Project Overview
Inkling is an AI-powered conversation platform designed to facilitate meaningful Socratic-style discussions between users and customizable AI characters. The platform enables users to engage in deep, thoughtful dialogue that promotes critical thinking and personal growth through structured conversation frameworks.
Core Vision
To create a space where people can have genuine, intellectually stimulating conversations with AI personalities that challenge their thinking, explore complex topics, and guide them toward deeper understanding through the Socratic method of questioning and dialogue.
Tech Stack
Frontend:
- Next.js 14+ (React framework)
- TypeScript for type safety
- Tailwind CSS for styling
- Three.js for WebGL animations
- Framer Motion for micro-interactions
Backend:
- Node.js/Express API
- Claude Sonnet API for AI conversations
- PostgreSQL for user data and conversation history
- Prisma ORM for database management
Infrastructure:
- Vercel for deployment and hosting
- Vercel Edge Functions for real-time features
- GitHub for version control and CI/CD
Mobile (Future):
- React Native for cross-platform mobile app
- Shared backend infrastructure
Current Development Approach
Building web-first to establish core conversation logic and user experience patterns before expanding to mobile. This allows for rapid iteration on the AI conversation system and user interface without the complexity of native mobile development.
Character System Strategy
Starting with 5-10 carefully crafted default personalities to validate the core concept and understand user preferences. Based on user feedback and engagement patterns, will expand either toward deep customization tools or a broader library of pre-built characters with specific expertise areas.
Monetization Strategy
Phase 1: Freemium Model
- Free tier: Limited conversations per month with basic characters
- Premium tier: Unlimited conversations, advanced characters, conversation history
Phase 2: Specialized Access
- Expert character packs (philosophy, business, creative writing, etc.)
- Enterprise solutions for educational institutions
- API access for developers
Phase 3: Platform Expansion
- User-generated character marketplace
- Conversation coaching and facilitation tools
- Integration with learning management systems
Long-Term Goals
Year 1:
- Launch functional web platform with core character set
- Build engaged user community of 1,000+ regular users
- Establish product-market fit through user feedback iteration
- Develop mobile app for iOS and Android
Year 2-3:
- Scale to 50,000+ users across web and mobile
- Implement advanced character customization system
- Partner with educational institutions for curriculum integration
- Launch enterprise solutions for team development and training
Year 5:
- Become the leading platform for AI-facilitated learning and critical thinking
- Global user base with multiple language support
- Advanced AI that can adapt conversation styles based on user learning patterns
- Integration with major educational and corporate learning platforms
Current Challenges
Technical:
- Maintaining conversation context and continuity across extended dialogues
- Balancing AI response quality with conversation flow and timing
- Creating distinct character personalities that feel authentic and consistent
- Optimizing real-time conversation performance at scale
Product:
- Defining the optimal conversation UI/UX for deep, thoughtful dialogue
- Determining the right balance between structure and free-form conversation
- Understanding which character types and conversation topics resonate most with users
- Building engagement patterns that encourage regular, meaningful use
Business:
- Validating willingness to pay for AI conversation experiences
- Competing with free AI chat alternatives while providing unique value
- Building network effects and community around the platform
- Establishing partnerships with educational and professional development organizations
Immediate Objectives (30-Day Sprint)
MVP Development:
- Complete core conversation interface with real-time AI responses
- Implement 3-5 distinct character personalities with unique conversation styles
- Build user authentication and basic conversation history
- Create responsive web interface that works across devices
- Deploy functional beta version for initial user testing
User Experience:
- Design intuitive onboarding flow that demonstrates platform value
- Implement conversation threading and topic tracking
- Create character selection and conversation initiation flows
- Build basic user dashboard for conversation history and preferences
Foundation Setting:
- Establish development workflow and deployment pipeline
- Set up analytics and user feedback collection systems
- Create content management system for character personalities
- Build scalable backend architecture for future feature expansion
Why This Matters
Inkling addresses a fundamental need for deeper, more meaningful digital conversations. In an era of surface-level social media interactions, the platform provides a space for intellectual growth, critical thinking development, and genuine dialogue. The Socratic method has proven effective for learning and personal development for over 2,000 years—Inkling brings this timeless approach into the age of AI.
This project demonstrates my ability to identify market opportunities, design complex user experiences, implement sophisticated technical systems, and think strategically about product development and business growth. It showcases both technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking applied to solving real human needs through technology.