: var(--step-0); }
 .site-nav { margin-left: auto; }
 .site-nav ul {
@@ -381,21 +457,26 @@ body::before {
 .site-nav a {
   position: relative;
   color: var(--c-text-dim);
-  transition: color var(--t);
+  transition: color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
   padding-block: 0.3rem;
 }
 .site-nav a::after {
   content: "";
   position: absolute;
   left: 0; bottom: 0;
-  height: 1.5px; width: 0;
+  height: 1.5px; width: 100%;
   background: var(--violet);
-  transition: width var(--t);
+  transform: scaleX(0);
+  transform-origin: left;
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
 .site-nav a:hover,
 .site-nav a:focus-visible { color: var(--c-text); }
 .site-nav a:hover::after,
-.site-nav a:focus-visible::after { width: 100%; }
+.site-nav a:focus-visible::after { transform: scaleX(1); }
+/* scroll-spy active state */
+.site-nav a.is-active { color: var(--c-text); }
+.site-nav a.is-active::after { transform: scaleX(1); background: var(--grad-brand); }
 .burger {
   display: none;
   width: 44px; height: 44px;
@@ -407,10 +488,11 @@ body::before {
 .burger span {
   width: 22px; height: 2px;
   background: var(--c-text);
-  transition: transform var(--t), opacity var(--t);
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-drawer), opacity var(--t-fast) var(--ease-out);
 }
+.burger:active { transform: scale(0.92); }
 .burger.is-open span:nth-child(1) { transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg); }
-.burger.is-open span:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; }
+.burger.is-open span:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; transform: scaleX(0.4); }
 .burger.is-open span:nth-child(3) { transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg); }
 .mobile-menu { display: none; }
 @media (max-width: 860px) {
@@ -452,20 +534,28 @@ body::before {
   --mx: 50%;
   --my: 40%;
 }
-.hero__media { position: absolute; inset: -10% 0; z-index: 0; }
+.hero__media { position: absolute; inset: -12% 0; z-index: 0; will-change: transform; }
 .hero__video { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; opacity: 0.55; }
 .hero__scrim {
   position: absolute;
   inset: 0;
   background:
-    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.55), rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.82) 60%, var(--c-bg)),
-    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.7), transparent 60%);
+    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.5), rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.82) 60%, var(--c-bg)),
+    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(7, 7, 11, 0.72), transparent 62%);
 }
 .hero__spotlight {
   position: absolute;
   inset: 0;
-  background: radial-gradient(420px circle at var(--mx) var(--my), rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.22), transparent 60%);
-  transition: background 0.15s linear;
+  background: radial-gradient(440px circle at var(--mx) var(--my), rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.24), transparent 60%);
+  mix-blend-mode: screen;
+}
+/* fine grain over the video so it never looks like flat stock footage */
+.hero__noise {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  opacity: 0.06;
+  mix-blend-mode: overlay;
+  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='140' height='140'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.9' numOctaves='2'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Crect width='100%25' height='100%25' filter='url(%23n)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
 }
 .hero-svg {
   position: absolute;
@@ -479,12 +569,22 @@ body::before {
 .hero-svg__line { filter: drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.5)); }
 .hero-svg__dot {
   filter: drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.9));
-  animation: heroPulse 2.4s var(--ease) infinite;
+  animation: heroPulse 2.4s var(--ease-in-out) infinite;
+}
+/* expanding ring around the live marker — radar/ping feel */
+.hero-svg__dot-ring {
+  transform-box: fill-box;
+  transform-origin: center;
+  animation: heroPing 2.8s var(--ease-out) infinite;
 }
 @keyframes heroPulse {
   0%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
   50% { opacity: 0.6; }
 }
+@keyframes heroPing {
+  0% { transform: scale(0.6); opacity: 0.7; }
+  70%, 100% { transform: scale(2.1); opacity: 0; }
+}
 .hero__content {
   position: relative;
   z-index: 2;
@@ -522,6 +622,15 @@ body::before {
   max-width: 15ch;
   visibility: hidden; /* revealed by GSAP; reduced-motion fallback re-shows */
 }
+/* SplitText line wrappers — clip so words rise from behind a mask */
+.hero__line { overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0.06em; }
+.hero__h1 .word { display: inline-block; }
+/* FOUC guard: hide stagger items until GSAP takes over (re-shown by JS, or by
+   the reduced-motion fallback below). */
+.hero__stagger { opacity: 0; }
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+  .hero__stagger { opacity: 1; }
+}
 .hero__sub {
   margin-top: 1.6rem;
   max-width: 46ch;
@@ -602,7 +711,18 @@ body::before {
   letter-spacing: -0.02em;
   color: var(--c-text);
 }
-.marq__star { color: var(--violet); font-size: 0.6em; }
+/* every other item is outlined => richer, layered tape (not flat text) */
+.marq__item:nth-child(even) {
+  color: transparent;
+  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px var(--c-text-faint);
+}
+.marq__star {
+  color: var(--violet);
+  font-size: 0.6em;
+  display: inline-block;
+  animation: starSpin 9s linear infinite;
+}
+@keyframes starSpin { to { transform: rotate(360deg); } }
 
