open source · active
Open CoDesign
A local-first, open-source design workspace that turns prompts into editable prototypes, slides, and documents across multiple model providers.
- Role
- Contributor
- Year / status
- 2026 · active
- Stack
- TypeScript · React · Local-first AI · Multi-model
Problem / Context
Prompt-to-design tools are often closed systems: the model choice, credentials, generated files, and editing workflow all belong to the service. Open CoDesign explores a more portable model—bring a provider, generate locally, and keep the result editable.
I contribute to the open-source project, which supports prototype, slide, and PDF workflows across hosted and local models.
Constraints
- Normalize model capabilities without hiding meaningful differences.
- Keep generated work editable after the first prompt.
- Treat provider credentials as user-owned configuration.
- Make local-first behavior a real operating mode, not a marketing label.
Approach and key decisions
The product separates the conversational request from the artifact that follows. Models can change, but the editing surface and exported work remain coherent. A provider abstraction makes breadth possible; explicit capability handling keeps that abstraction honest.
The open repository is also part of the product. Setup, issue context, and code structure need to be understandable enough for contributors to enter without a private roadmap.
Outcome
Open CoDesign now serves a large public community exploring an open alternative for AI-assisted design work. The project demonstrates a direction I care about: capable AI software that preserves user choice, local control, and access to the underlying artifact.