# Cookie Policy

> How Designs Decoded uses cookies and similar technologies.

Canonical URL: https://designsdecoded.co.uk/cookies

How we use cookies and similar technologies on our website

Last updated: 21 June 2025 | Version: 1.0

## 1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how DesignsDecoded ("we", "us", "our"), operated by Codey James West, uses cookies and similar technologies on our website at designsdecoded.co.uk.

We are committed to transparency about how we use cookies and respect your privacy choices in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

### Data Controller Contact:

Codey James West Email: CW@codeydecoded.com Website: designsdecoded.co.uk

## 2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your browsing experience more efficient and personalized.

#### Types by Purpose:

- **Strictly Necessary:** Essential for basic website functionality
- **Performance:** Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
- **Functional:** Enable enhanced functionality and personalization
- **Targeting:** Used to deliver relevant advertising

#### Types by Duration:

- **Session Cookies:** Deleted when you close your browser
- **Persistent Cookies:** Remain on your device for a set period or until deleted

## 3. Cookies We Use

### 3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled.

Cookie NamePurposeDurationProvider`sidebar:state`Remembers sidebar collapsed/expanded preference for user interface7 daysDesignsDecoded

### 3.2 Security Cookies

Cookie NamePurposeDurationProviderTurnstile TokenCloudflare Turnstile spam protection verificationSessionCloudflare

**Legal Basis:** Legitimate interests (website functionality and security)

### 3.3 Font Delivery Cookies

Cookie NamePurposeDurationProviderGoogle FontsFont delivery and caching for website typographyVariesGoogle

**Legal Basis:** Legitimate interests (website performance)

### 3.4 Optional Third-Party Cookies

These cookies are only set if you choose to interact with optional features:

Cookie NamePurposeDurationProviderStripe ClimateCarbon offset contribution tracking (only if used)SessionStripe

**Legal Basis:** Consent (when you choose to use carbon offset feature)

## 4. Cookies We Don't Use

We are committed to minimal tracking. We **do not use**:

- ❌**Google Analytics** or similar analytics cookies
- ❌**Marketing or advertising** cookies
- ❌**Social media tracking** cookies
- ❌**Cross-site tracking** cookies
- ❌**Behavioral profiling** cookies

## 5. How We Use Cookies

#### 5.1 Website Functionality

- **User Interface Preferences:** Remember your sidebar state (collapsed/expanded)
- **Form Security:** Prevent spam submissions through our contact form
- **Font Loading:** Ensure consistent typography across devices

#### 5.2 Security

- **Spam Protection:** Cloudflare Turnstile verification to protect our contact form
- **Fraud Prevention:** Basic security measures to protect against misuse

### 5.3 Legal Basis for Cookie Processing

PurposeLegal BasisCan You Opt Out?Website FunctionalityLegitimate InterestsNo (essential)Security ProtectionLegitimate InterestsNo (essential)Font DeliveryLegitimate InterestsYes (browser settings)Carbon Offset TrackingConsentYes (don't use feature)

## 6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

### 6.1 Browser Controls

All modern browsers allow you to control cookies. You can:

- **View cookies** stored by our website
- **Delete existing cookies** from our website
- **Block new cookies** from being set
- **Set up automatic deletion** when you close your browser

#### Chrome:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
2. Choose your preferred cookie settings

#### Firefox:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Under Cookies and Site Data, adjust your settings

#### Safari:

1. Go to Preferences → Privacy
2. Adjust your cookie settings under "Cookies and website data"

#### Edge:

1. Go to Settings → Cookies and site permissions
2. Select "Cookies and site data" to manage settings

### 6.2 Our Cookie-Free Experience

If you disable all cookies, our website will still function, but you may experience:

- **UI Preferences Reset:** Sidebar state won't be remembered between visits
- **Security Verification:** May need to complete Turnstile verification more frequently
- **Font Loading:** Potential slower loading of custom fonts

## 7. Third-Party Cookie Policies

When we use third-party services, their own cookie policies apply:

- **Cloudflare Turnstile:** [cloudflare.com/privacypolicy](https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/)
- **Google Fonts:** [policies.google.com/privacy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
- **Stripe Climate:** [stripe.com/privacy](https://stripe.com/privacy) (only if used)

We recommend reviewing these policies to understand how third parties handle cookies.

## 8. Data Retention

Cookie TypeRetention PeriodUI Preferences7 daysSecurity TokensSession onlyFont CachingAs per Google's policyCarbon OffsetSession only

## 9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

- **Information:** About what cookies we use (this policy)
- **Access:** Request details of cookies we've set for your device
- **Rectification:** Correct any inaccurate cookie data
- **Erasure:** Delete cookies through your browser settings
- **Restriction:** Limit cookie functionality through browser settings
- **Objection:** Object to non-essential cookies

**To exercise these rights:** Email CW@codeydecoded.com

## 10. Contact Us

For questions about this Cookie Policy:

**General Cookies Queries:** CW@codeydecoded.com

**Data Protection Officer:** CW@codeydecoded.com

**Technical Issues:** CW@codeydecoded.com

**Security Concerns:** CW@codeydecoded.com

**Response Time:** Within 30 days

### Acknowledgment

By continuing to use our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy.