USEFUL SOFTWARE / REAL PROBLEMS

I knew the problems. AI helped me build the tools.

I don't have a programming background. I started with work I already understood, then used AI to turn that knowledge into three practical apps.

Personal finance Workplace time Food and packaging Built from firsthand needs

THE PROJECTS

Tools with a job to do.

These aren't demos. They work with real exports, real workplace routines, and real product information—while keeping the important decisions with the person using them.

USED WITH LIVE DATA

PORTFOLIO PLANNING

AetherTrade

Shows where a portfolio stands, where the plan says it should be, and what could close the gap.

  • Imports Wealthsimple activity and rebuilds the portfolio.
  • Shows allocation, cash, drift, and history.
  • Models contributions and rebalancing without placing trades.
HOW IT'S USED

As a private planning console. Any investment decision and transaction still happens outside the app.

Explore AetherTrade
RUNNING ON AN IPAD

WORKPLACE TIMEKEEPING

PunchClock

Gives a small workplace a straightforward clock-in flow and a clearer path from punches to payroll review.

  • Saves PIN-based clock-ins and clock-outs on the iPad first.
  • Keeps working offline and syncs when a connection returns.
  • Supports roster, status, payroll reports, and CSV handoff.
HOW IT'S USED

Installed on an older workplace iPad, with a separate administrator view for review and reporting.

Explore PunchClock
WORKING WITH A LIVE CATALOG

FOOD AND PACKAGING

PackIt

Brings recipes, product costs, nutrition, ingredient statements, and package review into one Mac workspace.

  • Turns recipes and ingredient data into product-ready information.
  • Breaks down food, labour, packaging, overhead, and profit.
  • Prepares ingredient, allergen, nutrition, and approval views.
HOW IT'S USED

As a local Mac app connected to the working product catalog—not a public cloud dashboard.

Explore PackIt

THE APPROACH

The work starts before the software.

AI can help make an app. It still needs a person who understands the problem, recognizes a useful result, and knows which mistakes matter.

01

Know the work

Start with a routine, decision, or frustration you understand well enough to explain clearly.

02

Build one useful path

Focus on the smallest complete workflow that would genuinely make the job easier.

03

Use it and learn

Try it with real routines and information, keep what helps, and be honest about what's still unfinished.

WHAT “WORKING” MEANS

Clear claims, no theatre.

I separate what an app can do from what has actually been used. Private names, account details, payroll records, and business data stay private.

IN USEThe app has been tried with the real device, workflow, or information it was made for.
OBSERVEDI saw the result directly—on screen, on the device, or in the saved output.
STILL OPENAnything not yet rehearsed or relied on stays clearly labelled as unfinished.

FIELD NOTES

What I learn along the way.

The products come first. These shorter stories cover the surprises, trade-offs, and lessons behind them.