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Ask HN: Most interesting tech you built for just yourself?

1901 points l2silver | 1 comments | 27 Apr 23 15:04 UTC | HN request time: 0.444s | source

Maybe you've created your own AR program for wearables that shows the definition of a word when you highlight it IRL, or you've built a personal calendar app for your family to display on a monitor in the kitchen. Whatever it is, I'd love to hear it.
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codpiece ◴[28 Apr 23 14:54 UTC] No.35742026[source]▶
Not sure if it counts as tech, but I created a voiceboard for my mother to help her communicate while in hospice. She had a massive stroke and could no longer speak.

I thought of a tablet app, but the stakes were too high, so it wound up as a laminated paper. You can read about my design decisions here:

https://voiceboard.org

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epiccoleman ◴[28 Apr 23 15:28 UTC] No.35742440[source]▶
This absolutely counts. This is such a great testament to how simple engineering and thoughtful design can do good in the world. You're a good son!

Is there a reason besides preventing commercial use that you don't just have a PDF link on your site?

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codpiece ◴[28 Apr 23 16:24 UTC] No.35743498[source]▶
I tailor them upon request. I would like to make a self-serve site, but don't have the time or skills. I would prefer to give this away, people are usually in their worst moments, so a little generosity makes me feel like I make the world a better place.
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1. sllabres ◴[28 Apr 23 16:31 UTC] No.35743619[source]▶
Thanks for designing and publishing your work! I was surprised too, that there is nothing similar when I was at a stroke unit for a relative.

I wish you all the best for your mother. Keep caring for her, before caring for the website.