Gratitud-ing App
Gratitud-ing is a one-feature app specifically built for my mindset around habit formation and distraction less writing.
A space for a quieter, more human way to say thank you.
Sending Note
Receiving Note
As soon as I open the app, it asks for the name of the person I want to write to and then I type my message. While the content of the note is important, I wanted to make sure the receiver felt a sense of excitement while opening it.
The written text transforms into a scratch note to reveal the message. It's then ready to send to the recipient! They'll receive a link to a web app to read their note.
The app is simple and made for only two functions - for me to write notes and send them. It's on TestFlight, but only for me.
1. There were too many obstacles to begin writing on a digital platform
2. I was relying on writing on command, which is not the best way to express gratitude. it cannot be forced.
I wanted to form a habit around sending gratitude and thank you notes to friends and family. I noticed it was getting increasingly difficult to maintain systems with existing tools like notion or analog writing processes.
Gratitud-ing is built around the philosophy of a single, intentional feature. Following the spirit of situated software—software designed for a particular context—or what some might call an app that feels like a home-cooked meal.
Single feature apps for very specific communities has been always around but resurfacing again with the influx of AI agents and Gen AI tools.
Software Values
I designed this app based on the environment and conditions I wanted my habit to grow within. I like to think of these as the app’s values.
Fig. G.R 01
I wanted to create a space for intuitive, thoughtful and genuine writing. A space safe from AI. There is a restriction where you cannot copy/paste in any text.
So if you recieve a note from me through this app, rest assured its not written by any LLM.
Fig. G.R 02
You can’t create a new note unless you finish the existing one. If you’ve started one, you have to finish it—even if the feeling feels far away now—because you felt a sense of gratitude at one point.
Fig. G.R 03
The scratch card interaction transforms a simple digital message into a tactile, exciting experience that honors the ceremonial joy of receiving something personally crafted, just like unwrapping a physical gift.
Fig G04
Fig. G04
1. Choosing the right tech stack for a project that requires integration across 3 platforms - iOS Apps, Cloud Storage, and a Web App
2. Building frameworks for Frontend Mockups & Local Interaction and Backend Core Logic (GCP Cloud Functions & Firestore)
3. Understanding API endpoints for the JS to fetch data to create and update unique note IDs
4. As I continue to add and refine features, I will update this list!