From f12639fb595cfc2734122b73110ea911070719bb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Daan Meijer <daan@studioseptember.nl>
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:37:44 +0200
Subject: [PATCH] feat: Implement read cursor activity tracking and recent
 activity dashboard with context

---
 app/Http/Controllers/DashboardController.php  |  20 ++
 app/Http/Controllers/DynamicController.php    |   6 +-
 app/Http/Controllers/LedgerController.php     |   5 +-
 app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php |   8 +
 app/Models/ReadCursor.php                     |  31 ++
 app/Models/User.php                           |   5 +
 app/Services/ActivityService.php              | 233 +++++++++++++++
 ...06_15_213346_create_read_cursors_table.php |  32 +++
 database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php           |   2 +-
 resources/js/components/AppHeader.vue         |  28 ++
 resources/js/pages/Dashboard.vue              | 268 ++++++++++++++++--
 routes/web.php                                |   3 +-
 tests/Feature/DashboardTest.php               | 108 +++++++
 13 files changed, 721 insertions(+), 28 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 app/Http/Controllers/DashboardController.php
 create mode 100644 app/Models/ReadCursor.php
 create mode 100644 app/Services/ActivityService.php
 create mode 100644 database/migrations/2026_06_15_213346_create_read_cursors_table.php

diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/DashboardController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/DashboardController.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0138c0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/DashboardController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers;
+
+use App\Services\ActivityService;
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+use Inertia\Inertia;
+
+class DashboardController extends Controller
+{
+    public function index(Request $request, ActivityService $activityService)
+    {
+        $user = $request->user();
+        $unreadEntities = $activityService->getUnreadEntitiesGrouped($user);
+
+        return Inertia::render('Dashboard', [
+            'unreadEntities' => $unreadEntities,
+        ]);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/DynamicController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/DynamicController.php
index 42bc2db..d3098eb 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/DynamicController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/DynamicController.php
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ use Illuminate\Foundation\Auth\Access\AuthorizesRequests;
 use Illuminate\Http\Request;
 use Inertia\Inertia;
 
+use App\Services\ActivityService;
+
 class DynamicController extends Controller
 {
     use AuthorizesRequests;
@@ -44,10 +46,12 @@ class DynamicController extends Controller
     /**
      * Display the specified resource.
      */
-    public function show(Dynamic $dynamic)
+    public function show(Dynamic $dynamic, ActivityService $activityService)
     {
         $this->authorize('view', $dynamic);
 
+        $activityService->updateCursor(auth()->user(), $dynamic);
+
         $dynamic->load([
             'ledgers.media',
             'participants',
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/LedgerController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/LedgerController.php
index 60e8940..795e6ba 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/LedgerController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/LedgerController.php
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ namespace App\Http\Controllers;
 use App\Http\Requests\StoreLedgerRequest;
 use App\Models\Dynamic;
 use App\Models\Ledger;
+use App\Services\ActivityService;
 use Illuminate\Http\Request;
 use Illuminate\Foundation\Auth\Access\AuthorizesRequests;
 use Inertia\Inertia;
@@ -53,10 +54,12 @@ class LedgerController extends Controller
     /**
      * Display the specified resource.
      */
-    public function show(Request $request, Dynamic $dynamic, Ledger $ledger)
+    public function show(Request $request, Dynamic $dynamic, Ledger $ledger, ActivityService $activityService)
     {
         $this->authorize('view', $ledger);
 
+        $activityService->updateCursor($request->user(), $ledger);
+
         $dynamic->load('chat', 'participants');
 
         $ledger->load([
diff --git a/app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php b/app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php
index f4cc770..987e593 100644
--- a/app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php
+++ b/app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php
@@ -42,6 +42,14 @@ class HandleInertiaRequests extends Middleware
                 'user' => $request->user(),
             ],
             'sidebarOpen' => ! $request->hasCookie('sidebar_state') || $request->cookie('sidebar_state') === 'true',
+            'unreadNotificationsCount' => function () use ($request) {
+                if (! $request->user()) {
+                    return 0;
+                }
+                
+                $service = app(\App\Services\ActivityService::class);
+                return count($service->getUnreadEntitiesGrouped($request->user()));
+            },
         ];
     }
 }
diff --git a/app/Models/ReadCursor.php b/app/Models/ReadCursor.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3be25e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Models/ReadCursor.php
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Models;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsTo;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\MorphTo;
+
+class ReadCursor extends Model
+{
+    protected $fillable = [
+        'user_id',
+        'cursorable_id',
+        'cursorable_type',
+        'read_at',
+    ];
+
+    protected $casts = [
+        'read_at' => 'datetime',
+    ];
+
+    public function user(): BelongsTo
+    {
+        return $this->belongsTo(User::class);
+    }
+
+    public function cursorable(): MorphTo
+    {
+        return $this->morphTo();
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Models/User.php b/app/Models/User.php
index 8985431..b507c99 100644
--- a/app/Models/User.php
+++ b/app/Models/User.php
@@ -44,6 +44,11 @@ class User extends Authenticatable implements PasskeyUser
         return $this->hasMany(Mutation::class);
     }
 
