Planfast is a planning and decision-making tool designed specifically for people who struggle with making choices. It helps break down overwhelming decisions into manageable steps.
The Problem
Decision fatigue is real. Whether it's choosing what to have for dinner or planning a major life change, the abundance of options can be paralysing. I built Planfast because I experienced this myself — spending more time deciding what to do than actually doing it.
The goal was to create a tool that guides users through the decision-making process without adding more complexity.
Tech Stack
The application is built with:
- Next.js — React framework with App Router
- React — Component architecture
- Tailwind CSS — Styling and responsive design
- MongoDB — Data persistence
- Vercel — Hosting and deployment
Key Features
Decision Frameworks
Rather than presenting a blank canvas, Planfast offers structured frameworks for different types of decisions. Users can choose templates for things like trip planning, project prioritisation, or daily scheduling.
Smart Suggestions
Based on user inputs and preferences, the tool suggests options and helps narrow down choices. This reduces the mental load of generating options from scratch.
Progress Tracking
Users can save their planning sessions and track progress over time. This is particularly useful for larger decisions that unfold over days or weeks.
Design Philosophy
The interface follows key principles:
- Minimal cognitive load — Every element serves a purpose
- Progressive disclosure — Information appears when needed
- Calming aesthetics — Soft colors and gentle animations reduce anxiety
- Mobile-first — Planning happens everywhere, not just at a desk
Challenges & Solutions
Scope Creep
It was tempting to add every feature imaginable. I had to constantly remind myself that the core value is simplicity. Each potential feature was evaluated against the question: "Does this reduce or increase decision fatigue?"
User Testing
Early versions were too abstract. User feedback revealed that people needed more concrete guidance. This led to the addition of decision templates and examples.
Performance
Planning tools need to feel snappy. Any lag breaks the flow of thought. I optimised database queries and implemented smart caching to ensure instant responses.
Results
Planfast has helped users:
- Make decisions faster with structured frameworks
- Reduce anxiety around choice-making
- Track and complete long-term planning projects
Future Development
The roadmap includes:
- AI-powered suggestion refinement
- Collaborative planning features
- Integration with calendar apps
- Mobile app version
Planfast started as a tool I needed myself and grew into something that helps others. The best products often come from solving your own problems first.