VibeCodr — Gamified Developer Contest & Challenge Platform
Designing and developing a full-stack gamified platform where developers compete in live contests, tackle daily challenges, play coding trivia, and level up through a 20-tier XP system — inspired by the 99designs contest model, rebuilt for code.
What needed solving
Developers lacked a dedicated platform to prove their skills through real-world competition — not just algorithm puzzles, but actual projects. Inspired by 99designs’ contest model for designers, VibeCodr adapts the concept for developers: live coding contests where participants ship real projects, daily challenges across difficulty tiers, trivia quizzes, and a full gamification layer with XP, missions, streaks, and a 20-level progression system from Rookie to Legend. The platform needed to attract both developers looking to build portfolios and potential clients or employers who want to discover talent through demonstrated skill.
Rules I worked within
Solo project — responsible for end-to-end product design, frontend and backend development, and launch strategy.
Gamification system required balancing 4 engagement loops (contests, challenges, trivia, missions) without overwhelming new users.
20-level XP progression with streak multipliers and mission stacking needed careful tuning to feel rewarding without being grindy.
Must serve both developers competing for recognition and businesses discovering talent — two audiences with different motivations.
Measurable outcomes
Designed and developed the full platform solo — from brand identity and UI design through Next.js development to a live production product at vibecodr.co.
Built Live Contests (public/invite), Daily Challenges (Easy/Hard/Advanced), Trivia Quiz Mode (Jeopardy-style with 30s timer), and XP & Missions (daily/weekly/milestone).
Designed and implemented a 20-level progression system from Rookie to Legend with XP multipliers, daily streaks, mission stacking, and badge rewards.
Used Claude Code as an AI development assistant throughout the build — accelerating solo development from design to production.
“The 99designs model proved that contests surface the best creative talent — VibeCodr bets the same is true for developers. When skills are demonstrated, not just claimed, the right people get discovered.”