Developing a Brutalist-Style Typing Test with Progress Tracking
Project Overview: The Brutalist Typing Test is a web application designed to help users improve their typing speed and accuracy. It features a minimalist, brutalist design aesthetic combined with robust functionality and progress tracking.
Objectives:
Create a functional typing test with a brutalist design
Implement multiple test durations
Provide real-time feedback on typing speed and accuracy
Track and visualize user progress over time
Ensure a responsive and accessible user interface
Technology Stack:
React.js for the front-end framework
Chart.js for data visualization
Local Storage for persisting user data
CSS for brutalist styling
Development Process:
Initial Implementation: The project began with a basic typing test featuring a 60-second timer, real-time WPM calculation, and accuracy tracking. The UI was styled using brutalist design principles, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics.
Multiple Test Durations: To cater to different user preferences, we implemented a duration selector allowing users to choose between 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 5 minutes for their typing test.
Progress Tracking: We introduced a feature to store users' previous attempts using browser Local Storage. This allowed us to implement a progress tracking system without the need for a backend server.
Data Visualization: Using Chart.js, we created a line graph to visualize users' WPM and accuracy over time. This provides users with a clear view of their improvement, encouraging continued practice.
Brutalist Styling: Throughout the development process, we maintained a commitment to brutalist design principles. This included using a monospaced font, high contrast colors, and minimal, functional UI elements.
Challenges and Solutions:
Maintaining Brutalist Aesthetics with Advanced Features: Challenge: Adding features like charts and dropdowns while maintaining a brutalist look. Solution: We carefully styled these elements to fit the brutalist theme, using bold borders, monospace fonts, and minimal color schemes.
Accurate WPM Calculation: Challenge: Calculating WPM accurately in real-time for different test durations. Solution: We implemented a calculation that considers the elapsed time and the number of words typed, updating in real-time as the user types.
Local Storage Limitations: Challenge: Storing potentially large amounts of progress data in Local Storage. Solution: We implemented a system to store only essential data (date, WPM, accuracy, duration) for each attempt, minimizing storage usage.
Results: The Brutalist Typing Test successfully combines functionality with a unique design aesthetic. Users can:
Choose from multiple test durations
Receive real-time feedback on their typing speed and accuracy
View their progress over time through an easy-to-understand chart
Practice in an environment free from distracting design elements
User feedback has been positive, with many appreciating the no-frills approach to design and the focus on functionality. The progress tracking feature has been particularly well-received, as it provides tangible evidence of improvement over time.
Future Improvements:
Implement user accounts and cloud storage for progress data
Add more typing test categories (e.g., code snippets, quotes)
Introduce a competitive element, such as daily challenges or leaderboards
Enhance accessibility features for users with different abilities
Conclusion: The Brutalist Typing Test project demonstrates that it's possible to create a feature-rich application while adhering to minimalist design principles. By focusing on core functionality and user needs, we created a tool that not only helps users improve their typing skills but does so in a unique and memorable way. The project serves as an excellent example of how brutalist design can be applied to modern web applications, challenging conventional notions of what a typing test should look like while delivering a highly functional and effective product.