V1 progress update

SpendLens is moving from polished prototype to research-grade V1 with protected admin analytics, stronger branding, and a more configurable simulator foundation.

What changed this week

The current work is focused on getting SpendLens ready for real research operations rather than just demo use.

That means strengthening the admin layer, reducing prototype-era hardcoding, and improving the visual trust signals across the public site and analytics workspace.

Supabase-backed admin login with server-side role checks
Protected admin shell and initial analytics pages
Dynamic catalog and pricing foundation for future simulator upgrades
Sharper visual hierarchy and brand system cleanup

Why the architecture work matters

Research products fail when the content, pricing, and analytics assumptions are welded into the UI. SpendLens is being moved away from that pattern.

The goal is to let Maryam extend categories, price rules, and item definitions without having to rewire every chart, report, or simulator route by hand.