At the surface - the Viz App is about looking up diving conditions and water visibility.
A year of logs, likes, photos, and friends has taught me that the real joy of the Viz App comes from sharing our stories in the water. Seeing the viz reports come in from your local dive site fills you with anticipation (and FOMO). Adding your log & photos helps memorialize the experience for yourself. Seeing others like your posts and your contribution go up makes you feel appreciated. Seeing your stats and personal journey makes you feel accomplished.
Getting in the water is such a joy! For me, the Viz App is a way to feel that sensation for longer - both leading up to, and long after getting out of the water. If you might feel the same way, you should give it a shot and add your log too!
I should explain who before what - The Viz App is made by me (Chris Mederos). I work on it full-time from Sydney, Australia. I used to work on emergency services software, but wanted a new project that was a bit more "low stakes". Although I design & develop the app by myself, I enjoy working with others at chill co-working spot in Chippendale.
I started the project about a year ago, and have been adding new features ever since. Usually I pick whatever is top of mind or most suggested by other users to work on next. I typically do the server & Android work first, then iOS, then release all of it at the same time.
To help accomplish the Viz App goal, the next set of features are all focused on improving the social & personal experience of becoming a log writing contributor. Some of those include...
I believe there is a joy and strong connection that comes from contributing to something. That means I will avoid features that are purely consumed and don't provide an option to participate.
That means no AI! Hard to believe that an app in 2024 isn't pushing AI, eh?
That also means things like forecasts or external data won't be featured. The idea is that every bit of information will come from a real person that has contributed it!
Of course, the journey is most clear when folks offer their ideas & opinions on what should be next in the Viz App! If you have some thoughts, send me an email at chris@viz-app.com or use the handy feedback form in the app itself (on the profile screen).
In the meantime - hope ya find some good viz out there!
