Prototyping a checkable list app with retro style

Today I started working on prototyping listpie.app.

I wanted a retro style and took inspiration from nano banana for the design direction. After many back and forth iterations, I finally started building the base.

The pivot: admin-only lists

Initially, I was thinking about letting users create lists by AI: it seemed like a natural fit for generating marathon lists on the fly. But after some reflection, I decided to go with admin-only created lists instead, at least in the beginning.

This approach gives me more control over quality and ensures each list feels curated and meaningful. It turned out great! I really liked both the design and usability that emerged from this constraint.

The core idea

This is my quick bet on user-like list styles to track progress, especially for people like me who love checking off lists. Think of it as a tool for tracking personal marathons:

• Watching all Oscar best picture winners of 50 years
• Reading 100 classical books
• Completing a series of challenges or goals

The satisfaction of checking items off a well-designed list is real, and I think there's good potential here.

Next steps

I want to start its base now so I can come back to it from time to time in the new year. It's not meant to be a full sprint, but rather a project I can nurture gradually — adding lists, refining the experience, and seeing where it naturally wants to go.

A solid foundation is in place, and I'm excited to see how it evolves.