Launching in 3 days - what is the most impactful thing I can build or improve over the weekend?
I have a bad habit of starting projects and getting 80% of the way to something releasable and dropping em.
So, a few weeks ago I told myself- I am going to finish up a shelved side project.
Happy to report that last night I scheduled a Product Hunt launch for http://theturnlist.com
This is my first attempt at a mobile-first web app. I learned a bunch about the different device browsers and their quirks. As well as PWAs.
Would be awesome to get feedback or impressions from folks. Would be curious to know if this app solves any problems for you or if its not of any interest.
Cheers,
I can't imagine that I can't see the map without a map when I go to a new place. Because I would like to know the approximate direction and the possible alternative path when driving.
Good feedback yeah its definitely not for everyone!
I like your idea. Just a few things that came to my mind while having a look at it:
-Is there voice assistance as you proceed?
-What if I want to see the alternatives to the route it is showing?
No not yet! Those are great ideas though. Thanks for asking.
Its up on PH today if you want to take a look.
https://www.producthunt.com/posts/the-turn-list
Amazing Product!
I don't find google maps really useful if anything sometimes it is distracting me so I can definitely see a usage for your app,
I only have 2 key points,
First of which it will definitely be a "W" or an amazing feature for dark mode, Easy on the eye and I guess maybe the battery won't drain as much,
Second the possibility of using it offline meaning just query the data and save that list I don't know how you will implement it, but I don't think it will be difficult that is just my assumption tho,
Great Job, Really looking forward to use it!
Awesome, thanks, going to add these to the feature list. Offline usage would be a great one.
Live on PH today if you want to drop a comment there.
https://www.producthunt.com/posts/the-turn-list
Hey Neil,
The Turn List looks interesting! Nice work!
I've definitely been in the same camp of starting and not finishing side projects (congrats on getting this one through the finish line). I listed a few lessons I've learned from the projects I did launch:
I would also add a way for page visitors to stay connected with you, without having to send you an email first. One thing you might want to add is an email sign-up form.
Just a few of my thoughts, hopefully, this is helpful!
Cheers,
Ian
Thats great feedback, thanks! Yeah I really should add more of a call to action for interested folks.
Live on PH today if you want to drop a comment there.
https://www.producthunt.com/posts/the-turn-list
Interesting idea. But I can turn on voice directions in e.g. Google Maps and turn off the screen.
How your application will be better? Will I have to read the directions? Should the screen be turned on? I see no information about that. If the screen is on, there is not much difference, actually it's even worse because white background uses the most battery.
The second battery drain is GPS. You'll have to keep it on to keep the user along the way, so I can't believe in your words "arrive with full charge".
Nowadays it's not only important to find the closest path between two points, but to me it's even more relevant to be navigated away from traffic jams. Will your application have such a feature?
Yeah good questions!
Primarily, I wanted a UI and experience much simpler than Google Maps or Waze. I find them to be a distraction when driving.
Low battery usage and the app being responsive on budget phones was also a goal.
Are either of the problems ones that you care about? Or are they kind of "neat but I don't care".
The application is extremely early, so expect very little in the way of features.
Voice:
No, does not have voice yet.
Battery Drain:
Good point on the white background, using a dark theme for the navigation UI would be a good idea. This is an easy weekend hack.
Yes GPS location has to be checked to update the steps. It is currently on a 3 second poll. Could implement lengthening the time based on the distance to the next turn. Another thing that could easily be done in a weekend.
Traffic Jams:
Yes and no, the directions you get will route you around traffic jams but will not update mid drive to changing road conditions. Polling for this information is rather expensive both battery and literal $ wise.
What is your audience?
People who drive within a city? That's <1 hour driving where high accuracy is required (there are complicated junctions where I have to observe my position precisely, a 3 seconds delay in reading GPS could make me drive into wrong lane). Besides, in traffic it is hard to see small signs with long street names - it is very stressful to use them for navigation in busy cities. And yes, battery drain would be significant to older iPhones with bad battery. Newer phones would probably be fine with using navigation on such short distances.
People who drive across the country (2-10 hr drive) would need rerouting way when jams occur, especially at the target city at arrival time.
Thanks for the feedback.