I built an iOS app that turns Mandalart (9x9) into GTD Actions (v1.0)

Published: (December 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM EST)
2 min read
Source: Dev.to

Source: Dev.to

The Problem with 9x9 Grids

You know the Mandalart? It’s the famous 9 × 9 grid method used by Ohtani Shohei for visualization. You write your core goal in the center and 64 sub‑actions around it. The issue is that it stays on paper, making planning hard to execute.

Digitization (The Pain Point)

Typing 81 boxes is painful, so I built an OCR scanner:

  • Take a photo of your handwritten grid.
  • The app detects the 3 × 3 structure using OpenCV/AI.
  • It converts the grid into digital blocks instantly.

The “Focus” Filter

Instead of showing all 81 items, the app asks: “What is the ONE thing you can do today?”
It then filters the grid and presents a simple To‑Do list.

Tech Stack

  • Frontend: React Native (Expo)
  • Backend: Supabase
  • AI / OCR: Google Vision API

Workflow

I’m not a traditional developer. About 90 % of the app was built using Claude Code. For the finishing touches—optimization, automation, and even this blog post—I used Gemini CLI, Codex, and Antigravity.

  • I didn’t write code line‑by‑line.
  • I focused on orchestration: defining specs, reviewing logic, and guiding AI agents.

Result

A fully functional React Native app with AI OCR, gamification, and in‑app purchases, built in a fraction of the usual development time.

Call to Action

If you’re interested in this “Vibe Coding” workflow, let me know in the comments! I just launched the app on the App Store and would love feedback on the UX.

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