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Ask HN: Struggle with project ideas? Heres some novel ideas you can build now
Hey HN I love thinking of ideas, I do it almost all day everyday - and I'd love to share some with the community rather than hold them close to my chest. I'm trying to be more open-minded, and giving, rather than always taking.
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1) Natural language browser commands:
Develop a browser extension that allows users to input natural text or voice commands, with immediate outcomes. The commands are passed to an LLM which determines what the user wants and runs the correct pre-configured browser APIS. I've already tested a prototype and it works really well with Google Gemini Flash model. You just need to pass to the prompt a JSON mapping of keywords/commands to APIs. For example:
User: "Clear history"
LLM: <Runs pre-made clear history API>
Stack: TypeScript/JavaScript/Google Gemini API
2) Declutter Mini-map -
A browser extension that when activated on a webpage, adds a mini-map of the webpage to the dedicated chrome extension side-panel (a dedicated 320px wide screen area where chrome extensions can host their ui permanently). The mini-map is special in that it only features webpage "landmarks". Landmarks are groups of functionally related components that are physically near one another. Examples are headers, footers, content sidebars, video players, etc. The mini-map features solid rectangles representing the size and position of these landmarks. The user can then turn landmarks "on" and "off" by clicking on the landmark on the mini-map. Its basically a generalist webpage element hider/declutter-er
Stack: JavaScript/React
3) UI Copilot -
A browser extension that allows users to capture a screenshot of any portion of a webpage that is automatically sent to an LLM for generic UI design feedback.
Stack: JavaScript/Svelte/ChatGPT API
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4) Pinterest for developers
5) Extension Sandbox -
An in-browser sandbox, that allows you to try browser extensions before ever installing them.
6) Peer-to-peer whiteboard -
Miro, without the server and database. Whiteboard only stays up as long as users are using it
7) Self-hosted internet archive and bookmark repository
In the world of AI bloat, capture, record, and keep content that matters to you. Create a Browser extension that can screenshot and capture static web content, and intercept bookmarking.
All this content is funnelled to a companion self-hosted website that hosts all your saved content
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What will you build?
What would you like to see built?
What ideas are you sleeping on?
Wanting to collaborate? I'm currently learning GO and know frontend, but suck at UI design!
- djaouen 2y agoI am currently building out a project that lets users store and send encrypted files through my service [1]. Note that the UI sucks as I, like OP, suck at UI design! Edit: If you would like to help with this project, contact me via email (which is in my bio). Note that I can't pay you anything as I am a lone, broke developer lol [1] https://protected-docs.io https://protected-docs.io
- purple-leafy 2y agoCool idea, how deep into it are you? What’s your plans for the project?
- djaouen 2y agoWell, I've got sign up, plus encryption working with gpg. Sending files could be more intuitive and the UI needs (a lot!) of work lol. But it is coming along nicely imo
- purple-leafy 2y agoWell done! Is there any reason you wanted to pursue this project? Does it aim to differentiate itself in any way?
- djaouen 2y agoSomebody approached me with the idea, and, having more time than money, I decided to develop it and put it up online on hosting I already had. It only costs me about $30/month, and that includes my other sites, so I don't mind hosting it for a bit until it gets users.
- azhenley 2y agoAlso see Challenging Projects Every Programmer Should Try https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38768678 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38768678
- 2y ago