IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

A macOS app that blurs your screen when you slouch

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

Here are the four most prevalent themes from the discussion, supported by direct quotations from users.

1. Security and Trust Concerns

Many users expressed hesitation about granting camera access and running an application that requires such permissions, especially when it is not audited or notarized. The debate highlighted the tension between the convenience of open-source code and the perceived security of a verified binary.

"I think the idea is wonderful, but a not-audited application that uses things like the camera is a 'no go' for me." — xfactorial "The thing is that how do you know at the end of the day that the compiled binary hasn't been tampered with 'extra code' besides what's in the repo?" — Alejandro9R

2. The Impact of AI on Software Development

A significant portion of the discussion centered on how AI coding assistants (like Claude Code) lowered the barrier to entry, allowing developers to create applications in unfamiliar languages or ecosystems. This sparked a debate on whether AI truly enhances coding skill or simply accelerates prototyping.

"I love coming up with fun ideas and only having to worry about the fun part - not the toil. I would never have made this app without llm support." — tjohnell "Before, it was too costly to do sth like the Posture app... These days, due to 'great-ai-unlock' your skills can be easily transferred and used to cross platforms boundary and code such useful app in a weekend or so." — rdslw

3. Subjectivity of Posture and Productivity

Users debated the validity of "good posture" as a universal goal, with many arguing that slouching or specific physical positions actually foster their best work. The conversation revealed that comfort and deep focus often correlate with non-traditional ergonomic setups.

"I can measure my productivity by how slouched I am. Sitting up straight at my desk, chair locked, perfect posture? I’m doing nothing... Sliding down in my chair like jelly...? I’m building the next iPhone." — avalys "The best posture is the next one." — lexoj (quoting a doctor)

4. Ergonomics and Hardware Solutions

Beyond the software app, there was a strong trend of users sharing hardware-based solutions for ergonomics. This included specific chair recommendations (like Herman Miller), laptop stands, standing desks, and alternative seating methods to combat the physical strain of desk work.

"In my case it’s a Herman Miller Embody chair [1] that stops me getting into a bad position (it’s not impossible, it just encourages good posture)." — louthy "I use the Nexstand K2... and I bent some coat hangers to attach to the top of the stand and tilt the laptop forward." — physicles

🚀 Project Ideas

VeriBuild

Summary

  • Solves the open-source software trust problem highlighted by users debating the security of a posture-monitoring app.
  • Provides audited, notarized, and signed binary builds for open-source projects, acting as a trusted "middleman" for developers and users.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Security-conscious users of open-source software and open-source developers wanting to offer a trusted distribution channel.
Core Feature Automated pipeline that pulls a specific Git commit, runs SAST/secret scanning, compiles the binary, signs, and notarizes it for macOS.
Tech Stack GitHub Actions, Rust/Go for build tooling, Apple Notarization API, AWS S3 for artifact storage.
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: "Pro" subscription for developers (e.g., $9/mo for unlimited builds) and a "Buy me a coffee" donation model per build for consumers.

Notes

  • Addresses the user friction described by xfactorial: "a not-audited application... is a 'no go' for me" and the desire to pay for safety: "I would be okay with you charging me some money".
  • Leverages the "auditability" argument tananaev made: "It's open source... Get Codex or Claude to review it" by formalizing the audit step before the build.
  • Practical utility for the widespread "vibe coding" trend mentioned by PlatoIsADisease ("anyone want to vibe code this to work on linux"), ensuring that the output of AI-generated code can be distributed securely.

PostureOS (Linux/Windows)

Summary

  • Ports the core functionality of the discussed "Posturr" app to non-macOS operating systems.
  • Addresses the demand for cross-platform ergonomic monitoring using open, hardware-agnostic libraries.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Linux and Windows users, developers, and ergonomic enthusiasts.
Core Feature Uses OpenCV and python-mss for screen capture to detect facial landmarks, then applies a blur overlay or notification system when the head angle drops below a threshold.
Tech Stack Python, OpenCV, PyTorch (Lightweight), GTK/Qt for UI overlay.
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Hobby (Open Source) with optional paid consulting for corporate deployment.

Notes

  • Directly responds to PlatoIsADisease and hungryhobbit: "I don't think Linux has an equivalent of Apple's vision API".
  • Validates the utility demand from aa_is_op: "Plz make a Windows version :)))".
  • Bypasses the proprietary API lock-in criticized by amelius, utilizing the open ecosystem mentioned: "Why use a proprietary stack... when there is a far more capable open ecosystem available at your fingertips?"

ErgoLens

Summary

  • A non-invasive alternative to camera-based monitoring for users concerned about privacy.
  • Uses a USB-connected wearable sensor (clip-on) to detect neck angle and send data to a desktop application.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Privacy-hardened users who want physical feedback without a persistent camera.
Core Feature A small BLE/USB hardware device containing an accelerometer/gyroscope. The companion app reads the angle and creates a desktop overlay or haptic vibration if slouching is detected.
Tech Stack ESP32 (Hardware), C++ (Firmware), Electron/React (Desktop App).
Difficulty High (requires hardware fabrication or sourcing).
Monetization Revenue-ready: Hardware sales ($30-$50 per unit) with free open-source software.

Notes

  • Solves the primary objection raised by xfactorial: "a not-audited application that uses things like the camera is a 'no go' for me" and `Fnoord: "I'd prefer a hardware killswitch"*.
  • Addresses the CPU usage complaints mentioned by `fatliverfreddy: "Guzzles my CPU"* by offloading processing to a dedicated low-power chip.
  • Offers a tangible product for the "market opportunity" identified by xfactorial: "ergonomics and/or posture monitoring is a market opportunity for heavy users."

ThinkSpace

Summary

  • An app that focuses on "deep work" environments by detecting if a user is in a distracting vs. focused state.
  • Instead of blurring for posture, it blurs the screen when the user is not physically engaged in deep work (e.g., looking away from the screen, fidgeting, or "slouching" in a relaxed, non-work manner).

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Knowledge workers and developers seeking to maximize "flow state" rather than just physical health.
Core Feature Computer vision detects attention direction (gaze tracking) and physical relaxation (slouching). If the user is slouching and not looking at the active window, the screen dims, simulating a "manual mode" for deep focus.
Tech Stack Swift (macOS) or Python (cross-platform), OpenCV, TensorFlow Lite.
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Hobby (Free) or Revenue-ready: Freemium model with advanced analytics on focus sessions.

Notes

  • Counters the argument by avalys: "You can measure my productivity by how slouched I am."
  • Acknowledges the "shower thought" phenomenon described by codyb: "It turns out the silence and lack of distractions are what produce 'shower thoughts'" by trying to create that mental space at the desk.
  • Implements the inverted logic suggested by bartread: "Maybe I should write one that blurs the screen when I don't slouch."

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