Show HN: Trailward – Learn anything in 90-second micro-sessions

by stephanschulz • 6 months ago

1 5 6 months ago

I've been building software for over 20 years, mostly for clients. Trailward started as a tool to manage my own habit of "constant learning," but it evolved into something I wanted to ship.

The Problem:

I wanted to solve two things:

1. Sustained Exploration: How to learn effectively over a long timeframe, avoiding the "one-night research binge" that fades away.

2. Discovery: How to find meaningful learning goals when creativity is limited. Users often struggle to see beyond their immediate bubble.

The Approach:

1. Meaningful Goals (Ikigai): Ambitious transformations (like career shifts) require huge commitment. I use an LLM to help users connect their passions to "World Needs" and "Monetization"-mapping personal interests to viable career paths.

2. Two Learning Modes:

- Topics: For quick exploration based on personalized interest suggestions.

- Plans: Comprehensive, multi-month curriculums with interactive tasks, detailed explanations, and practical examples. The goal is to provide a structured, approachable path to real mastery, including certificate proposals to prepare for professional transitions.

3. Daily Habit (Bites): To make execution possible, I built "Bites" 90-second sessions designed to lower the barrier to entry so much that 'starting' becomes the path of least resistance.

Technical Stack: React Native (Expo), Next.js, FastAPI, PostgreSQL. Retention is handled by a modified SM-2 spaced repetition algorithm.

It’s a solo project. I'd love to hear feedback.

angeltech2026• 6 months ago

i think is really nice one

stephanschulz3• 6 months ago

Thanks! I've put a lot of thought and passion into this. If you give it a try, let me know how you like the Bites. Works best on mobile.

jamescampbell• 6 months ago

This kind of reminds me of 6 minute abs vs. 7. Can't you make them 60 seconds vs. 90? lol. In all seriousness, it is in the category of Readwise for me where I do use it daily for quotes and tidbits of text that I want to remember and retain. Looks great.

stephanschulz3• 6 months ago

:) I had to pick a number and 90 seconds just felt about right. Time varies of course per Bite. Each Bite includes a moment for reflection that stretches the time, otherwise it would be faster. The comparison to Readwise is a huge compliment. Honestly, if I can reach that level of daily utility and retention, I'll be more than happy.

Show HN: Trailward – Learn anything in 90-second micro-sessions

Related Stories