Build Journal
Enhancing the Agentic Web UI & Checkout Experience — April 25, 2026
I improved the agentic web user interface and checkout processes, integrating Gigi credit payments and refining user navigation. Discover the journey.
What shipped
- Gigi Credit Payments — Users can now utilize their Gigi credit balance during checkout.
- UI Navigation Fixes — Enhanced navigation with a softer tagline and fixed input handling.
- Map Functionality Improved — Scanner radius now syncs with zoom level without delays.
- Marketing Copy Updates — Streamlined messaging and navigation structure for clarity.
- Server-Side Crash Resolved — Fixed issues in hashtag API to ensure stable operations.
Today was all about refining the user experience on the agentic web, particularly in the UI and checkout processes. I shipped 19 commits, with a heavy focus on integrating Gigi credit payments and enhancing navigation. The culmination of these efforts is a smoother, more user-friendly interface that aligns with my vision of a billion-dollar valuation solo venture.
One of the standout features I implemented is allowing users to pay with their existing Gigi credit balance. Previously, the Buy/Raise/Renew keyword flows would take users directly to Stripe Checkout without giving them the option to utilize their credits. This change not only promotes user engagement but also ties into the overall ethos of empowering users with more choice in their transactions. The implementation required digging into the payment flow and ensuring that credit balances were accurately reflected and utilized, which took a significant portion of my day.
While working on the checkout experience, I also tackled several UI improvements based on user feedback. One notable change was keeping the # symbol pinned in the Desired #name input. Before, users could end up with incorrect entries like 'bit' instead of '#bit', which would cause issues with availability and pricing. This fix involved adjusting the input handling logic, which took longer than expected due to the need for comprehensive testing across various scenarios to ensure reliability.
Another major UI enhancement was softening the rotating tagline in the navigation. I removed the heavy pill border and switched to a more ambient text style, which lightened the overall aesthetic of the navigation. This was a direct response to user feedback indicating that the previous design felt too imposing. The time spent on this change was well worth it, as it aligns with my goal of creating an inviting interface.
In addition to these changes, I addressed the marketing copy and navigation structure. I moved the rotating A/B/C tagline into the existing top navigation instead of creating a separate bar, which streamlined the user experience. This required careful consideration of how to balance visibility with minimalism—an ongoing challenge in the design process. At the same time, I restored a subtitle on the homepage to reinforce the brand message, which was another piece of feedback I took to heart.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I encountered a few bugs that required troubleshooting. For instance, I had to fix the map functionality to ensure that the scanner radius synced properly with the zoom level without waiting for the pan event. This was a tricky issue because it involved understanding how Google Maps handles events, which can be somewhat finicky. I managed to resolve it by listening for the `zoom_changed` event, which was a learning moment about the intricacies of the mapping API.
I also faced a server-side crash in the hashtag API that took some time to diagnose. It turned out that the React Server Component setup was incorrectly handling certain parameters, leading to a failure in rendering. After addressing the technical issues, I ensured that the API was stable and could handle requests without crashing, which is crucial as I prepare for more users to engage with the platform.
Overall, I spent a long 8-hour day pushing through these improvements and fixes. Each commit feels like a step closer to my vision of creating a powerful, user-centric platform. I’m continually reminded of the challenges of building solo with Claude Code in VS Code. While I could easily opt for more extensive tools or services, I’m committed to leveraging AI as my team to keep costs down and maintain control over the product direction. This approach not only aligns with my goal of creating a one-man-show company but also allows me to iterate quickly based on real user feedback.
As I look ahead, I’m excited about the continued evolution of the agentic web and the role I’m playing in shaping it. Today’s efforts have solidified my belief that a focused approach on user experience will pay dividends in the long run. With each improvement, I’m not just fixing bugs or implementing features; I’m building a brand and a vision that I hope will resonate with users and ultimately lead to the billion-dollar valuation I aim to achieve.