The problem I kept seeing
When I started using AI‑powered code completion, I noticed a pattern: the editor would freeze for a few seconds while the model generated suggestions. During those seconds I would switch to Slack, check email, or just stare at the screen. It felt like wasted time, but it was also a predictable pause that could be used for something else.
Mapping the wait state
The first thing I did was log the duration of each completion request. I added a simple timer to my VS Code extension and sent the data to a private spreadsheet. Over two weeks the average wait time was 3‑4 seconds, with spikes up to 10 seconds on larger prompts. The data showed two things:
- The wait was consistent enough to design a UI around it.
- Most developers didn't have a habit of doing anything productive in those seconds.
Building a tiny helper
I decided to create a micro‑tool that displayed a short tip, a coding challenge, or a quick documentation link while the AI was thinking. The goal was not to replace the AI, just to fill the gap with something lightweight.
Core features
- Random tip: A rotating list of language‑specific shortcuts.
- One‑liner challenge: A small puzzle that could be solved in under 10 seconds.
- Link preview: A concise summary of a relevant doc page.
I kept the implementation under 200 lines of JavaScript, bundled it as a VS Code extension, and published it for free on the marketplace. The UI was a small panel that appeared only when the AI request was pending, then slid away when the suggestion arrived.
Testing the market
After a week of free distribution, I reached out to the early adopters who had installed the extension. I asked three simple questions:
- Did you find the tip panel useful?
- Would you pay a small amount (e.g., $2‑$5 per month) for a premium version with more content?
- What extra features would you like?
The responses were encouraging. About 40% said they would consider a paid tier if it offered curated content and the ability to hide the panel when not needed. Based on that feedback I added two premium features:
- Curated daily challenges created by a small community of contributors.
- Customizable tip sources, so developers could point the panel at their own docs.
Pricing and validation
I chose a simple pricing model: $3 per month or $30 per year. The price point was low enough that it felt like a coffee, but high enough to cover the hosting costs of the content API.
To validate the price, I opened a landing page with a "Subscribe" button powered by Stripe. I promoted the page in the extension's README and on a few developer forums. Within a month I got 12 paying users. The churn was low; most users stayed for the full year.
Integrating with existing workflows
One mistake I made early on was trying to force the tool into every developer's workflow. Some people disliked any UI change while they were coding. To fix that I added a quick toggle (Ctrl+Shift+P → "Toggle Wait Helper") and a settings flag to disable the panel entirely. The flexibility helped retain users who were on the fence.
Lessons learned
- Data beats assumptions - Logging the wait times gave me a concrete target to design around.
- Start small - A 200‑line extension was enough to prove the concept without spending months on development.
- Listen before you price - Direct feedback from a handful of users saved me from over‑engineering a costly plan.
- Give users control - The ability to turn the feature off kept the experience from feeling intrusive.
- Community can fill content gaps - Allowing contributors to submit tips and challenges turned the product into a shared resource.
A real‑world example
If you are looking for a similar approach, check out WaitSpin (https://waitspin.com). They built a small service that runs during AI model latency and turned it into a modest revenue stream for indie developers.
Takeaway
If you notice a predictable pause in any developer tool, whether it's AI completion, build steps, or test runs, consider building a micro‑service that occupies that time. Keep the implementation minimal, validate pricing with a few real users, and always give the user an easy way to opt out. You might just turn a few seconds of idle time into a steady source of income.
Happy coding, and may your wait states become useful moments.
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