+    public function readCursors()
+    {
+        return $this->hasMany(ReadCursor::class);
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get the attributes that should be cast.
      *
diff --git a/app/Services/ActivityService.php b/app/Services/ActivityService.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ecbea1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Services/ActivityService.php
@@ -0,0 +1,233 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Services;
+
+use App\Models\User;
+use App\Models\Dynamic;
+use App\Models\Ledger;
+use App\Models\Mutation;
+use App\Models\Message;
+use App\Models\ReadCursor;
+use Illuminate\Support\Carbon;
+
+class ActivityService
+{
+    /**
+     * Update the read cursor for a user on a specific entity.
+     */
+    public function updateCursor(User $user, $entity): void
+    {
+        ReadCursor::updateOrCreate(
+            [
+                'user_id' => $user->id,
+                'cursorable_id' => $entity->id,
+                'cursorable_type' => get_class($entity),
+            ],
+            [
+                'read_at' => Carbon::now(),
+            ]
+        );
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the read cursor timestamp for a user on a specific entity.
+     */
+    public function getCursorReadAt(User $user, $entity): \Carbon\CarbonInterface
+    {
+        $cursor = ReadCursor::where([
+            'user_id' => $user->id,
+            'cursorable_id' => $entity->id,
+            'cursorable_type' => get_class($entity),
+        ])->first();
+
+        // If no cursor exists, default to epoch (all activities are unread)
+        return $cursor ? $cursor->read_at : Carbon::parse('1970-01-01');
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Retrieve all activities for a Dynamic.
+     */
+    public function getDynamicActivities(Dynamic $dynamic): array
+    {
+        $activities = [];
+
+        // 1. Chat Messages
+        if ($dynamic->chat) {
+            $messages = Message::where('chat_id', $dynamic->chat->id)
+                ->with('user')
+                ->get();
+
+            foreach ($messages as $msg) {
+                $activities[] = [
+                    'id' => "dynamic_msg_{$msg->id}",
+                    'type' => 'message',
+                    'description' => $msg->content,
+                    'user' => [
+                        'name' => $msg->user ? $msg->user->name : 'Unknown User',
+                    ],
+                    'created_at' => $msg->created_at,
+                ];
+            }
+        }
+
+        // 2. Ledgers Created
+        $ledgers = Ledger::where('dynamic_id', $dynamic->id)->get();
+        foreach ($ledgers as $ledger) {
+            $activities[] = [
+                'id' => "ledger_created_{$ledger->id}",
+                'type' => 'ledger_created',
+                'description' => "New Ledger '{$ledger->name}' was created.",
+                'user' => [
+                    'name' => 'System',
+                ],
+                'created_at' => $ledger->created_at,
+            ];
+        }
+
+        // Sort activities chronologically ascending
+        usort($activities, fn($a, $b) => $a['created_at']->timestamp <=> $b['created_at']->timestamp);
+
+        return $activities;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Retrieve all activities for a Ledger.
+     */
+    public function getLedgerActivities(Ledger $ledger): array
+    {
+        $activities = [];
+
+        // 1. Mutations (Creation and Status updates)
+        $mutations = Mutation::where('ledger_id', $ledger->id)
+            ->with('user')
+            ->get();
+
+        foreach ($mutations as $mutation) {
+            // Log creation of mutation
+            $verb = $mutation->type === 'penalty' ? 'issued demerit' : ($mutation->type === 'reward' ? 'credited points' : 'submitted entry');
+            $activities[] = [
+                'id' => "mutation_created_{$mutation->id}",
+                'type' => 'mutation_created',
+                'description' => "{$verb} ({$mutation->amount}): \"{$mutation->description}\"",
+                'user' => [
+                    'name' => $mutation->user ? $mutation->user->name : 'Unknown User',
+                ],
+                'created_at' => $mutation->created_at,
+            ];
+
+            // Log status approval/rejection update if different from creation
+            if ($mutation->status !== 'pending' && $mutation->updated_at->gt($mutation->created_at->addSeconds(2))) {
+                $activities[] = [
+                    'id' => "mutation_updated_{$mutation->id}",
+                    'type' => 'mutation_updated',
+                    'description' => "Entry '{$mutation->description}' was " . strtoupper($mutation->status),
+                    'user' => [
+                        'name' => 'System',
+                    ],
+                    'created_at' => $mutation->updated_at,
+                ];
+            }
+        }
+
+        // 2. Mutation Comments
+        if ($mutations->isNotEmpty()) {
+            $comments = Message::whereHas('chat', function ($q) use ($mutations) {
+                $q->where('chatable_type', Mutation::class)
+                  ->whereIn('chatable_id', $mutations->pluck('id'));
+            })
+            ->with(['user', 'chat.chatable'])
+            ->get();
+
+            foreach ($comments as $comment) {
+                /** @var Mutation|null $mutationEntity */
+                $mutationEntity = $comment->chat->chatable;
+                $context = $mutationEntity ? " on \"{$mutationEntity->description}\"" : "";
+                
+                $activities[] = [
