Refining the Stack
How I optimize my tools over time. The never-ending search for the perfect 'Indie Studio' stack.
A tech stack isn't a static thing. It’s a living system that needs to be constantly refined and optimized.
As I’ve moved through the first phase of IntentLabs, I’ve discovered that some tools are working perfectly, while others need a bit of "Humble Refinement."
Here is how I’m optimizing my stack for the next phase of the experiment.
The "Perfect" Tools
- Next.js & Vercel: This combination remains the gold standard for me. The speed of deployment and the ease of use are unbeatable for a indie studio.
- Cloudflare R2: My "No Database" strategy has been a massive success. It’s fast, reliable, and practically free.
- Plausible: I love the clean, privacy-first interface. It gives me exactly the data I need without any of the bloat.
The Refinement Areas
- AI Integration: I’m looking for ways to more tightly integrate AI into my content drafting process. I want the AI to "know" the IntentLabs voice even better than it does now.
- Automation Gluing: I’m refining my webhook workflows to make the "Manifest Refresh" even more robust and handles edge cases (like multi-file uploads) more gracefully.
- Design Consistency: I’m building a more robust "Design System" inside my CSS to ensure that every new feature I add matches the premium dark-mode aesthetic perfectly.
The Builder’s Journey
Refining the stack isn't about finding the "Best" tool. It’s about finding the "Right" tool for me and my specific goals.
I’m constantly experimenting, testing, and learning. And I’ll continue to share those results with you here in the lab.
Scale is a process, not a destination. And refinement is the engine that keeps that process moving forward.