"Ripple isn't social media. It's executive function scaffolding."
Ripple is a desktop-first, intentional social environment designed specifically for neurodivergent minds and digital well-being. Built on the principles of Constraint Design, Ripple moves away from the toxic "infinite scroll" and algorithm-driven dopamine loops of modern platforms, providing a focused, terminal-inspired space for meaningful communication.
No more intrusive popups or context-switching. Ripple uses a hierarchical rendering engine that allows conversations to expand directly within the feed.
- Click "responses" to reveal nested threads.
- Reply directly using the inline composer.
- Maintain vertical focus without losing your place in the feed.
Ripple actively monitors your interaction patterns to protect your mental energy:
- Mindful Reminders: After 2 minutes of continuous scrolling, Ripple gently prompts a check-in to ensure your usage remains intentional.
- Real-time Metrics: A dedicated sidebar tracks session duration, activity spikes, and stresses levels.
- Intentional Terminology: We use Broadcasts (for intentional sharing) and Replies (for conversation), distinguishing between different cognitive tasks.
Audit your digital footprint with clarity.
- Posting Patterns: Visualize your activity across the week.
- Daily Vibe: AI-assisted sentiment analysis of your interactions.
- Mindful Achievements: Earn milestones like "Broadcast Pro" for consistent, intentional usage.
User agency is paramount. Ripple features a state-of-the-art Undo System (Ctrl+Z) that allows you to reverse deletions, posts, and likes instantly, reducing the anxiety of social permanence.
- Frontend:
CustomTkinter(Modern, high-fidelity GUI framework) - Backend: Python 3.10+
- Persistence: SQLite (Local-first, encrypted relational database)
- Validation:
Pydantic(Strict type safety and schema enforcement) - Logging:
structlog(Structured diagnostics for developer transparency) - Design System: Centralized "Ripple-Dark" palette with modern typography and micro-animations.
- Ensure you have Python 3.10+ installed.
- Clone the repository and install dependencies:
git clone https://github.com/AyeshaaRafaqat/Ripple.git cd ripple pip install -r requirements.txt
Launch the application:
python run_demo.pyRipple follows a decoupled MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern for maximum extensibility:
src/ripple_app.py: The Main Controller & Shell manager.src/core/: The "Brain" of Ripple.app_engine.py: Business logic, threading, and search.undo_manager.py: Command-pattern implementation for the Undo system.schemas.py: Data integrity models.
src/ui/: The "Body" of Ripple.screens/: Individual modular views (Feed, Sessions, Discover).components/: Standardized atomic widgets.
Ripple is built on evidence-based design:
- Constraint Design: Reducing decision fatigue by limiting daily quotas.
- Sensory Processing: Low-glare, dark-mode-only interface to reduce visual overstimulation.
- Executive Functioning: Providing clear visual hierarchy and "nested" context to support working memory.