+                    'id' => "comment_{$comment->id}",
+                    'type' => 'comment',
+                    'description' => "Commented{$context}: \"{$comment->content}\"",
+                    'user' => [
+                        'name' => $comment->user ? $comment->user->name : 'Unknown User',
+                    ],
+                    'created_at' => $comment->created_at,
+                ];
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Sort activities chronologically ascending
+        usort($activities, fn($a, $b) => $a['created_at']->timestamp <=> $b['created_at']->timestamp);
+
+        return $activities;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get unread activities grouped by active entities (Dynamics, Ledgers) for the given user.
+     */
+    public function getUnreadEntitiesGrouped(User $user): array
+    {
+        $groupedEntities = [];
+
+        // 1. Get all participating Dynamics
+        $dynamics = $user->dynamics()->get();
+
+        foreach ($dynamics as $dynamic) {
+            $readAt = $this->getCursorReadAt($user, $dynamic);
+            $activities = $this->getDynamicActivities($dynamic);
+
+            $this->partitionActivities($activities, $readAt, $dynamic, 'Dynamic', route('dynamics.show', $dynamic->id), $groupedEntities);
+        }
+
+        // 2. Get all Ledgers under those Dynamics
+        if ($dynamics->isNotEmpty()) {
+            $ledgers = Ledger::whereIn('dynamic_id', $dynamics->pluck('id'))->get();
+
+            foreach ($ledgers as $ledger) {
+                $readAt = $this->getCursorReadAt($user, $ledger);
+                $activities = $this->getLedgerActivities($ledger);
+
+                $this->partitionActivities($activities, $readAt, $ledger, 'Ledger', route('dynamics.ledgers.show', [$ledger->dynamic_id, $ledger->id]), $groupedEntities);
+            }
+        }
+
+        return $groupedEntities;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Partition activities into read and unread, and construct the grouped entity metadata.
+     */
+    private function partitionActivities(array $activities, \Carbon\CarbonInterface $readAt, $entity, string $type, string $url, array &$groupedEntities): void
+    {
+        $alreadyRead = [];
+        $unread = [];
+
+        foreach ($activities as $act) {
+            if ($act['created_at']->gt($readAt)) {
+                $unread[] = $act;
+            } else {
+                $alreadyRead[] = $act;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (!empty($unread)) {
+            // We have unread activity! Let's pull the last two read items as context
+            $context = array_slice($alreadyRead, -2);
+
+            // Format timestamps for serializing to frontend
+            $formatActivity = function ($act) {
+                $act['created_at'] = $act['created_at']->toIso8601String();
+                return $act;
+            };
+
+            $groupedEntities[] = [
+                'id' => $entity->id,
+                'name' => $entity->name,
+                'type' => $type,
+                'url' => $url,
+                'unread_count' => count($unread),
+                'context_activities' => array_map($formatActivity, $context),
+                'new_activities' => array_map($formatActivity, $unread),
+            ];
+        }
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/database/migrations/2026_06_15_213346_create_read_cursors_table.php b/database/migrations/2026_06_15_213346_create_read_cursors_table.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a058243
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/2026_06_15_213346_create_read_cursors_table.php
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?php
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Migrations\Migration;
+use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+
+return new class extends Migration
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the migrations.
+     */
+    public function up(): void
+    {
+        Schema::create('read_cursors', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->id();
+            $table->foreignId('user_id')->constrained()->cascadeOnDelete();
+            $table->morphs('cursorable');
+            $table->timestamp('read_at');
+            $table->timestamps();
+
+            $table->unique(['user_id', 'cursorable_id', 'cursorable_type']);
+        });
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Reverse the migrations.
+     */
+    public function down(): void
+    {
+        Schema::dropIfExists('read_cursors');
+    }
+};
diff --git a/database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php b/database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php
index 7de9997..2683bea 100644
--- a/database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php
+++ b/database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ class DatabaseSeeder extends Seeder
             $etiquetteLedger = Ledger::create([
                 'dynamic_id' => $velvetSanctuary->id,
                 'name' => 'Protocol & Etiquette',
-                'rules' => 'Address others by correct titles. -5 per infraction.',
+                'rules' => 'Address others by correct titles. +5 per infraction.',
                 'score' => 15,
                 'alignment' => 'negative',
             ]);
diff --git a/resources/js/components/AppHeader.vue b/resources/js/components/AppHeader.vue
index ea0df0e..10cdf62 100644
--- a/resources/js/components/AppHeader.vue
+++ b/resources/js/components/AppHeader.vue
@@ -238,6 +238,34 @@ const rightNavItems: NavItem[] = [
                         </div>
                     </div>
 