 /* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    10. MANIFESTO
@@ -618,6 +738,76 @@ body::before {
   color: var(--c-text-dim);
   max-width: 52ch;
 }
+.manifesto__stats {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
+  gap: clamp(1rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
+  margin-top: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem);
+  padding-top: clamp(1.6rem, 3vw, 2.4rem);
+  border-top: 1px solid var(--c-line);
+}
+.manifesto__stat {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  gap: 0.4rem;
+  position: relative;
+  padding-left: 1rem;
+}
+.manifesto__stat::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  left: 0; top: 0.2rem; bottom: 0.2rem;
+  width: 2px;
+  background: var(--grad-brand);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  transform: scaleY(0.6);
+  transform-origin: top;
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+.manifesto__stat:hover::before { transform: scaleY(1); }
+.manifesto__stat-v { font-size: var(--step-2); letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
+.manifesto__stat-k {
+  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-size: var(--step--1);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
+  color: var(--c-text-faint);
+}
+@media (max-width: 640px) {
+  .manifesto__stats { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.4rem; }
+}
+
+/* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+   11b. SECTION DIVIDER (cinematic drawn rule)
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
+.divider {
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 2;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 1.2rem;
+  padding-block: clamp(1.2rem, 3vw, 2.2rem);
+}
+.divider__label {
+  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-size: var(--step--1);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
+  color: var(--c-text-faint);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+}
+.divider__svg { flex: 1; height: 12px; }
+.divider__line { will-change: stroke-dashoffset; }
+.divider__node {
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+  width: 9px; height: 9px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: var(--emerald);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.8);
+  margin-left: -1.2rem;
+  will-change: transform;
+}
 
 /* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    11. PROOF / INDUSTRIES
@@ -631,19 +821,38 @@ body::before {
 .proof__label { display: block; margin-bottom: 1.6rem; }
 .proof__list { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.7rem 0.9rem; }
 .proof__item {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.55rem;
   padding: 0.55rem 1.1rem;
   border: 1px solid var(--c-line-strong);
   border-radius: 999px;
   font-family: var(--font-mono);
   font-size: var(--step--1);
   color: var(--c-text-dim);
-  transition: color var(--t), border-color var(--t), background var(--t), transform var(--t);
+  transition:
+    color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    border-color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    background var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    transform var(--t-fast) var(--ease-out);
 }
-.proof__item:hover {
-  color: var(--c-text);
-  border-color: var(--violet);
-  background: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.08);
-  transform: translateY(-2px);
+.proof__item-dot {
+  width: 6px; height: 6px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: var(--c-text-faint);
+  transition: background var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out), box-shadow var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .proof__item:hover {
+    color: var(--c-text);
+    border-color: var(--violet);
+    background: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.08);
+    transform: translateY(-3px);
+  }
+  .proof__item:hover .proof__item-dot {
+    background: var(--emerald);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--emerald);
+  }
 }
 
