The Problem with Learning Apps
Most skill tracking and learning apps follow the same playbook: gamification,
streaks, badges, and dopamine hits. They're designed to make you feel good, not to
show you reality.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: skills decay without practice. That Python
course you finished 6 months ago? It's fading. That framework you learned but
never used in a project? Almost gone.
I built SkillFade to be different—a mirror, not a coach.
What is SkillFade?
SkillFade is a web application that tracks your skills and exposes three
uncomfortable realities:
- Learning Decay
Skills degrade over time without reinforcement. SkillFade calculates "freshness"
(0-100%) based on when you last practiced, not just when you last read about
something.
- Practice Scarcity
Reading tutorials and watching videos isn't the same as doing. SkillFade flags
skills where you've been learning but not applying.
- Input/Output Imbalance
Too much consumption, too little production. The app tracks your
learning-to-practice ratio and gently reminds you when you're all input and no
output.
The Anti-Gamification Approach
What SkillFade deliberately doesn't have:
- ❌ No points or badges
- ❌ No streaks (they cause anxiety, not learning)
- ❌ No leaderboards
- ❌ No "motivational" push notifications
- ❌ No AI recommendations
- ❌ No social features
Instead, it offers:
- ✅ Honest freshness percentages
- ✅ Calm, infrequent email alerts (max 1/week)
- ✅ Simple charts showing your actual patterns
- ✅ Full data export and deletion
- ✅ Zero third-party tracking
How Freshness Works
The core algorithm is simple but honest:
freshness = 100% × (0.98 ^ days_since_practice) + learning_boost
Practice keeps skills fresh. Learning only slows decay—it doesn't reverse it.
Visual indicators make it clear at a glance:
- 🟢 >70% - Fresh
- 🟡 40-70% - Aging
- 🔴 <40% - Decayed
Key Features
Skill Categories & Dependencies
Organize skills by category. Mark prerequisites between skills and get alerts when
your foundations are decaying.
Activity Calendar
See your learning and practice patterns at a glance. Track what you're actually
doing, not what you planned to do.
Balance Ratio
Visual representation of your input (learning) vs output (practice). Spot
imbalances before they become problems.
Custom Decay Rates
Some skills fade faster than others. Set custom decay rates per skill based on
complexity.
Freshness Targets
Set personal freshness thresholds and get notified when skills drop below your
standards.
PWA Support
Install on mobile or desktop. Works offline.
Dark Mode
Because we respect your eyes.
Privacy First
This isn't another app harvesting your data:
- No Google Analytics or third-party tracking
- No tracking pixels
- No data sharing with anyone
- Full JSON export of all your data
- Permanent account deletion (we actually delete everything)
- Email only used for optional alerts
Who Is This For?
- Self-directed learners tired of gamification
- Developers maintaining multiple tech skills
- Career switchers tracking new field knowledge
- Anyone who values long-term insight over short-term dopamine
The Philosophy
"This product is a mirror, not a coach. It does not push, judge, or optimize the
user. It simply tells the truth, kindly and clearly."
Sometimes what we need isn't another app cheering us on. Sometimes we just need
honest data about where we actually stand.
Try SkillFade
Ready to see where your skills actually stand?
It's free to get started. You can support using Support button.
What do you think? Would you use a skill tracker that prioritizes honesty over
engagement metrics? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the anti-gamification
approach in the comments.
Top comments (4)
I found it too generic to be useful. What does it mean to have 100% freshness in Python? How helpful is a single metric like Freshness? Can’t a simple notion database with formulas not replicate the exact functionality of this website? For any given skill, I’d want a skill tracker to take its individual building blocks in to account such that the evaluation reflects an objective skill level. I know that isn’t an easy task to scale and I really don’t mean to bring you down. I was really intrigued by your idea because I myself often dream of a skill tracker that truly captures the extent and depth of my skills in detail. Best of luck!
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! Quick clarification: freshness measures recency, not proficiency. 100% in Python doesn't mean "I'm an expert" it means "I practiced recently, so what I knew is still accessible." It's tracking decay, not depth. You're right that Notion with a formula could do something similar SkillFade just packages it nicer with automatic calculations, balance tracking, and alerts. On granular sub skill tracking: that's a deliberate tradeoff. A detailed system is more accurate, but in my experience people abandon complex tracking. The bet is simple system you use > detailed system you don't. What you're describing (objective skill evaluation) is a harder and different problem essentially requires assessments. Interesting idea, but outside SkillFade's "no judgment, just data" philosophy. Appreciate the honest take!
I completely understand your perspective. Wish you the best of luck and hope you find collaborators and users that resonate with your vision!
Thank you, really appreciate it! Good luck with your projects too!