+                    <div
+                        v-if="page.props.unreadNotificationsCount > 0"
+                        class="relative"
+                    >
+                        <Link
+                            :href="route('dashboard')"
+                            class="relative flex h-9 w-9 items-center justify-center rounded-full hover:bg-neutral-100 dark:hover:bg-neutral-800"
+                        >
+                            <svg
+                                xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
+                                class="h-5 w-5 opacity-80"
+                                fill="none"
+                                viewBox="0 0 24 24"
+                                stroke="currentColor"
+                            >
+                                <path
+                                    stroke-linecap="round"
+                                    stroke-linejoin="round"
+                                    stroke-width="2"
+                                    d="M15 17h5l-1.405-1.405A2.032 2.032 0 0118 14.158V11a6.002 6.002 0 00-4-5.659V5a2 2 0 10-4 0v.341C7.67 6.165 6 8.388 6 11v3.159c0 .538-.214 1.055-.595 1.436L4 17h5m6 0v1a3 3 0 11-6 0v-1m6 0H9"
+                                />
+                            </svg>
+                            <span class="absolute -top-1 -right-1 flex h-4 w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-red-600 text-[10px] font-bold text-white">
+                                {{ page.props.unreadNotificationsCount }}
+                            </span>
+                        </Link>
+                    </div>
+
                     <DropdownMenu>
                         <DropdownMenuTrigger :as-child="true">
                             <Button
diff --git a/resources/js/pages/Dashboard.vue b/resources/js/pages/Dashboard.vue
index 449cfcf..da8c43c 100644
--- a/resources/js/pages/Dashboard.vue
+++ b/resources/js/pages/Dashboard.vue
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { Head } from '@inertiajs/vue3';
-import PlaceholderPattern from '@/components/PlaceholderPattern.vue';
+import { Head, Link } from '@inertiajs/vue3';
 import { dashboard } from '@/routes';
 