 /* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -658,7 +867,7 @@ body::before {
   padding-block: clamp(1.4rem, 3vw, 2.2rem);
   border-bottom: 1px solid var(--c-line);
   position: relative;
-  transition: padding-left var(--t);
+  transition: padding-left var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out), transform var(--t-press) var(--ease-out);
 }
 .ledger__row::before {
   content: "";
@@ -666,30 +875,50 @@ body::before {
   inset: 0;
   background: var(--grad-brand);
   opacity: 0;
-  transition: opacity var(--t);
+  transition: opacity var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
   z-index: -1;
 }
-.ledger__row:hover { padding-left: 1.4rem; }
-.ledger__row:hover::before { opacity: 0.08; }
-.ledger__no { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--c-text-faint); }
+/* accent bar that wipes in from the left on hover */
+.ledger__row::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  left: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;
+  width: 3px;
+  background: var(--grad-brand);
+  transform: scaleY(0);
+  transform-origin: center;
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .ledger__row:hover { padding-left: 1.4rem; }
+  .ledger__row:hover::before { opacity: 0.08; }
+  .ledger__row:hover::after { transform: scaleY(1); }
+}
+.ledger__row:active { transform: scale(0.992); transition-duration: var(--t-press); }
+.ledger__no { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--c-text-faint); transition: color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out); }
 .ledger__name {
   font-size: var(--step-2);
-  transition: color var(--t);
+  transition: color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
-.ledger__row:hover .ledger__name {
-  color: transparent;
-  background: var(--grad-text);
-  -webkit-background-clip: text;
-  background-clip: text;
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .ledger__row:hover .ledger__no { color: var(--emerald); }
+  .ledger__row:hover .ledger__name {
+    color: transparent;
+    background: var(--grad-text);
+    -webkit-background-clip: text;
+    background-clip: text;
+  }
 }
 .ledger__desc { color: var(--c-text-dim); font-size: var(--step-0); }
 .ledger__arrow {
   justify-self: end;
   font-size: 1.4rem;
   color: var(--c-text-faint);
-  transition: transform var(--t), color var(--t);
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out), color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .ledger__row:hover .ledger__arrow { color: var(--violet); transform: translate(5px, -5px); }
 }
-.ledger__row:hover .ledger__arrow { color: var(--violet); transform: translate(4px, -4px); }
 @media (max-width: 760px) {
   .ledger__row {
     grid-template-columns: 3rem 1fr 2rem;
@@ -714,7 +943,7 @@ body::before {
 .score__num { font-size: var(--step-4); line-height: 1; font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
 .score__num.is-accent {
   color: transparent;
-  background: var(--grad-text);
+  background: var(--grad-text-ink); /* dark gradient => legible on light paper */
   -webkit-background-clip: text;
   background-clip: text;
 }
@@ -727,7 +956,22 @@ body::before {
 }
 .score__chart { margin-top: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem); max-width: 600px; margin-inline: auto; }
 .score__bars { display: flex; align-items: flex-end; gap: clamp(0.6rem, 2vw, 1.4rem); height: 130px; }
-.score-bar { flex: 1; border-radius: 6px 6px 0 0; background: var(--grad-brand); opacity: 0.85; }
+.score-bar {
+  position: relative;
+  flex: 1;
+  border-radius: 6px 6px 0 0;
+  background: var(--grad-brand);
+  opacity: 0.9;
+}
+.score-bar__cap {
+  position: absolute;
+  top: -5px; left: 50%;
+  width: 8px; height: 8px;
+  margin-left: -4px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: var(--emerald);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.7);
+}
 .score__axis { width: 100%; height: 8px; margin-top: 4px; }
 .score__baseline { stroke: var(--paper-ink); stroke-width: 2; }
 @media (max-width: 720px) {
@@ -754,11 +998,17 @@ body::before {
   background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--c-surface), var(--c-bg-2));
   border: 1px solid var(--c-line);
   overflow: hidden;
-  transition: border-color var(--t), box-shadow var(--t);
+  transition:
+    border-color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    box-shadow var(--t-slow) var(--ease-out),
+    transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
-.case:hover .case__inner {
-  border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--case-accent) 55%, transparent);
-  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -24px color-mix(in srgb, var(--case-accent) 60%, transparent);
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .case:hover .case__inner {
+    border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--case-accent) 55%, transparent);
+    box-shadow: 0 28px 70px -24px color-mix(in srgb, var(--case-accent) 60%, transparent);
+    transform: translateZ(40px);
+  }
 }
 .case__glare { position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none; }
 .case__head {
@@ -786,10 +1036,14 @@ body::before {
   background: linear-gradient(var(--case-accent), color-mix(in srgb, var(--case-accent) 30%, transparent));
   transform: scaleY(0);
   transform-origin: bottom;
-  animation: barGrow 0.7s var(--ease) forwards;
+  animation: barGrow 0.85s var(--ease-out) forwards;
   animation-delay: var(--d);
 }
-@keyframes barGrow { to { transform: scaleY(1); } }
+@keyframes barGrow {
+  0% { transform: scaleY(0); }
+  72% { transform: scaleY(1.04); }
+  100% { transform: scaleY(1); }
+}
 .case__spark { width: 100%; height: 26px; margin-top: 8px; }
 .case__body { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
