Timeline OS
A personal operating system for managing the stream of data that defines our lives.
From the moment we're born, we create data—or data is created about us. Bills, photos, medical records, creative output, every chat, every keystroke. This stream never stops. Timeline OS is an interface to that stream: a calm, commandable mirror that reflects who we are and what we create, moment to moment.
The Core Metaphor
A unified interface intersected by three axes:
Temporal
When did it happen? Everything has a timestamp, everything flows through time.
Thematic
What is it about? Categories, tags, content types—the nature of the data.
Social
Who is involved? Relationships, sharing, collaboration with others.
Design Philosophy
The DOS terminal aesthetic isn't retro for retro's sake. It represents control, clarity, and personal sovereignty over your data.
- ›Commandable — Everything triggerable by keyboard, voice, or API
- ›Modular — Each tool is a "mod" in the larger system
- ›Transparent — Data flows and user control are auditable
- ›Human-scale — Minimal, focused interactions that respect attention
System Layers
Input Layer
Captures files, notes, messages, images, recordings. Each item tagged with timestamp, origin, source, and people involved.
Core OS Layer
Storage (eventually Solid Pod-backed), AI tagging and pattern recognition, command shell interface, and "mods" for switching interaction modes.
Interface Layer
Command prompt with AI suggestions, visual timeline, smart filters by tags and people, seamless switching between dedicated views (notes, finance, photos).
The Solid Pod Foundation
Timeline OS is built on Solid—Tim Berners-Lee's vision for a decentralized web where you own your data. Your timeline lives in a Personal Data Pod that you control.
The Problem Today
- • Data scattered across silos (Facebook, Google, banks...)
- • Each app creates its own inaccessible database
- • Vendor lock-in is the norm
- • Centralized data = prime target for attacks
The Solid Solution
- • Your data lives in a secure Pod you control
- • Apps connect to your data—they don't own it
- • Grant/revoke permissions per app
- • True data portability between services
"If a user decides they no longer prefer their current messaging application, they can switch to another one without losing any contacts, message history, or existing conversations."
The Rhizomorph Model
Each user has a node—a personal pod. Like the endpoint network nodes in fungi (rhizomorphs), these nodes can publish and connect:
- ›Portfolio and public work
- ›Shared files with granular permissions
- ›Contact channels and communication
- ›Personal AI agents
Nodes are discoverable, queryable, linkable. You control what you share and can browse what others choose to publish from their own nodes.
"We cannot ever achieve full control over our personal information space. The goal is to broaden and enhance our control over it."— From my Master's thesis on Personal Information Management
Building Blocks
These projects are the "mods" and foundation of Timeline OS—each exploring a different aspect of the vision:
Eidotter
activeA DOS-themed React component library with authentic CGA terminal aesthetics. 16+ components including Terminal, CommandPrompt, and Alert with a complete design token pipeline.
Pomodoke Calendar
activeLow-stress personal scheduling companion blending Pomodoro structure with AI-powered planning. Separates intent from execution while learning your productivity patterns.
EatThisDie
planningComprehensive diabetes management with intelligent food logging. Camera-based meal recognition, HealthKit integration, and glucose correlation insights. Privacy-first design with distinctive amber CGA aesthetic.
Tracker
activeRetro habit tracking app with authentic MDA-inspired themes (amber, green, white), AI-powered coaching via Gemini, typewriter text effects, and phosphor glow animations. Track streaks, view history, and build better habits with nostalgic flair.
KeepCoin
planningSelf-hosted personal finance management. Privacy-first approach to tracking expenses and budgets.
Academic Foundation
This vision has been brewing for over a decade, rooted in formal research:
Bachelor Thesis (2009)
Multi-touch interaction and the "Resting Hand Gesture"—later adopted by Adobe.
View case studyMaster Thesis
Personal Information Management and temporal navigation through personal data.
Interested in the vision? Check out the projects or get in touch.