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Timeline

From idea to app store in 5 days. Here's how we built Redstrings.

Ideation

The Idea: A Murder Board for Your Mind

Every great project starts with a problem. We noticed that consultants, researchers, and knowledge workers often struggle to see the big picture when dealing with complex, interconnected information. Existing tools were either too rigid (spreadsheets) or too freeform (whiteboards). We envisioned a digital "murder board" — a visual workspace where you can map relationships, see patterns, and connect the dots.

  • Identified the core problem: organizing chaotic information visually
  • Coined the "murder board" metaphor for investigative relationship mapping
  • Defined target users: consultants, researchers, investigators, writers
  • Established local-first architecture as a core principle
Planning

Validating the Vision

Before writing a single line of code, we pressure-tested our assumptions. We explored edge cases, challenged our design decisions, and refined our understanding of who would actually use this tool and why.

  • Focused on management consultants as primary persona
  • Researched market landscape: Miro, Obsidian, Scapple, Notion
  • Identified differentiation: visual-first + relationship-centric + local
  • Validated the "red string" metaphor for connections
Planning

Scoping the MVP

With a clear vision, we defined what "minimum viable" actually meant. We made hard decisions about what to build first and what to defer, always keeping the core experience in focus.

  • Chose tech stack: SolidJS + Tauri for native performance
  • Defined 7 core node types: Person, Team, Artifact, Process, Place, Event, Note
  • Designed .redstrings JSON format for project files
  • Scoped 4-week sprint plan for MVP delivery
Development

Foundation: Canvas & Core Interactions

The first week was all about building the foundation — a canvas that felt right. Pan, zoom, drag, drop. The fundamentals had to be solid before anything else.

  • Built infinite canvas with pan and zoom
  • Implemented node creation and positioning
  • Added drag-and-drop interactions
  • Created basic node card rendering
Development

Connections: The Red Strings

The namesake feature. We implemented the red string connections that give Redstrings its identity — visual links between nodes that make relationships tangible.

  • Implemented edge/connection system between nodes
  • Added connection labels and relationship types
  • Built connection drawing interactions
  • Created the signature "red string" visual style
Development

Polish: Making It Feel Real

A tool is only as good as it feels to use. We added the details that make Redstrings feel like a real murder board — pins, tilts, photos, and that tactile satisfaction.

  • Added pin physics and card tilt effects
  • Implemented photo support with thumbnail generation
  • Built the node editor panel with rich fields
  • Added undo/redo history
Development

Persistence & Navigation

The final MVP push. We implemented file persistence, search functionality, and keyboard shortcuts — everything needed to actually use Redstrings for real work.

  • Implemented project save/load with .redstrings format
  • Built search and filter functionality
  • Added comprehensive keyboard shortcuts
  • Created file browser for project management
Enhancement

Beyond the Basics

With the core experience solid, we expanded what's possible. Custom node types for Pro users, themes for different workflows, and AI-powered analysis for those who want it.

  • Added custom node types (Pro feature)
  • Built theme system with Dark and Murder Board themes
  • Implemented Gemini AI integration with BYOK model
  • Created multi-board project support
Milestone

Windows Store Launch

Today marks a major milestone: Redstrings is now available on the Microsoft Store. A real product, available to real users, ready to help make sense of complexity.

  • Submitted to Microsoft Store certification
  • Implemented Windows Store in-app purchases
  • Pro upgrade and add-on system ready
  • Version 1.0.0 prepared for public release

What's Next?

This is just the beginning. We're working on macOS support, more node types, enhanced AI analysis, and collaboration features. Follow along as we build.

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