 .case__problem {
@@ -840,17 +1094,43 @@ body::before {
   background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.1), transparent 70%);
 }
 .loop-glyph svg { width: 70%; filter: drop-shadow(0 10px 30px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.4)); }
+.loop__head { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1.5rem; }
+.loop__count {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: baseline;
+  gap: 0.2rem;
+  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-size: var(--step-2);
+  font-weight: 600;
+  color: var(--paper-ink);
+  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
+}
+.loop__count-cur { color: var(--violet-600); font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
+.loop__count-sep, .loop__count-tot { color: var(--paper-dim); }
 .loop__steps { position: relative; padding-left: 2.4rem; }
-.loop-rail { position: absolute; left: 0.7rem; top: 0.5rem; bottom: 0.5rem; width: 2px; background: var(--paper-line); }
-.loop-rail__fill { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: var(--grad-brand); transform: scaleY(0); transform-origin: top; }
+.loop-rail { position: absolute; left: 0.7rem; top: 0.5rem; bottom: 0.5rem; width: 2px; background: var(--paper-line); border-radius: 2px; }
+.loop-rail__fill { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: var(--grad-brand); transform: scaleY(0); transform-origin: top; border-radius: 2px; }
+.loop-rail__node {
+  position: absolute;
+  left: 50%; top: 0;
+  width: 12px; height: 12px;
+  margin: -6px 0 0 -6px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: var(--violet-600);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(124, 58, 237, 0.18), 0 0 14px rgba(124, 58, 237, 0.5);
+}
 .loop__steps ol { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: clamp(1.2rem, 2.5vw, 2rem); }
 .loop-step {
   display: flex;
   gap: 1.2rem;
-  opacity: 0.4;
-  transition: opacity 0.4s var(--ease), transform 0.4s var(--ease);
+  opacity: 0.32;
+  filter: blur(1.5px);
+  transition:
+    opacity 0.45s var(--ease-out),
+    transform 0.45s var(--ease-out),
+    filter 0.45s var(--ease-out);
 }
-.loop-step.is-active { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(6px); }
+.loop-step.is-active { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(8px); filter: blur(0); }
 .loop-step__n { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--step-0); color: var(--paper-dim); }
 .loop-step.is-active .loop-step__n { color: var(--violet-600); }
 .loop-step__name { font-size: var(--step-2); font-weight: 900; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
@@ -875,9 +1155,41 @@ body::before {
   border-radius: var(--radius);
   background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--c-surface), var(--c-bg-2));
   border: 1px solid var(--c-line);
+  overflow: hidden;
+  transition:
+    border-color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out),
+    box-shadow var(--t-slow) var(--ease-out),
+    transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
-.quote__mark { font-size: 4rem; line-height: 0.5; color: var(--violet); opacity: 0.5; }
-.quote__text { font-size: var(--step-1); font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.35; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin-top: 1rem; }
+.quote::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  background: radial-gradient(120% 80% at 100% 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.12), transparent 60%);
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: opacity var(--t-slow) var(--ease-out);
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .quote:hover {
+    border-color: var(--c-line-strong);
+    box-shadow: 0 24px 60px -28px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.5);
+    transform: translateY(-4px);
+  }
+  .quote:hover::before { opacity: 1; }
+}
+.quote__mark {
+  position: relative;
+  font-size: 4rem;
+  line-height: 0.5;
+  color: var(--violet);
+  opacity: 0.5;
+  transition: opacity var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
+}
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .quote:hover .quote__mark { opacity: 0.85; }
+}
+.quote__text { position: relative; font-size: var(--step-1); font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.35; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin-top: 1rem; }
 .quote__by {
   display: flex;
   align-items: center;
@@ -911,9 +1223,12 @@ body::before {
   font-weight: 700;
   letter-spacing: -0.01em;
   color: var(--paper-ink);
-  transition: color var(--t);
+  transition: color var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out), padding-left var(--t-mid) var(--ease-out);
 }
-.faq__btn:hover { color: var(--violet-600); }
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
+  .faq__btn:hover { color: var(--violet-600); padding-left: 0.4rem; }
+}
+.faq__item.is-open .faq__btn { color: var(--violet-600); }
 .faq__icon { position: relative; flex-shrink: 0; width: 20px; height: 20px; }
 .faq__icon span {
   position: absolute;
@@ -921,10 +1236,10 @@ body::before {
   width: 14px; height: 2px;
   background: currentColor;
   transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
-  transition: transform var(--t);
+  transition: transform var(--t-mid) var(--ease-drawer);
 }
 .faq__icon span:last-child { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(90deg); }
-.faq__item.is-open .faq__icon span:last-child { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0); }
+.faq__item.is-open .faq__icon span:last-child { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(180deg); }
 .faq__panel { overflow: hidden; }
 .faq__a { padding-bottom: clamp(1.1rem, 2.5vw, 1.6rem); max-width: 64ch; color: var(--paper-dim); font-size: var(--step-0); }
 
