Intentional life & systems design

Structure that holds. Design that lasts. Clarity that stays.

I’m Shannon L. Payne — a highly skilled systems engineer with extensive experience in System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) methodologies for large-scale integration projects, an independent and enterprise-level developer, graphic designer, technical author, and underdog advocate who turns complex tools into meaningful digital experiences.

My approach blends technical precision with human-centered design. I build systems that feel intuitive, structures that reduce noise, and spaces that help people see their work more clearly. Whether I’m shaping enterprise environments or supporting someone rebuilding from scratch, I focus on creating clarity that lasts and frameworks that support real momentum. I believe every system—digital or personal—can be redesigned to tell a better story, and my work lives at the intersection of strategy, structure, and quiet transformation.

The Clarity Framework

Where structure protects your peace.

I Can Shan is the quiet confidence of someone who builds work that holds its own — the kind of systems and designs that are referenced, trusted, and recognized for their clarity, structure, and design-forward aesthetic. Not louder. Not flashier. Just thoughtfully crafted work that stands out by simply working well, lasting longer, and making things easier for the people who use it. This is the foundation of my Clarity Framework — where structure protects your peace.

Just as web development turns ideas into clean, functional experiences, life and business also need structure that keeps you moving. I design both — digital systems and intentional frameworks that help you stay clear, aligned, and ready for what’s next.

When your tools and your decisions have structure, you move with more confidence. And when your systems support you, you can build, rebuild, or begin again without losing momentum.

A little about Shannon

I’ve lived the story of starting over – financially, emotionally, and professionally – more than once. Now I use everything I learned in those valleys inside the systems I build and the words I write.

I’ve been the underpaid expert in the corner, the single mom rebuilding from scratch, the woman carrying a family’s chaos while creating order for everyone else. And now, I’m the one who turned all of that into a blueprint—using tech as my path forward. I built clarity through systems, stability through structure, and momentum through design. Today, I lead with that same clarity, creating digital platforms and human frameworks that help others step into the version of themselves they’ve been building toward.

Professionally, I’m a senior systems engineer and platform designer—building on a background in software development and enterprise architecture. I work across complex knowledge-management and workflow platforms to design scalable content systems, custom automations, and branded dashboards that transform standard tools into strategic, user-centered digital environments.

Personally, I’m a writer and builder for the overlooked: the counted-out, the late bloomers, the ones who feel behind but still know there’s more in them. My work weaves together structured systems, honest storytelling, and peace-first boundaries.

This site is the home base for all of that – the place where my platforms, books, and PAYNELESS philosophy meet in one intentional story.

LESS2BEST

Peaceful living through priorities, acceptance, emotional boundaries, and letting go. It’s a framework shaped by lived experience—a way of choosing yourself, clearing emotional noise, and creating a life that supports who you’re becoming. Not perfection. Not pretending. Just peace, on purpose.

Shop LESS2BEST →

Underdog focus

I care about the people who didn’t take the “straight path”—the ones who feel late, underestimated, or unseen. And I care just as deeply about the underdogs at the top of their tier: the high performers who lead, deliver, and excel, yet still find themselves overlooked or under-supported. My work creates intentional space for both groups to grow—combining structure, clarity, and skill-building that respects their reality and amplifies their impact.

Platforms with a soul

I approach enterprise workspaces as storytelling environments—where strategy, decisions, and the story of work become visible, meaningful, and human.

Services & ways we can work together

Signature offers

Full-service support when you’re ready to show up clearly: from one-week launch kits to ongoing website and collateral design. For clients who want complete peace of mind, an optional copy refinement upgrade ensures your message is crafted with precision, polish, and your authentic voice. I’ll handle the heavy lifting — gathering the key details and developing the language so you don’t have to start from scratch. Read frequently asked questions →

Most requested

Brand Launch Kit (1-Week)

A focused, one-week sprint to get you online with a cohesive look and message. You’re viewing an example of this one-page launch experience right now on this site.

Approx. timeline: ~1 week • Ideal for: small businesses, nonprofits, advocacy groups, creators, solopreneurs who need to show up quickly and clearly, and early-phase concept or soft-market launches

Price: $1,500 USD

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Multi-section website built around your core offer.
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Starter brand direction: colors, typography, and layout that fit your tone.
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Key collateral (sample↓): flyer/one-sheet, or print-ready business card, or postcard-style handout. All 3 matching collateral +$300
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A simple launch outline so you know exactly what to do after your site goes live.
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Launch support: websites & collateral.

Inquire about a launch kit↗

Starts with a short discovery call & a clear one-week window.

