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.
AT
USED WITH LIVE DATA
PORTFOLIO PLANNING
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 →
PC
RUNNING ON AN IPAD
WORKPLACE TIMEKEEPING
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 →
PI
WORKING WITH A LIVE CATALOG
FOOD AND PACKAGING
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.
PLANNING APP / REVIEW
A planning app looked finished. A fresh review found four practical problems hiding in less obvious situations.
Read the field note →