Better Halo

Browser extension

A Chrome Web Store extension that makes GCU’s Halo LMS easier to use, with themes, assignment tracking, and grade tools.

1,100+ students using Better Halo

Overview

Students can personalize their LMS, stay on top of assignments, project their grades, and share themes through a community gallery.

Built with: React · TypeScript · GraphQL · Manifest V3 · React Router · Supabase · Clerk
Links: Live site Chrome Web Store

Problem

Halo is a required part of the student workflow, but its default experience leaves little room for personalization and can make everyday tasks feel harder to scan.

Solution

I built a browser extension around the existing LMS experience. It adds a CSS-variable theming system with custom themes and scheduled dark mode, assignment tracking on course cards, a what-if grade calculator, a combined calendar across classes, and class schedule export to calendar apps. A companion website hosts a community theme gallery.

Architecture

Halo LMSExisting student workflow
Halo GraphQL APIReverse-engineered

Better Halo extensionReact + TypeScript, Manifest V3

ThemesCustom + scheduled dark mode
Coursework toolsAssignments, grades, calendar
Theme galleryReact Router + Supabase

Better Halo extends the existing LMS rather than replacing it.

Decisions

Improve the workflow in place: The product is designed as an extension of the LMS students already rely on, keeping adoption low-friction instead of asking them to move to a separate tool.
Build on Halo's own data: I reverse-engineered and documented Halo's private GraphQL API, which made it possible to add assignment tracking, course shortcuts, and grade projections without scraping fragile page markup.
Make personalization useful: Theme controls help students shape a learning environment they spend significant time using.