Sleeping Bear Labs
Sleeping Bear Labs builds small, focused tools for organizations doing public-facing work — nonprofits, public health advocates, journalists, libraries and civic institutions. Tools that explain something complicated in plain language. Tools that help people find what they need without getting lost. Tools that work on a phone, in a waiting room, without a login.
My background is in logistics operations, journalism and hands-on software development. I understand how information moves through institutions — and where it breaks down for the people who need it most.
If your organization has a problem that a well-built, lightweight tool could address, I'd like to hear about it. I'm not a large agency. I'm one person who builds carefully and explains what I'm doing along the way.
Current areas of focus: public health access, food insecurity, civic data, field safety and plain-language guides for navigating government systems.
Email matthew@sleepingbeardev.com and let's talk.
Projects
Kentucky Medicaid Notebook
Fast, mobile‑friendly guide that helps Kentuckians navigate Medicaid: Who Qualifies, Who Accepts, Who Drives (transportation) and How to Apply. Built for clarity with direct action links and no data collection.
View ProjectKentucky Food Insecurity
Searchable database tracking food insecurity across all 120 Kentucky counties from 2020 to 2023, using Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap data. Shows which counties are above and below the state average with no login required.
View ProjectLoadCalc
Field-ready tool that helps builders and site managers quickly check load safety. Uses common material weights, distribution factors and support types to return a clear PASS or OVERLOADED status. Lightweight, mobile-friendly and built for fast, on-site reference.
View ProjectSiteScope
Mobile-friendly tool that uses your phone's microphone and motion sensors to log noise and vibration spikes in real time. Built for OSHA compliance, it stores events locally and exports CSV reports for field teams without special equipment.
View ProjectCivic Return
Civic tech tool that uses open data to calculate accessible green space per resident in Kentucky cities. Visualizes equity gaps and helps residents, journalists, and planners address land use fairness.
View ProjectPercept
Profile-based accessibility feedback system that previews tone and usability for audiences such as ADHD, dyslexia, low vision, and screen reader users. Helps developers design more inclusive content.
View ProjectSinkTrace
Civic utility that traces inconsistencies in municipal water usage, billing, and infrastructure data. Helps identify leaks and service gaps using interactive visual mapping of water fixtures.
View Project