HiCyou vs SkillForge

HiCyou is a groundbreaking, open-source platform tailored for SaaS founders, developers, and indie hackers who seek to revolutionize the way they build and curate directories of tools. This innovative AI-powered directory builder transforms the traditional methods of tool categorization and discovery by incorporating smart auto-categorization features and sophisticated content generation capabilities. Users are empowered to effortlessly create curated lists of tools that cater to their specific needs, showcasing only the most pertinent and beneficial resources. With HiCyou's built-in semantic search functionality, discovering the right tools becomes a precise and efficient process, making it a seamless experience for users. Furthermore, the platform automates the verification of user submissions through backlink checks, which saves valuable time and effort. Built using cutting-edge technologies like Next.js 14 and Tailwind, HiCyou promises not only speed and easy deployment but also complete customization. This makes it the ideal solution for anyone looking to establish a smart directory for personal projects or even commercial use, all while contributing to an open-source community.

I built SkillForge because I kept running into the same problem — I'd practice audio production or graphic design for a few days, then completely lose the habit with zero record of my progress. Every productivity app I tried was either too generic or made for corporate project management, not for creatives who just want to get better at their craft.

The core idea was simple: what if practicing your skill felt like levelling up in a game?

So I built a skill tracker where every minute you practice earns real XP, builds streaks, and unlocks badges. The more you show up, the more you level up — from Level 1 to Level 10 across any creative discipline you choose (audio, design, dev, video, photography, and more).

What surprised me most during development was how much the AI Coach feature resonated with early testers. Instead of just logging time, the AI analyzes your session history and tells you exactly what to work on next — it noticed patterns in people's practice that they hadn't noticed themselves.

A few things I'm proud of:
🔥 Streak system that actually keeps you accountable
🤖 GPT-4o-mini powered coaching that builds you a personalised 7-day plan
📶 Fully offline-first — your sessions save locally and sync when you reconnect
👥 A community feed so you're not grinding alone

This started as a personal tool and grew into something I genuinely use every day. I'd love to hear what you think — especially from fellow creatives.