About Unspool
What is Unspool?
Unspool is a free, browser-based tool designed to help you efficiently explore and map out problem spaces through an interactive node-based interface. Perfect for brainstorming solutions, laying out complex problems, and visualizing connections between different aspects of your thinking to follow your ideas (threads) to their natural conclusions.
Quick Start Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigation
- Arrow keys to move between nodes
- Tab to cycle through connections
- Enter to edit node content
- Enter/Esc to save edits
Creation & Editing
- Cmd/Ctrl + N to create new node
- Cmd/Ctrl + D to create descendant
- Delete/Backspace to remove node
- Click and drag to connect nodes
Building Momentum in Your Thinking
Unspool is designed to help you build momentum in your thinking process. Start with a central idea and let your thoughts flow naturally:
- Each node can spark multiple new threads of thought
- Use Cmd/Ctrl + D to quickly branch off related ideas
- Try not to self-edit, just let thoughts flow
- Traversal can yield unexpected insights the deeper you go
Use the counter in the top-left corner to keep track of how many ideas you've teased out.
When to Use Unspool
Unspool is particularly effective in several common scenarios:
- Breaking Through Writer's Block: When you're stuck, Unspool helps you bypass internal filters and just get ideas flowing. The node-based approach makes it natural to branch out in new directions.
- Collaborative Brainstorming: During team discussions or pair problem-solving, Unspool provides a visual canvas to capture and connect different perspectives and ideas in real-time.
- Exploring New Spaces: When diving into unfamiliar territory, use Unspool to rapidly capture notes, questions, and connections as you discover them. The spatial layout helps reveal patterns and gaps in your understanding.
- Working Offline: Once this page is loaded, it will run entirely offline. There is no data collection so you can use it as much as you want without any restrictions.
Using Unspool for Blog Content Planning
Start with a central topic node like "Productivity Tools for Indie Devs". Branch out with subtopics: popular tools, pricing comparisons, integration possibilities. Create descendant nodes for specific blog angles: "Why Devs Love Tool X", "Hidden Features in Popular Tools", "Building a Budget-Friendly Stack". Each branch can become its own article, while connections between nodes suggest natural internal linking opportunities.
Using Unspool for Game Design Exploration
Begin with core mechanics in the central node. Branch into different gameplay elements: combat system, progression, world design. Use descendants to explore variations - "Traditional XP vs. Skill-Based Growth" or "Linear vs. Open World Exploration". Connect related nodes to identify how changes in one system might affect others. Great for documenting design decisions and exploring alternative approaches before implementation.
Privacy & Data
- All your data stays in your browser's local storage
- Nothing is sent to any servers
- Use Export to save your work as markdown
- Use the clean slate button or clear browser data to remove all saved threads
Feedback
If you have any requests or feedback, please send me a note at james@kokutech.com.
Current Desktop Focus
Unspool is currently optimized for desktop use, with keyboard shortcuts and precise mouse interactions being central to the experience. While it works on mobile devices, the interface is designed around desktop workflows. With sufficient interest and feedback, future updates will focus on adapting the experience to better suit mobile users while maintaining the tool's core strengths.