 defineOptions({
@@ -13,35 +12,256 @@ defineOptions({
         ],
     },
 });
+
+defineProps<{
+    unreadEntities: Array<{
+        id: number;
+        name: string;
+        type: 'Dynamic' | 'Ledger';
+        url: string;
+        unread_count: number;
+        context_activities: Array<{
+            id: string;
+            type: string;
+            description: string;
+            user: { name: string };
+            created_at: string;
+        }>;
+        new_activities: Array<{
+            id: string;
+            type: string;
+            description: string;
+            user: { name: string };
+            created_at: string;
+        }>;
+    }>;
+}>();
+
+function formatTime(isoString: string): string {
+    return new Date(isoString).toLocaleString();
+}
 </script>
 
 <template>
     <Head title="Dashboard" />
 
-    <div
-        class="flex h-full flex-1 flex-col gap-4 overflow-x-auto rounded-xl p-4"
-    >
-        <div class="grid auto-rows-min gap-4 md:grid-cols-3">
-            <div
-                class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden rounded-xl border border-sidebar-border/70 dark:border-sidebar-border"
-            >
-                <PlaceholderPattern />
+    <div class="c-dashboard">
+        <div class="c-dashboard__container">
+            <h2 class="c-dashboard__title">Recent Activity</h2>
+
+            <div v-if="unreadEntities.length > 0" class="c-dashboard__grid">
+                <div
+                    v-for="entity in unreadEntities"
+                    :key="`${entity.type}_${entity.id}`"
+                    class="c-dashboard__card"
+                >
+                    <div class="c-dashboard__card-header">
+                        <div class="c-dashboard__entity-meta">
+                            <span
+                                :class="[
+                                    'c-dashboard__badge-type',
+                                    entity.type === 'Dynamic'
+                                        ? 'c-dashboard__badge-type--dynamic'
+                                        : 'c-dashboard__badge-type--ledger'
+                                ]"
+                            >
+                                {{ entity.type }}
+                            </span>
+                            <span class="c-dashboard__unread-count">
+                                {{ entity.unread_count }} New
+                            </span>
+                        </div>
+                        <Link :href="entity.url" class="c-dashboard__entity-link">
+                            <h3 class="c-dashboard__entity-title">
+                                {{ entity.name }}
+                            </h3>
+                        </Link>
+                    </div>
+
+                    <div class="c-dashboard__activity-list">
+                        <!-- Context / Read Activities -->
+                        <div
+                            v-for="activity in entity.context_activities"
+                            :key="activity.id"
+                            class="c-dashboard__activity-item c-dashboard__activity-item--read"
+                        >
+                            <div class="c-dashboard__activity-meta">
+                                <span class="c-dashboard__activity-user">
+                                    {{ activity.user.name }}
+                                </span>
+                                <span class="c-dashboard__activity-time">
+                                    {{ formatTime(activity.created_at) }}
+                                </span>
+                            </div>
+                            <p class="c-dashboard__activity-desc">
+                                {{ activity.description }}
+                            </p>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Unread Separator Line -->
+                        <div
+                            v-if="entity.context_activities.length > 0"
+                            class="c-dashboard__divider"
+                        >
+                            <span class="c-dashboard__divider-text">New Activity Below</span>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- New / Unread Activities -->
+                        <div
+                            v-for="activity in entity.new_activities"
+                            :key="activity.id"
+                            class="c-dashboard__activity-item c-dashboard__activity-item--unread"
+                        >
+                            <div class="c-dashboard__activity-meta">
+                                <span class="c-dashboard__activity-user">
+                                    {{ activity.user.name }}
+                                </span>
+                                <span class="c-dashboard__activity-time">
+                                    {{ formatTime(activity.created_at) }}
+                                </span>
+                                <span class="c-dashboard__new-badge">NEW</span>
+                            </div>
+                            <p class="c-dashboard__activity-desc">
+                                {{ activity.description }}
+                            </p>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
             </div>
-            <div
-                class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden rounded-xl border border-sidebar-border/70 dark:border-sidebar-border"
-            >
-                <PlaceholderPattern />
+
+            <!-- Empty Caught-Up State -->
+            <div v-else class="c-dashboard__empty-state">
+                <div class="c-dashboard__empty-icon">
+                    🔒
+                </div>
+                <p class="c-dashboard__empty-text">
+                    All chambers are currently quiet.
+                </p>
+                <p class="c-dashboard__empty-subtext">
+                    Your records are completely up to date. Masterfully done.
+                </p>
             </div>
-            <div
-                class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden rounded-xl border border-sidebar-border/70 dark:border-sidebar-border"
-            >
-                <PlaceholderPattern />
-            </div>
-        </div>
-        <div
-            class="relative min-h-[100vh] flex-1 rounded-xl border border-sidebar-border/70 md:min-h-min dark:border-sidebar-border"
-        >
-            <PlaceholderPattern />
         </div>
     </div>
 </template>
+
+<style scoped>
+@reference "../../css/app.css";
+
+.c-dashboard {
+    @apply py-8 px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__container {
+    @apply mx-auto max-w-7xl;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__title {
+    @apply text-xl font-bold tracking-tight text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral-100 mb-6;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__grid {
+    @apply grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 md:grid-cols-2;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__card {
+    @apply flex flex-col overflow-hidden rounded-xl border border-neutral-200 bg-white shadow-sm dark:border-neutral-800 dark:bg-neutral-900;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__card-header {
+    @apply p-6 border-b border-neutral-100 dark:border-neutral-800/30;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__entity-meta {
+    @apply flex items-center gap-2 mb-2;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__badge-type {
+    @apply text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__badge-type--dynamic {
+    @apply bg-purple-100 text-purple-800 dark:bg-purple-950/20 dark:text-purple-400;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__badge-type--ledger {
+    @apply bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-800 dark:bg-indigo-950/20 dark:text-indigo-400;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__unread-count {
+    @apply text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded bg-red-100 text-red-800 dark:bg-red-950/20 dark:text-red-400;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__entity-link {
+    @apply hover:underline focus:outline-none;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__entity-title {
+    @apply text-lg font-semibold text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral-100;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-list {
+    @apply flex-1 p-6 space-y-4;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-item {
+    @apply p-4 rounded-lg border;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-item--read {
+    @apply bg-neutral-50/50 border-neutral-200 opacity-60 dark:bg-neutral-950/20 dark:border-neutral-800/50;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-item--unread {
+    @apply bg-red-50/10 border-red-200/50 dark:bg-red-950/5 dark:border-red-900/30;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-meta {
+    @apply flex items-center gap-2 mb-1.5 text-xs;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-user {
+    @apply font-semibold text-neutral-800 dark:text-neutral-200;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-time {
+    @apply text-neutral-400 dark:text-neutral-500;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__new-badge {
+    @apply ml-auto text-[9px] font-bold text-red-600 bg-red-100 dark:text-red-400 dark:bg-red-950/30 px-1 py-0.5 rounded;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__activity-desc {
+    @apply text-sm text-neutral-600 dark:text-neutral-400;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__divider {
+    @apply relative flex items-center justify-center my-4;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__divider-text {
+    @apply bg-white dark:bg-neutral-900 px-3 text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-neutral-400 dark:text-neutral-500 z-10;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__divider::before {
+    content: '';
+    @apply absolute inset-x-0 h-px bg-neutral-200 dark:bg-neutral-800;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__empty-state {
+    @apply flex flex-col items-center justify-center p-12 text-center rounded-2xl border border-dashed border-neutral-200 dark:border-neutral-800 min-h-[300px];
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__empty-icon {
+    @apply text-4xl mb-4;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__empty-text {
+    @apply text-lg font-semibold text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral-100;
+}
+
+.c-dashboard__empty-subtext {
+    @apply mt-1 text-sm text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-500 max-w-md;
+}
+</style>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/routes/web.php b/routes/web.php
index abbd284..49a81ef 100644
--- a/routes/web.php
+++ b/routes/web.php
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 <?php
 
