Making Software

A visual textbook that makes complex software concepts feel effortlessly approachable.

Why it works

The site uses a monotone palette that places all visual weight on illustrated diagrams and typographic hierarchy, letting Dan Hollick's explanations breathe without competing colour. Every chapter follows the same quiet rhythm — text column, diagram, repeat — creating a reading experience that feels closer to a well-designed book than a website. The absence of decoration is itself a design statement.

Who should look at this

Founders, indie hackers, and educators who want to package dense technical content in a way that feels inviting rather than intimidating.

Signature technique

A strictly single-column, text-led layout with full-bleed illustrated diagrams that break the column at deliberate intervals — the visual pause of each diagram resets attention without requiring interactive elements.

Making Software — website screenshot

Like this style?

Take the style quiz to build your own shortlist, then generate a professional design brief you can hand directly to a developer — for $27.