I'm Niel — I build small AI tools and document exactly what shipped, what got cut, and what failed.
Built under constraints. Cut to the minimum. Tested on real problems.
Every project here has a constraint, a cut list, and a full case study. This is a build record, not a tools directory.
Each build was scoped to ship in a weekend. Anything that didn't fit was cut.
These are active experiments. Not finished products. Real progress, real problems, documented as they happen.
A local-first daily AI companion that runs on your machine. No cloud, no subscription, no data leaving your device. Built to replace the habit of opening a browser tab every time you need a quick AI interaction.
Stack: local AI (Ollama) · ongoing build
Follow the build Week 1 notesStarted as a quick tool test, turned into a real motorcycle rider network UX prototype. Built with OpenClaude Design and Codex. No backend yet, but the product structure is taking shape.
Tools: OpenClaude Design, Codex · prototype stage
See the build logBuilt because most budgeting apps overcomplicate a simple problem.
Each one was scoped to ship in a weekend. Anything that didn't fit was cut. Some ideas didn't survive at all. Only the ones that worked are here.
Budgeting apps ask you to connect a bank account, set up categories, and navigate dashboards. This one doesn't. Log a number, see whether you're spending more or less than last week. That's the whole thing.
Built with Claude · one weekend · cut: accounts, sync, categories
Use the Tool How It Was BuiltMost purchases feel right in the moment. This forces you to slow down and decide properly. Asks a few questions, gives a clear verdict. No account, no history stored.
Built with Claude + Google Stitch · one weekend · cut: accounts, history, tracking
Use the Tool How It Was BuiltMost builds fail before a line of code is written. The idea was never sharp enough. This walks you through a few questions to fix that before you start.
Use the Tool How to Clarify an IdeaIt's easy to build the wrong thing fast with AI. This tool helps you figure out what the app actually needs before you write a single prompt.
Use the Tool What You Can BuildOne HTML file. Open it in a browser and it plays old-school screensavers with retro game footage and a pixelated crossfade. No install, no dependencies.
Built with HTML + Canvas · one weekend · cut: frameworks, npm, install
Launch Screensaver See How It WorksWhat is actually causing the problem?
What is the smallest useful solution?
What should NOT be included?
Should this even be built?
Most people don't need a new SaaS product. They need one small tool that solves one specific problem. Most AI builds fail because they ignore that. The builds here show what it looks like when you don't.
Explore real builds, compare tools by use case, or browse by category: AI code assistants, full-stack builders, UI generators, automation agents, and workflow tools.
Built in one weekend. Cut to fit. Shipped anyway.
Start with a problem. Then build the smallest thing that solves it.
See the buildsNew builds, real decisions, and what gets cut — delivered when it ships.