Notes
Personal Project Next.js / Tailwind CSS / Supabase
Challenge
In an era of "always-on" cloud synchronization and data mining, the simple act of taking notes has become increasingly public and cluttered. Most modern note-taking apps are bloated with collaboration features that compromise privacy and distract from the core goal: thinking.
The challenge was to create a digital sanctuary—a private, local-first environment where thoughts could be captured without the fear of being indexed, analyzed, or shared. I needed a solution that prioritized:
• Privacy by Default: Zero reliance on third-party cloud storage.
• Minimalism: Removing the "feature-creep" that plagues mainstream productivity tools.
• Personal Connection: Moving away from the sterile, "SaaS-blue" aesthetic of modern web apps.
Approach
My approach was to build a tool that felt like a piece of vintage hardware found in the basement of Reynholm Industries. I wanted to marry modern performance with the nostalgic, slightly chaotic charm of the UK's favorite IT department.
The Stack
To ensure the app was both lightweight and robust, I selected:
• Frontend: Next.js, React for a responsive, component-based UI.
• Styling: Tailwind CSS to meticulously craft the retro aesthetic.
• Storage: Supabase to keep all data strictly on the user’s machine, honoring the "private-first" philosophy.
Gallery
The visual identity is a love letter to the UK Team from The IT Crowd. Instead of clean lines and empty white space, the UI draws from:
• The Basement Aesthetic: A palette of "80s computer beige," terminal greens, and deep shadows.
• Tactile Feedback: Buttons and inputs designed to mimic the clack of a mechanical keyboard and the glow of a CRT monitor.
• Easter Eggs: Subtle nods to Moss and Roy, ensuring that while the privacy is serious, the experience doesn't take itself too seriously.