Workflow Companion An interactive tool for managing complex creative workflows, designed specifically to accommodate neurodivergent learners.
Known Limitations:
Beta quality - may have bugs Limited browser testing Basic error handling Use at your own risk. Always export your data as backup.
If you find issues, please report them!
🎯 What It Does Interactive checklists with progress tracking across multiple projects Progressive disclosure - expand details only when you need them Visual flowcharts showing workflow overview Searchable content for quick information access Offline-first - works without internet, no data collection Multi-project support with export/import for cross-device work 🚀 Try It Now Live Demo: https://katesartanddesign.github.io/workflow_companion/
No installation needed - just open in your browser!
📚 Current Workflows FontForge Font Creation - Complete workflow from Illustrator to generated font file Illustrator setup and SVG export FontForge import and configuration Letter sizing and alignment Spacing and kerning Validation and troubleshooting Font generation Canvas Assignment Management - Track class assignments and deliverables Planning and requirements gathering Execution tracking Review against rubric Submission checklist 🧠 Why This Exists As a design student with AuDHD, I struggled with:
Scattered documentation across forums, videos, and tutorials Losing track of progress through multi-step processes Cognitive overload from too much information at once No accommodations for executive function challenges This tool provides scaffolding that helps students build independence while accommodating different learning styles and cognitive needs.
Key insight: If I'm confused, other students probably are too. This tool makes complex workflows manageable.
🛠️ Built With Vanilla JavaScript (no frameworks, no dependencies) LocalStorage for data persistence CSS custom properties for theming Template-based architecture for easy expansion Built through transparent collaboration with Claude AI Technical approach:
Single HTML file for maximum portability Offline-first design (works without internet) Progressive disclosure UI pattern Modular template system for scalability 📖 Documentation Process Book - Complete project journey and AI collaboration documentation Technical Brief - Architecture decisions and developer documentation Conversation Log - Full dialogue for transparency and verification https://claude.ai/share/f04665e3-e07a-4f6a-8dfb-4ab012d50605 🎓 Educational Principles This tool embodies established learning theory:
Educational Scaffaching Provides temporary support structures that fade as learners develop competence:
Breaks complex workflows into manageable steps Offers detailed guidance when needed Users gradually internalize the process Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Accommodates diverse learners through:
Multiple means of representation (text, flowcharts, progressive disclosure) Multiple means of engagement (interactive, self-paced) Multiple means of action/expression (progress tracking, export/import) Metacognitive Development Teaches process management, not just tool operation:
Students learn HOW to approach complex tasks Develops executive function skills Builds transferable workflow management abilities 🎯 Future Development Planned workflow templates:
Logo design process Illustration project workflow UX design methodology Print design workflow Video editing workflow Planned features:
Template creation UI (no-code template builder) Template sharing/import system Due date tracking Collaboration features Mobile app version 🤝 Contributing This is an open educational project. Contributions welcome!
Ways to contribute:
Test with students and provide feedback Create new workflow templates Improve code quality or documentation Translate to other languages Report bugs or suggest features To contribute:
Fork this repository Create a feature branch Make your changes Submit a pull request Or simply open an issue to discuss ideas!
🧪 Testing & Feedback Current status: In beta testing with design students
Help test this tool:
Try creating a project and working through a workflow Report any bugs or confusing interfaces Suggest improvements or additional workflows Share how it helped (or didn't help) your learning 📬 Contact Creator: Kate Jensen School: University of Colorado Denver Email: katesartanddesign@gmail.com Project Repository: https://github.com/katesartanddesign/workflow_companion
🙏 Acknowledgments Claude AI (Anthropic) - Technical implementation based on my specifications Technical consultation - Provided by PARTNERNAME (pending code review) PROFESSORNAME - Educational guidance and support Design students - Testing and feedback (names will be added as testing progresses) 📄 License MIT License - Free to use for educational purposes
Copyright (c) 2026 Kate Jensen
See LICENSE file for full details.
🔧 Technical Details For developers interested in the architecture:
Data Structure javascript { projects: [{ id: "timestamp", name: "Project name", type: "fontforge" | "canvas", progress: { "section-item": boolean } }], currentProjectId: "active-id", theme: "light" | "dark" } Template System New workflows are added as template objects with sections and items. No code changes required for content updates.
Storage Strategy LocalStorage for persistence (5-10MB typical limit) Export/import as JSON for backups and cross-device sync Architecture designed for easy cloud sync addition See TECHNICAL-BRIEF.md for complete technical documentation.
📊 Project Stats Created: January 2026 Status: Beta / Active Development Users: ADDAFTERTESTING Workflows: 2 (FontForge, Canvas Assignments) Lines of Code: ~800 JavaScript, ~600 CSS 💭 Philosophy Design Principle: Accommodate the user, don't force them to adapt to the tool.
This tool was built by someone with AuDHD, for people with diverse cognitive needs. Every feature decision was made with accessibility and cognitive load in mind.
Core beliefs:
Information should be available when needed, not all at once Progress tracking reduces anxiety and supports executive function Different brains need different approaches - provide options Transparency about AI collaboration models ethical use Educational tools should teach process, not just content Last Updated: February 18, 2026 Version: 1.0.0 (Beta)