MacOS Desktop Declutter

Product Introduction

1. Definition: MacOS Desktop Declutter is a native macOS utility application built with SwiftUI that transforms desktop file management into a gamified, Tinder-like interface. It technically operates as a file organizer with AI-assisted grouping algorithms.
2. Core Value Proposition: It solves digital clutter fatigue by making file cleanup efficient and engaging through swipe mechanics, while automating duplicate detection and intelligent file grouping – ideal for macOS users overwhelmed by disorganized desktops.

Main Features

1. Tinder-Style Swipe Interface:

   • How it works: Users swipe left (←) to trash files or right (→) to keep them, mimicking dating app interactions. Keyboard shortcuts (←/→ arrows) enable rapid processing.
   • Technology: Built entirely in SwiftUI, leveraging macOS-native gesture recognizers and Core Animation for fluid card transitions.

2. Smart File Grouping Engine:

   • How it works: Scans files using heuristics like checksum comparisons (for duplicates), Levenshtein distance algorithms (similar names), creation timestamps (session grouping), and size thresholds (>50MB). Groups appear as badge notifications.
   • Technology: Employs Foundation framework's FileManager for metadata analysis and QuickLookThumbnailing for visual previews.

3. Batch Review Mode with Smart Actions:

   • How it works: When users tap suggestion badges, related files (e.g., duplicate screenshots) display as a group. "Smart Action" cards offer one-click solutions like "Keep Only Newest" or "Delete All."
   • Technology: Uses Combine framework to manage real-time file state changes and undo/redo stacks via NSDocument-inspired logic.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Eliminates manual, time-consuming desktop organization by automating duplicate/similar file identification and enabling bulk decisions. Targets "desktop clutter paralysis" where users avoid cleanup due to overwhelming volume.
2. Target Audience:
   • Digital creatives (designers, photographers) accumulating project drafts
   • Developers managing temporary build files/screenshots
   • Remote workers with ad-hoc desktop file dumping habits
3. Use Cases:
   • Rapid cleanup before screen-sharing meetings
   • Monthly "digital detox" sessions for personal macOS devices
   • Reclaiming disk space by identifying large/old files (>50MB or >1 year)

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike manual cleanup (Finder) or script-based tools (Hazel), DesktopDeclutter combines behavioral psychology (gamification) with contextual AI grouping. Competitors like "Declutter" lack session-based grouping or QuickLook integration.
2. Key Innovation: "Session-based grouping" – unique heuristic clustering files created within narrow time windows (e.g., screenshot bursts during debugging). This contextual approach outperforms size/name-only matching in real-world clutter scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is MacOS Desktop Declutter safe for sensitive files?
   Yes – files are trashed (not permanently deleted) unless "Trash Immediately" is enabled. The app requests explicit user confirmation before final deletion during review mode.

2. Does DesktopDeclutter work with external drives or cloud-synced folders?
   Currently, it only scans the macOS default ~/Desktop folder. Cloud-synced files (iCloud Drive, Dropbox) on the desktop are supported, but external drives require manual file relocation first.

3. How does duplicate detection handle renamed files?
   The algorithm combines file size matching and binary content comparison (using SHA hashes) – ensuring renamed duplicates with identical content are flagged.

4. Can I customize file retention rules (e.g., keep all PDFs)?
   Yes – the file type filter allows whitelisting categories (Documents/Images/etc.), but custom rules (e.g., "Keep files containing 'invoice'") require manual review.

5. Why require Full Disk Access permissions?
   macOS mandates this for apps accessing files outside sandboxed folders. The permission enables scanning/trashing files directly from the desktop without manual drag-and-drop.