Developing DirectionKit: Navigation Simplified for Every Explorer
Project Overview
DirectionKit is an easy-to-use iOS app combining navigation, discovery, and location organization in a beautifully simple interface. Whether you’re hiking, boating, geocaching, or just exploring a new city, DirectionKit gives you the tools to find your way, save your adventures, and return to your favorite spots—all with privacy by default.
Project Duration
October 2025 – Present
The Product
DirectionKit helps users set their destination simply by tapping anywhere on the map. Instantly see the straight-line direction and distance—ideal when exact routes aren’t needed. Users can also search for nearby places, enter coordinates for any location, and organize a list of favorite spots for easy reference and return visits.
Key features:
- Tap to set any destination and see clear direction + distance
- Search by name, coordinates, or “near me”
- Save, organize, and revisit favorite places
- One-tap sharing for any location
- Choose metric, imperial, or maritime units
- No account required, with privacy-first data storage and iCloud sync
The Problem
Typical navigation apps focus on turn-by-turn car directions. Many users, hikers, sailors, festival visitors, event-goers, and explorers need something simpler:
A fast, private way to set or find locations, see clear direction (“as the crow flies”) and distance, and save or share favorite places.
The Opportunity
- There’s a demand for compass (direct) navigation for hiking, nature, boating, and campus/event exploration
- Existing apps don’t make it easy to organize locations or revisit non-address places
- Privacy-first navigation: Users want full control over their location data, with no unnecessary signups or sharing
- Flexibility for all: city, wild, maritime, or just day-to-day errands
The Goal
Build a flexible, delightful navigation and location management app for real-world adventures—urban, rural, or anywhere in between—while always protecting user data.
My Role
Solo designer and developer (iOS, SwiftUI). Responsible for product definition, UX/UI, all engineering, App Store marketing, and support.
Responsibilities
- Designed a highly visual UI centered on fast tap-to-set navigation
- Built search (name, coordinates, “near me”) and favorites organizer
- Implemented robust privacy: all locations on-device, secure iCloud sync (no 3rd-party servers)
- App Store launch: branding, screenshots, ASO
The Result
- Reliable compass navigation for any location—no distraction, no clutter
- Save and organize favorites for fast return trips (great for adventurers and casual explorers alike)
- Share locations instantly with friends or devices
- Multiple units: Use metric, imperial, or maritime as needed
- No account required; privacy-first, with iCloud sync as an option
- Fast, modern iOS design with dark mode and accessibility support
What I Learned
- Simplicity and privacy are huge differentiators in navigation apps
- Supporting multiple measurement units (including nautical) quickly attracted passionate user communities
- Users love features that make them feel secure and in control—especially with location data
- UX for “setting” and “saving” locations needs to be frictionless for all ages and tech levels
Takeaways
- Straight-line navigation fills a unique gap in the market—often neglected by big GPS apps
- Privacy-by-design builds instant trust and loyalty
- Flexibility (metric, imperial, maritime), favorites, and fast sharing are highly valued by diverse audiences
- Listening to user communities (hikers, sailors, geocachers) leads directly to high-impact features
Ready to explore?
DirectionKit is available on the App Store.