Inspiration We were inspired by people who still keep a loved one’s number after they die. You get good news and almost call Dad out of habit.
What it does AFTERLINE is a web prototype for a private service that would let families hear a loved one’s voice over the phone and see them on a video call. Both experiences would use a clearly labeled AI recreation.
How we built it We used Claude Code to build a demo with a fictional caller and two calls to the same contact.
Challenges we ran into Our biggest challenge was coming up with an idea that felt original and handled loss with care. We started with a small detail many families recognize. You know when someone finishes work, when they’re usually home, and when it’s a good time to call. That became the idea behind AFTERLINE.
Accomplishments that we're proud of We showed how a daily routine changes the experience. In the morning, the call goes to voicemail. In the evening, it connects.
What we learned When someone picked up can be as memorable as what they said.
What's next for AFTERLINE Connect a real phone number and test both call outcomes with volunteers who consent to using their own voices.
