what stayed
a privacy-first browser extension that transforms everyday browsing into quiet reflections
problem
We spend hours online every day, yet it's surprisingly difficult to remember what actually captured our attention. Browser history records where we went, but not what stayed with us, while productivity tools reduce attention to numbers instead of meaning.
solution
What Stayed is a privacy-first browser extension that transforms daily browsing patterns into quiet AI-generated reflections. Rather than exposing browsing history, it surfaces themes, interests, and moments of attention through abstracted language and editorial visuals that preserve privacy.
I designed and built What Stayed as an AI-native product experiment, using Cursor to rapidly prototype the Chrome extension, explore technical feasibility, and iterate on the product experience. The project explores how AI can transform everyday browsing into calm, meaningful reflection while keeping personal data protected.
The project began with a simple question: What if our browsing history reflected what stayed with us, rather than where we clicked? From there, I designed a simple daily rhythm where users opt in once, browse as they normally would, and receive an AI-generated reflection at the end of the day. Because browsing activity can reveal deeply personal information, trust became the foundation of the experience. A privacy abstraction model allows users to review generated themes while ensuring sensitive activity is generalized—or hidden entirely—before anything is displayed.
year
2026
timeframe
7 days
tools
Cursor, Composer 2.5
category
AI-powered Tool
01
protecting privacy
Because browsing can reveal deeply personal information, users review generated themes before creating their reflection. Sensitive activity is abstracted into broader concepts while private moments remain hidden entirely.
02
collecting signals
Users opt in once, allowing lightweight browsing signals to be collected locally throughout the day. Rather than tracking productivity, the product quietly observes patterns of attention without interrupting everyday browsing.
03
daily reflections
At the end of each day, browsing patterns become an editorial-style reflection rather than a literal activity log. The result is a quiet artifact that helps users revisit what occupied their attention without exposing the details behind it.
.see also
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