Blog
Building With AI: Which Tests and Checks Do You Need?A plain explanation of each kind of automated test, where manual checking fits, and the other checks like linters and formatters, for anyone building software with AI.
Ask Claude or ChatGPT About Your Mac Apps with an MCP ServerAn MCP server that lets Claude or ChatGPT read and update your Tiong Creative apps
Your First Claude Code Hook: Block a Command Before It RunsA Claude Code hook that checks every shell command before it runs and blocks the risky ones, such as deleting files, with a message telling Claude why.
Your First Git Hook: Stop Secrets Reaching a CommitA pre-commit hook that scans what you're about to commit for API keys and refuses the commit if it finds one, with a fake key to test it.
Website Security Headers: From a B to an A+ in Three Small ChangesRun your site through securityheaders.com, add HSTS and a Content Security Policy, then run it again. What moved the grade, what didn't, and how to check it.
A Help Centre for My Mac AppsA look at the new Tiong Creative help centre, with short guides, app screenshots, and answers to common questions about my Mac apps.
7 Steps to Build Your First App With AI, Even If You Don't Know How to CodeLearn how to vibe code your first local Mac app with Claude Code or Codex: setup, a working prototype, and simple checks before you trust it.
Why I Build Local-First Mac AppsWhy Tiong Creative apps keep your data on your Mac, and how you can buy them, one app at a time or all 7 paid apps in a one-off bundle.
I Built a Note Taking App for My MacLists & Notes is a private, offline note taking and list manager for macOS. Markdown editor with live preview, categories, AI features, and no subscription.- AI Should Enhance What People Do, Not Replace Why They Do ItThe push for AI to replace jobs misses something fundamental about human purpose. Technology should make people more capable, not less needed.
I Built a Mac App for Content Audits — Here's WhyContent Checker Pro is a Mac app that uses AI to analyse web content, benchmark competitors, and export branded reports. Built for agencies and consultants.
Zestly: A Habit App That Doesn't Make You Feel GuiltyMost habit trackers are built around streaks and accountability. Zestly takes a different approach — playful prompts, weekly resets, and no pressure.
Local Task Manager: A Lightweight, Privacy-First Task AppA simple task manager that runs entirely on your machine — no accounts, no cloud, no subscriptions. Built with Node.js and vanilla JavaScript.
Finding Direction with Ikigai CompassA simple, private tool for discovering your purpose—built for anyone at a career crossroads
Digital on a Shoestring — What Nonprofits Should PrioritiseA clear website, an easy donate button, and an email list. Where to focus your digital efforts when you can't do everything.
Sunset on RetainersWhy I moved away from ongoing retainers and now focus on building client capability instead.
What Your Small Business Website Actually Needs (And What It Doesn't)Don't overwhelm your website visitors, reduce noise and make the action you want them to take, as clear as possible
5 Ways Small Businesses Can Actually Use ChatGPT TodayPractical ways to use ChatGPT today for business productivity, saving you time and improving your output
Let Them and Focus on Me Discover how embracing the idea of accepting others while prioritising your own development can lead to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Boost Productivity with AEDAEMDiscover the AEDAEM process, a framework to assess, eliminate, delegate, automate, and efficiently execute tasks for enhanced productivity and success.
Enantiodromia: Navigating the Balance of ExtremesExplore enantiodromia, the phenomenon where extremes lead to unexpected consequences, and consider its implications in technology, society, and personal growth.
Navigating Decision-Making: A Practical ChecklistExplore a decision-making checklist that helps you identify assumptions, reflect on biases, and evaluate potential outcomes for better choices
Thinking and Perception of RealityThe distinction between thoughts and thinking, how our perceptions shape reality, and strategies for mindfulness and goal reflection from Joseph Nguyen.
Cost of Transparency: Remote vs. TraditionalReflections on how transparency affects productivity, costs and employee welfare in remote-first startups versus traditional organisations.
Simplify Problems with Clear ThinkingLearn to simplify problem-solving and reduce stress by focusing on clear thinking and straightforward solutions
Applying Occam's Razor for Simple SolutionsApplying Occam's Razor helps streamline problem solving and decision making by favoring simpler, more straightforward solutions over complex ones.
Embrace the UncertaintyThis approach encourages action over perfection and helps overcome the fear of failure
The Power of Habits in Shaping Your IdentityInstead of merely wanting to change, become the person who embodies the desired habit.