Size of Life

A dynamic web application that visualizes any two user-provided pairs of measurements across an absolute logarithmic scale, enforcing scientific consistency and eliminating unit switching friction.

🔍 What it does

• Dual Input Fields: Allows users to input two distinct items/concepts and their associated size/value (e.g., "Human Neuron" 1 $\mu m$ and "T-Rex" 12 $m$).
• Absolute Logarithmic Display: Renders both inputs onto a single, continuous logarithmic ruler, allowing direct visual comparison regardless of the initial units provided.
• Unit Normalization Toggle: Users can toggle between displaying all values in a normalized base SI unit (e.g., meters) or allowing the tool to suggest the most appropriate local unit (nm, $\mu m$, cm, km, etc.) per item, but crucially, never forcing Imperial/Metric switching mid-comparison.
• Derivative Visualization: For conceptual comparisons (like the DNA height discussion), allows input of derived properties (e.g., pitch per turn vs. total length) and plots them dimensionally.

Why HN commenters would love it

• Addresses Unit Jarring: Directly solves the complaint: "The switch from SI units to imperial... was jarring and hard for me to compare." (prmph). Users can enforce metric continuity.
• Resolves Specific Nitpicks: Allows careful comparison of physical properties with precise units, addressing the pedantic concerns around DNA height (oasisbob, echelon) and biological classification.
• Extensibility & Debugging: Appeals to the technical audience by providing a tool that can be used to debate/verify external claims (e.g., "Is a Tardigrade half the size of a sea snail?") by inputting multiple validated sources simultaneously.

Example output

Input: 1. Item A: Bacterium E. coli, Size: $2 \mu m$ 2. Item B: Human Hair Diameter, Size: $80,000 nm$ 3. Item C: Amoeba, Size: $400 \mu m$

Output Visualization: A single horizontal logarithmic ruler spanning $10^{-7} m$ to $10^{-3} m$. $E. coli$ sits at $2 \times 10^{-6} m$. Human Hair sits at $8 \times 10^{-5} m$. The user immediately sees the hair diameter is 40 times larger than the bacterium, without any confusion over floating unit systems. - Monetization: Hobby

A browser extension that detects hostile or overly verbose Third-Party Vendor consent modals (like those mentioning 141 TCF vendors) and automatically performs the maximum level of rejection on the user’s behalf, minimizing interaction cost.

🔍 What it does

• Modal Detection: Monitors DOM changes for common patterns indicative of IAB TCF or similar complex consent banners.
• Automated Rejection: Upon detection, the extension automatically navigates the modal structure to find the "Reject All," "Manage Preferences," or individual opt-out toggles, and selects the option that minimizes tracking.
• "Offload Effort": Addresses the expressed desire: "I wish there was a way to offshore the effort and work needed to toggle each option off to the culprit website." (thn-gap). The extension acts as the offshore agent.
• Quiet Execution: Executes these actions silently in the background, allowing the user immediate access to the content without having to engage in the decision-making fatigue loop.

Why HN commenters would love it

• Directly Solves UX Frustration: Solves the exact pain point of toxic consent mechanisms described by users: "This is super infuriating." (thn-gap) and the list of 141 vendors (troupo).
• Alignment with Skepticism: HN users are highly aware of dark patterns (evidenced by the discussion of Neal's Dark Patterns project), and this tool counters that directly by automating the defensive configuration.
• Efficiency for "Just Get to the Content": Appeals to the desire for maximal efficiency, letting users skip the bureaucratic layer of modern web browsing.

Example output

User visits example_news_site.com. Action: CFO detects the modal overlay (.tcf-consent-banner). Silent Execution: CFO programmatically clicks the "Manage Settings" button, finds the "TCF Vendors" list, checks the box next to "Reject All," clicks "Save Preferences," and dismisses the modal. Result: The user’s browser view switches instantly to the main article content, having spent zero seconds interacting with the consent flow. - Monetization: Hobby

A framework or tool that lets creators easily embed content (images, text blocks, 3D models) along a scrollable axis, automatically synchronizing a dynamic, layer-based soundscape that evolves with the scroll position.

🔍 What it does

• Timeline Configuration: Creator defines key scroll % points (like 5%, 30%, 80%) mapped to audio layers (e.g., Cello Layer 1, Cello Layer 2, Percussion entry).
• Smooth Playback Control: Uses interpolation (like Lissajous curves mentioned by one user in the context of animation) to ensure audio transitions are smooth, matching the seamless way the music layered in the original discussion example. This avoids the "sharp cuts" noted in early adaptive music examples (chrismorgan).
• Asset Association: Allows precise mapping of visuals (e.g., which creature is currently centered) to specific audio data points, rewarding precise artistic layout.
• Self-Contained Library: Provides a simple JS/Web Component interface so that the complexity of the dynamic music triggering is hidden from the content creator.

Why HN commenters would love it

• Inspired by Awe: Directly addresses the high praise for the audio/visual synergy: "The music swells and becomes more intricate as life expands..." (voxleone) and the dynamic soundscape (chrismorgan).
• Enables Artistic Utility: Provides a tool for other technical creatives who want to build similar engaging, non-disappearing experiences, similar to the desire for behind-the-scenes looks (jakozaur).
• Solves Navigation Drawback: Addresses the limitation that the original visualization didn't allow smooth, non-linear scrolling like other projects: "I can't scroll through the things like in the deep sea or space elevator" (alyxya). This tool standardizes smooth, interactive, sound-aware scrolling.

Example output

A creator implements AMS to show the life cycle of a computer chip fabrication process. Config: - 0% Scroll: Audio starts with single bass note (from Space Invaders reference). - 25% Scroll (Silicon Wafers visualization): Adds Cello Layer 1. - 50% Scroll (Transistor feature size, e.g., 3.5nm): Adds Cello Layer 2 (more melodic). - 90% Scroll (Finished Chip Package): Adds light percussion, creating a satisfying "completion" soundscape. The scrolling action smoothly crossfades the musical elements as the content changes, replicating the feeling of "Braid" or "Operation Neptune" that users loved. - Monetization: Hobby