+use App\Http\Controllers\DashboardController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\DynamicController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\LedgerController;
 use App\Http\Controllers\MessageController;
@@ -9,7 +10,7 @@ use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Route;
 Route::inertia('/', 'Welcome')->name('home');
 
 Route::middleware(['auth', 'verified'])->group(function () {
-    Route::inertia('dashboard', 'Dashboard')->name('dashboard');
+    Route::get('dashboard', [DashboardController::class, 'index'])->name('dashboard');
 
     Route::resource('dynamics', DynamicController::class);
     Route::resource('dynamics.ledgers', LedgerController::class)->scoped();
diff --git a/tests/Feature/DashboardTest.php b/tests/Feature/DashboardTest.php
index 95c6a8b..f59fa80 100644
--- a/tests/Feature/DashboardTest.php
+++ b/tests/Feature/DashboardTest.php
@@ -1,6 +1,12 @@
 <?php
 
 use App\Models\User;
+use App\Models\Dynamic;
+use App\Models\Ledger;
+use App\Models\Mutation;
+use App\Models\Message;
+use App\Services\ActivityService;
+use Illuminate\Support\Carbon;
 
 test('guests are redirected to the login page', function () {
     $response = $this->get(route('dashboard'));
@@ -13,4 +19,106 @@ test('authenticated users can visit the dashboard', function () {
 