@@ -973,6 +1288,18 @@ body::before {
     transition-duration: 0.001ms !important;
   }
   .hero__h1 { visibility: visible !important; }
+  .hero__stagger { opacity: 1 !important; }
   .case__bar { transform: scaleY(1); animation: none; }
   .hero__video { display: none; } /* poster image only */
+  /* keep decorative loops fully still, not snapping each 0.001ms */
+  .hero__live,
+  .hero-svg__dot,
+  .hero-svg__dot-ring,
+  .hero__scroll-line,
+  .marq__star,
+  .kicker__dot { animation: none !important; }
+  /* process steps are a plain legible list when motion is off */
+  .loop-step { opacity: 1 !important; filter: none !important; transform: none !important; }
+  .loop-rail__fill { transform: scaleY(1) !important; }
+  .divider__line { stroke-dasharray: none !important; }
 }
diff --git a/app/page.tsx b/app/page.tsx
index 959ccb4..4b122f5 100644
--- a/app/page.tsx
+++ b/app/page.tsx
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import CaseCard, { type CaseData } from "./components/CaseCard";
 import ProcessLoop from "./components/ProcessLoop";
 import Faq from "./components/Faq";
 import Magnetic from "./components/Magnetic";
+import SectionDivider from "./components/SectionDivider";
 
