What I've Been Building
The real story behind Principle—what I've learned building civic education that actually works
Learning Pods for Families & Classrooms
I kept getting emails from parents asking if their kids could use Principle together, and from teachers wanting to use it in class. The problem was that civic education works best when you can discuss it with others—democracy isn't a solo activity. So I built learning pods where families and classrooms can learn together in private groups with proper oversight. It took way longer than expected because building collaborative features is hard, but watching families have real conversations about how government works has been incredible.
Why this matters
Families are finally having those dinner table conversations about civics that we've all been missing. Teachers are using it for government classes, and parents can guide their kids through complex political topics.
Better Surveys That Actually Matter
The original surveys felt like homework—boring questions that didn't connect to real life. I rewrote everything to focus on what actually matters: understanding where people are in their civic journey and giving them concrete next steps. Instead of asking abstract questions, we now ask things like 'When was the last time you contacted your representative?' and follow up with specific actions you can take this week.
Why this matters
People are getting personalized recommendations that lead to real civic action, not just more knowledge they don't use.
Mobile-First Everything
I realized most people were trying to use Principle on their phones during commutes or lunch breaks, but the experience was clunky. I rebuilt the entire interface mobile-first and added voice features so you can listen to explanations while walking. The swipe gestures for quiz answers feel natural now, and the text sizes actually work on small screens.
Why this matters
Civic learning now fits into your actual life instead of requiring you to sit at a computer.
Removed Barriers for Guest Users
I was creating too many hoops for people to jump through before they could start learning. The whole point is to make civic education accessible, but I was asking for accounts and payments before people even knew if they wanted to use it. I simplified everything so anyone can start learning immediately, and added special access for students and teachers because civic education should be free for those who need it most.
Why this matters
Way more people are actually starting their civic learning journey instead of bouncing off the landing page.
Principle Platform Launch
After months of building in private, I finally launched Principle publicly. The goal was simple: create civic education that actually works—that teaches people how power really operates instead of just reciting textbook facts. I focused on uncomfortable truths about how government actually functions and connected everything to real actions people can take. It's the civic education I wish I'd had.
Why this matters
People are learning about civics in a way that actually prepares them for real democratic participation.
What I'm Working On Now
The challenges I'm tackling next
Making Media Bias Understandable
I'm working on tools to help people understand how different news sources present the same story. Not to tell people what to think, but to help them see the techniques used to influence their thinking.
Connecting Learning to Action
Learning about civics is pointless if you don't use it. I'm building features that connect every lesson to specific actions you can take in your community—from contacting representatives to finding local meetings.
Scaling Personal Conversations
The best civic education happens in small groups with good discussion. I'm figuring out how to create that feeling even as more people join the platform.
Help me build better civic education
Every person who uses Principle helps me understand what actually works for civic learning.