     $response = $this->get(route('dashboard'));
     $response->assertOk();
+    $response->assertInertia(fn ($page) => $page->component('Dashboard')->has('unreadEntities'));
+});
+
+test('visiting dynamic updates the read cursor', function () {
+    $user = User::factory()->create();
+    $dynamic = Dynamic::factory()->create();
+    $dynamic->participants()->attach($user->id, ['role' => 'owner']);
+
+    $this->actingAs($user);
+
+    $service = app(ActivityService::class);
+    $initialCursor = $service->getCursorReadAt($user, $dynamic);
+    expect($initialCursor->toIso8601String())->toBe('1970-01-01T00:00:00+00:00');
+
+    // Visit Dynamic Show
+    $this->get(route('dynamics.show', $dynamic->id))->assertOk();
+
+    // Re-check cursor is updated to near now
+    $updatedCursor = $service->getCursorReadAt($user, $dynamic);
+    expect($updatedCursor->gt($initialCursor))->toBeTrue();
+    expect($updatedCursor->diffInSeconds(Carbon::now()))->toBeLessThan(5);
+});
+
+test('visiting ledger updates the read cursor', function () {
+    $user = User::factory()->create();
+    $dynamic = Dynamic::factory()->create();
+    $dynamic->participants()->attach($user->id, ['role' => 'owner']);
+
+    $ledger = Ledger::factory()->create(['dynamic_id' => $dynamic->id]);
+
+    $this->actingAs($user);
+
+    $service = app(ActivityService::class);
+    $initialCursor = $service->getCursorReadAt($user, $ledger);
+    expect($initialCursor->toIso8601String())->toBe('1970-01-01T00:00:00+00:00');
+
+    // Visit Ledger Show
+    $this->get(route('dynamics.ledgers.show', [$dynamic->id, $ledger->id]))->assertOk();
+
+    // Re-check cursor is updated to near now
+    $updatedCursor = $service->getCursorReadAt($user, $ledger);
+    expect($updatedCursor->gt($initialCursor))->toBeTrue();
+    expect($updatedCursor->diffInSeconds(Carbon::now()))->toBeLessThan(5);
+});
+
+test('dashboard groups and filters unread entities correctly based on cursor', function () {
+    $user = User::factory()->create();
+    $dynamic = Dynamic::factory()->create(['name' => 'Testing Dynamic']);
+    $dynamic->participants()->attach($user->id, ['role' => 'owner']);
+
+    // Create custom Chat so booted has chat available
+    $dynamic->chat()->create([]);
+
+    $this->actingAs($user);
+
+    // Create past message (already read)
+    $pastMsg = Message::create([
+        'chat_id' => $dynamic->chat->id,
+        'user_id' => $user->id,
+        'content' => 'Old message context',
+    ]);
+    
+    // Artificially advance cursor to after past message
+    Carbon::setTestNow(Carbon::now()->addMinutes(5));
+    $service = app(ActivityService::class);
+    $service->updateCursor($user, $dynamic);
+
+    // Create new unread message
+    Carbon::setTestNow(Carbon::now()->addMinutes(5));
+    $unreadMsg = Message::create([
+        'chat_id' => $dynamic->chat->id,
+        'user_id' => $user->id,
+        'content' => 'New unread message alert',
+    ]);
+
+    // Retrieve unread groupings
+    $response = $this->get(route('dashboard'));
+    $response->assertOk();
+
+    // Verify unread grouping structure
+    $response->assertInertia(fn ($page) => $page
+        ->component('Dashboard')
+        ->where('unreadEntities.0.name', 'Testing Dynamic')
+        ->where('unreadEntities.0.unread_count', 1)
+        ->has('unreadEntities.0.context_activities', 1) // Should have old message as context
+        ->where('unreadEntities.0.context_activities.0.description', 'Old message context')
+        ->has('unreadEntities.0.new_activities', 1) // Should have unread message
+        ->where('unreadEntities.0.new_activities.0.description', 'New unread message alert')
+    );
+
+    // Now visit the Dynamic, which clears the unread count
+    $this->get(route('dynamics.show', $dynamic->id))->assertOk();
+
+    // Dashboard should now show 0 unread groups (caught up)
+    $response2 = $this->get(route('dashboard'));
+    $response2->assertOk();
+    $response2->assertInertia(fn ($page) => $page
+        ->component('Dashboard')
+        ->has('unreadEntities', 0)
+    );
+
+    Carbon::setTestNow(); // Reset test time
 });