Timeline note: Your dedicated one-week window begins once your project questionnaire is returned, initial edits are mutually approved, and payment has cleared.

Collateral note: This launch kit includes collateral that follows the established theme. Request for an alternate style, see faqs.

Web & platform

Websites & Intranet-style Experiences

I design clean, content-forward websites and internal workspaces that tell a clear story—whether it’s a database-backed public site, a private resource hub, or an integrated dashboard built on enterprise collaboration platforms.

Formats: public sites + intranet-style spaces

Starting at $2,500 USD

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Thoughtful website design with an emphasis on clarity, copy flow, and structure.
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Integration of dashboards or resource hubs across internal collaboration and knowledge-management systems for clearer decisions.
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Navigation and content mapping.
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Optional collaboration with your existing dev/IT teams.
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Launch support: websites & digital materials.

Discuss a website or space↗

Best for organizations or projects with multiple pages or spaces.

Project note: Timeline and scope are finalized after your project questionnaire is returned and we review your site architecture, needs, and integrations. Work begins once all discovery items are mutually approved and your deposit is received.

Collateral & visuals

Marketing Collateral Suite

The support pieces that carry your message beyond the website. Need the pieces that go with your site? I create aligned collateral – reusable graphics, simple flyers, postcards, slide covers, and other branded touchpoints that keep your message consistent.

Delivered as: ready-to-use print & digital files

Starting at $650 USD

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Custom graphics for business presentations, reports, and other professional materials aligned to your site and brand direction.
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Simple flyers, one-sheets, postcards, or slide covers for events and outreach coordination.
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Presentation-ready graphics you can reuse.
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Light variations for different audiences (e.g., community, clients, partners).
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File organization so you know where everything lives.

Explore collateral options↗

Can be booked alone or as an add-on to a launch kit.

Project note: Your timeline begins once your project questionnaire is returned and all requested content, files, and brand elements are received. Once mutally approved and deposit is received, your collateral enters the design queue. Any additions or changes after approval may adjust the timeline or scope.

Why work with me?

Sustainable web design: many small-business sites rely on layers of plugins that eventually break. I build websites the way I build systems: with clarity, intention, and as few failure points as possible.

The Shannon advantage:

Full-service support: domains, hosting, email, security, and maintenance.
My builds are hand-crafted, lightweight, and stable—designed to stay online for years with minimal maintenance.
I don’t rely on fragile plugin stacks; it runs clean, loads fast, and stays online.
I build like a carpenter: clean joins, purposeful structure, and nothing that rattles loose.
Your site and files are fully portable. You own everything outright.

Books & platform projects

This is where the writing, the dashboards, and the design systems begin to connect. Some pieces are in motion, some are in draft, all are rooted in the same mission.

Book series – Technical / Platform-focused

Preview Book ↗

Counted Out, Coded In

A three-part series introducing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Written under my pen name, Taa Rivers, the series brings learners back to the foundation that makes every modern platform possible—HTML.

Even in a world full of enterprise tools, intranet systems, and no-code platforms, the scaffolding underneath them is still HTML—quietly holding structure, meaning, and hierarchy in place.

Book 1 · HTML Basics: Foundations for Platform Design Book 2 · Styling the Message: Designing Visibility and Flow Book 3 · Building Structure that Responds: JavaScript for Dynamic Systems

Platform design – in practice

Dashboards, spaces & systems

As proprietor of Taa Rivers, Platform Design Studio, I’m continually exploring how structure transforms “just another workspace” into a narrative.

Soon, this will expand to include case studies, templates, and examples for teams who want to build the same clarity into their own systems.

Platform design systems Strategy tracking User guidance systems Knowledge architecture Workflow optimization Content structuring Dashboard mapping Process documentation Template libraries

Speaking & Sessions

Conversations that make space for the underdog.

I love speaking with people who feel like they’ve had to be strong for too long, who are rebuilding after loss, or who are trying to find their place in tech and systems work without losing themselves.

Rebuilding identity after upheaval and hard seasons
PAYNELESS boundaries – choosing peace without disappearing
Using tech and platforms as a fresh start, not a prison
Designing systems that honor the humans who use them

Virtual and in-person (select engagements).

Trusted by Teams, Leaders & Communities

Start a quiet conversation

No funnel. No pressure. Just a way to reach out if something here resonates with where you are or what your team needs.

✉ Thoughtful inquiries over volume every time.

Whether you’re curious about the book series, interested in website and collateral services, want help bringing clarity to your platforms, or you’re exploring a speaking invitation, you can use this form to reach me directly.

Share as much or as little context as you’d like – I read every message.

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