 const TAPE = [
   "Revenue, not vanity metrics",
@@ -37,6 +38,14 @@ const INDUSTRIES = [
   "Marketplaces",
 ];
 
+/* Small live-feeling figures that flank the manifesto so the section reads full,
+   not empty. Illustrative samples, consistent with the rest of the prototype. */
+const MANIFESTO_STATS = [
+  { k: "Avg. reporting cadence", v: "Monthly" },
+  { k: "Channels we run", v: "6+" },
+  { k: "Built around", v: "Your revenue" },
+];
+
 export default function Page() {
   return (
     <>
@@ -69,6 +78,16 @@ export default function Page() {
               built to move revenue, and we report on it the way your CFO would.
               No vanity metrics. No mystery. Just the number that pays the bills.
             </Reveal>
+
+            {/* stat ribbon — fills the section, adds a "live" texture */}
+            <Reveal as="ul" className="manifesto__stats" stagger={0.07} delay={120}>
+              {MANIFESTO_STATS.map((s) => (
+                <RevealItem as="li" className="manifesto__stat" key={s.k}>
+                  <span className="manifesto__stat-v display">{s.v}</span>
+                  <span className="manifesto__stat-k">{s.k}</span>
+                </RevealItem>
+              ))}
+            </Reveal>
           </div>
         </section>
 
@@ -81,6 +100,7 @@ export default function Page() {
             <Reveal as="ul" className="proof__list" stagger={0.06}>
               {INDUSTRIES.map((p) => (
                 <RevealItem as="li" className="proof__item" key={p}>
+                  <span className="proof__item-dot" aria-hidden="true" />
                   {p}
                 </RevealItem>
               ))}
@@ -88,6 +108,8 @@ export default function Page() {
           </div>
         </section>
 
+        <SectionDivider label="What we do" />
+
         {/* ===== SERVICES — interactive ledger ===== */}
         <section id="services" className="services frame" aria-labelledby="svc-h">
           <div className="wrap">
@@ -96,9 +118,11 @@ export default function Page() {
                 <span className="kicker__dot" />
                 Services / 06
               </p>
-              <h2 id="svc-h" className="display sec-head__title">
-                How we grow your business
-              </h2>
+              <Reveal as="h2" variant="clip">
+                <span id="svc-h" className="display sec-head__title">
+                  How we grow your business
+                </span>
+              </Reveal>
             </header>
 
             <Reveal as="ol" className="ledger" stagger={0.07}>
@@ -129,9 +153,11 @@ export default function Page() {
                 <span className="kicker__dot" />
                 Selected work — sample
               </p>
-              <h2 id="work-h" className="display sec-head__title">
-                Proof, not promises
-              </h2>
+              <Reveal as="h2" variant="clip">
+                <span id="work-h" className="display sec-head__title">
+                  Proof, not promises
+                </span>
+              </Reveal>
             </header>
 
             <div className="work__grid">
@@ -155,6 +181,19 @@ export default function Page() {
 
         {/* ===== TESTIMONIALS ===== */}
         <section className="quotes frame" aria-label="What clients say">
+          <div className="wrap">
+            <header className="sec-head">
+              <p className="kicker">
+                <span className="kicker__dot" />
+                In their words — sample
+              </p>
+              <Reveal as="h2" variant="clip">
+                <span className="display sec-head__title">
+                  The number is the point
+                </span>
+              </Reveal>
+            </header>
+          </div>
           <div className="wrap quotes__grid">
             {testimonials.map((t, i) => (
               <Reveal as="figure" className="quote" key={i} delay={i * 120}>
@@ -184,9 +223,11 @@ export default function Page() {
                 <span className="kicker__dot" />
                 FAQ
               </p>
-              <h2 id="faq-h" className="display sec-head__title">
-                Questions about working with a digital marketing agency
-              </h2>
+              <Reveal as="h2" variant="clip">
+                <span id="faq-h" className="display sec-head__title">
+                  Questions about working with a digital marketing agency
+                </span>
+              </Reveal>
             </header>
             <Faq />
           </div>