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Experimental Pattern

This is an emerging architecture pattern. Example apps coming soon as we explore this approach.

Offline-First Sync Architecture

Work offline, sync when you can—connectivity is optional

What is it?

Architecture that assumes offline as the default state, syncing opportunistically when online. Local-first software with AI where all AI runs locally or queues for later, state merges with CRDTs, and conflicts auto-resolve.

This pattern treats connectivity as a spectrum, not binary. Apps work everywhere—on planes, in rural areas, underground—and gracefully enhance with cloud AI when connection is available.

💡 Key Insight

"Connectivity isn't binary—it's a spectrum. Offline-first AI apps work everywhere, sync eventually, and never block the user."

Tradeoffs

Advantages

  • Works anywhere (planes, rural, underground)
  • Fast UX (no waiting for network)
  • Graceful degradation (cloud AI when available)
  • Better user trust (always works)
  • Resilient to network issues

Tradeoffs

  • Complex sync logic (conflict resolution)
  • Storage constraints on device
  • Weaker AI models when offline
  • Testing offline scenarios is hard
  • Need to manage stale data

Technical Deep Dive

Architecture

Offline-first architecture uses local databases as the source of truth, with background sync and CRDTs ensuring eventual consistency across devices.

  • •Local DB: IndexedDB, SQLite, RxDB with CRDTs
  • •AI: On-device models (primary) + cloud (enhancement when online)
  • •Sync: Background sync API, service workers, conflict-free data types
  • •Queue: Request queues for cloud AI calls when offline

When to Use This Pattern

  • ✓Users in variable connectivity environments
  • ✓Field work, travel, remote locations
  • ✓Need guaranteed availability
  • ✓Privacy + occasional cloud enhancement
  • ✓Research, journalism, or field data collection

When NOT to Use This Pattern

  • ✗Cloud AI is essential (can't work with local models)
  • ✗Real-time collaboration required
  • ✗Storage constraints prohibit local data
  • ✗Team lacks experience with sync/CRDT patterns

Example App Concepts

FieldNotesWithOtto

Coming Soon

Offline research note-taking for field work

TravelJournalWithOtto

Coming Soon

Trip logging with AI that works on planes

HealthCheckWithOtto

Coming Soon

Medical assessments in remote clinics

Want to explore other architecture patterns?

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