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SoftBound

Full-Stack Developer, Graphics & UI Programmer, System Architect

Next.jsTypeScriptPixiJSNode.jsCustom Rendering EngineCustom File Handling & Permissions Logic

SoftBound — Project Specification

Project Summary

SoftBound is an analog-inspired scrapbook web application featuring a custom-built browser graphics engine. It enables users to create tactile digital pages with zooming, panning, tape overlays, textured backgrounds, and image manipulation. The project emphasizes privacy, intentionality, and a "de-socialized" digital experience.

Roles

  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Graphics & UI Programmer
  • System Architect

Technologies

  • Next.js
  • TypeScript
  • PixiJS
  • Node.js
  • Custom Rendering Engine
  • Custom File Handling & Permissions Logic

System Overview

Custom Graphics Engine

A bespoke PixiJS-powered engine enabling:

  • GPU-accelerated zoom & pan
  • Drag-and-drop interaction
  • Rotation and transform tools
  • Pixel-level precision
  • Custom texture caching
  • Layered rendering (paper → photos → tape → UI)

Admin & Page Management

Includes:

  • Admin authentication
  • Protected routes
  • CRUD for scrapbook pages
  • Image uploading & storage
  • Server-side validation

Permissions & Security

  • Role-based access
  • Protected API endpoints
  • Public vs. private content separation
  • Middleware-enforced session logic

Interaction & UI Tools

  • Center-safe canvas
  • Toolbar-safe zooming
  • Soft vignette lighting
  • Tape overlays
  • Bounded image placement

Design Philosophy

  • Warm textured paper
  • Polaroid frames
  • Noise, grain, analog imperfections
  • Slow, intentional, handcrafted UX

Outcome

SoftBound includes:

  • A functioning rendering engine
  • Secure backend
  • Public gallery
  • Fully analog-inspired UI
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