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+# Phase 1: Foundation and Collection - Context
+
+**Gathered:** 2026-03-14
+**Status:** Ready for planning
+
+
+## Phase Boundary
+
+Project scaffolding (Bun + Hono + React + Vite + SQLite via Drizzle), database schema for items and categories, and complete gear collection CRUD with category management and aggregate totals. No threads, no setups, no dashboard — those are later phases.
+
+
+
+
+## Implementation Decisions
+
+### Collection Layout
+- Card grid layout, grouped by category headers
+- Each card shows: item name (prominent), then tag-style chips for weight, price, and category
+- Item image displayed on the card for visual identification
+- Items grouped under category headers with per-category weight/cost subtotals
+- Global sticky totals bar at the top showing total items, weight, and cost
+- Empty categories are hidden from the collection view (not shown)
+
+### Item Editing Flow
+- Slide-out panel from the right side for both adding and editing items
+- Same panel component for add (empty) and edit (pre-filled)
+- Collection remains visible behind the panel for context
+- Confirmation dialog before deleting items ("Are you sure?")
+
+### Category Management
+- Single-level categories only (no subcategories)
+- Searchable category picker in the item form — type to find existing or create new
+- Categories editable from the collection overview (rename, delete, change icon)
+- Each category gets an emoji/icon for visual distinction
+- Deleting a category moves its items to "Uncategorized" default category
+
+### First-Run Experience
+- Step-by-step onboarding wizard for first-time users
+- Guides through: create first category, add first item
+- After onboarding, normal collection view takes over
+
+### Claude's Discretion
+- Form layout for item add/edit panel (all fields visible vs grouped sections)
+- Loading states and skeleton design
+- Exact spacing, typography, and Tailwind styling choices
+- Error state handling and validation feedback
+- Weight unit storage (grams internally, display in user's preferred unit can be deferred to v2)
+
+
+
+
+## Specific Ideas
+
+- Cards should feel clean and minimal — "light and airy" aesthetic with white/light backgrounds, lots of whitespace
+- Item info displayed as tag-style chips (not labels with values) — compact, scannable
+- Category picker should work like a combobox: type to search, select existing, or create new inline
+- Photos on cards are important for visual identification even in v1
+
+
+
+
+## Existing Code Insights
+
+### Reusable Assets
+- None — greenfield project, no existing code
+
+### Established Patterns
+- None yet — Phase 1 establishes all patterns
+
+### Integration Points
+- Bun runtime with bun:sqlite for database
+- Hono for API server
+- React 19 + Vite 8 for frontend
+- Drizzle ORM for type-safe database access
+- Tailwind v4 for styling
+- TanStack Router for client-side routing
+
+
+
+
+## Deferred Ideas
+
+- Subcategories (e.g. "Bags" → "Handlebar Bag") — revisit if single-level feels limiting
+- Photos are noted as important for cards; image upload implementation is technically in scope (COLL-01 mentions item details) but full photo management is v2
+
+
+
+---
+
+*Phase: 01-foundation-and-collection*
+*Context gathered: 2026-03-14*