Mountain Path Framework
What if project management worked with your brain instead of against it? We're building tools that adapt to neurodivergent thinking patterns, energy fluctuations, and alternative productivity models.
Experience Energy-Adaptive Design
Adjust your energy level to see how the interface adapts. This is the core principle of Mountain Path - your tools should match your capacity.
Current Energy Level: 3/5
🟡 Medium Energy Mode - Balanced View
• Balanced information density
• Key details with context
• Multiple interaction options
• Team awareness features
The Mountain Metaphor
Multiple Valid Paths to the Same Summit
The destination is fixed (project goals), but the journey adapts to individual strengths. Some people take the direct route, others need switchbacks. Both reach the summit.
Design Principles
Multiple Valid Paths to Summit
Project goals are fixed, but how you get there adapts to individual strengths and cognitive styles
Energy as Core Technical Requirement
System architecture treats cognitive capacity as a first-class technical constraint, not an afterthought
Psychological Safety by Design
Built-in recovery time, no shame-inducing metrics, and interfaces that work when executive function is compromised
Flexible Coordination Windows
Async-first with optional sync, respecting different peak hours and collaboration preferences
Mountain Path Workflow
Project Summit
Shared goals, multiple paths
High Energy Path
Steady Path
Recovery Path
Team Base Camp
Shared context, mutual support
Every team member can contribute from their current energy level. Work flows naturally between different capacity states, ensuring continuous progress regardless of individual fluctuations.
What We're Building
Path Signals System
In ProgressReplace rigid status updates with human-friendly mountain metaphors that actually reflect how you're feeling and working
Examples:
- 🏔️ Peak Climbing - Deep focus, high energy
- 🏕️ Rest Stop - Recharging, low-energy tasks
- 👥 Summit View - Collaboration welcome
Summit Circles
In ProgressFlexible meeting windows where people join when their energy aligns, participate however works for them, and leave when done
Examples:
- 2-3 hour open windows
- Voice, text, or async participation
- No forced synchronous attendance
Trail Markers
WorkingKnowledge capture with context - not just what you learned, but your energy state, what led to breakthroughs, how you felt
Examples:
- AI connects related insights
- Energy-aware documentation
- Pattern recognition across time
Energy-First Coordination
In ProgressMake energy levels a normal part of work coordination so teams can plan around actual human capacity
Examples:
- 1-5 energy scale
- Visual team dashboard
- Workload balancing based on capacity
Current Implementation Status
Multi-tenant Team Structure
ShippedRole-based access with organization hierarchy
Supabase RLS, Next.js 15 App Router
Energy Check-in System
Shipped1-5 scale with rich context (level, quality, notes)
Real-time updates, historical tracking
Path Signal Interface
WorkingMountain metaphor status with energy correlation
React components, state management
Team Dashboard
WorkingCollective energy visualization and capacity planning
D3.js visualizations, real-time subscriptions
AI Integration
In ProgressPattern recognition with multiple providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google)
AI SDK v5, local processing options
Summit Circles Scheduling
In ProgressFlexible meeting coordination based on energy patterns
Calendar integration, availability matching
Technology & Research Approach
Core Platform
- Next.js 15 with experimental features
- Supabase for real-time database and auth
- AI SDK v5 for intelligent insights
- Comprehensive TypeScript throughout
Neurodivergent-First Design
- Energy-adaptive interface complexity
- Multiple interaction modes (linear, spatial, network)
- Cognitive load reduction patterns
- Built-in recovery and rest periods
Research & Innovation
- Energy pattern recognition algorithms
- Psychological safety metrics
- Alternative productivity measurements
- Accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1+)
Research Questions We're Exploring
Problem
Traditional PM breaks neurodivergent thinking
Exploration
How can project management adapt to energy fluctuations, hyperfocus periods, and executive function challenges?
Hypothesis
Mountain metaphors + energy-based workflows = more sustainable productivity
Problem
Forced synchronous collaboration
Exploration
What if meetings were flexible windows where people contribute when their energy aligns?
Hypothesis
Summit Circles allow contribution without forced presence
Problem
One-size-fits-all productivity
Exploration
Can AI learn individual patterns and suggest personalized workflows?
Hypothesis
Trail Markers + pattern recognition = adaptive work environments
Looking for Beta Teams
We're Looking For:
- 3-10 person development teams
- At least one neurodivergent member (self-identified)
- Willing to experiment with new workflows
- Committed to honest feedback about what doesn't work
What You Get:
- Early access to features as we build them
- Direct influence on development priorities
- A team that actually gets how diverse minds work
- Probably some bugs and weird edge cases
Team Energy Dashboard
Team Capacity Overview - March 15, 2024
Alex (ADHD)
🏔️ Peak Climbing
2-4pm focus block
Sam (Autism)
👥 Summit View
Available for async
Jordan (NT)
🏕️ Rest Stop
Light tasks only
Casey (Dyslexia)
🚀 Innovation Mode
Ready for complex work
Team Energy Distribution
Smart Task Allocation
Assigned to Alex & Casey
Available for Sam
Perfect for Jordan
- • Schedule complex discussions for Alex's 2-4pm high-energy window
- • Jordan may benefit from a longer rest period - consider redistributing tasks
- • Team energy trending up 15% from yesterday - good day for challenging work
This is an Experiment
We're not trying to build the perfect project management software. We're exploring patterns and principles that could make all software more inclusive for neurodivergent minds.