S03E40 – The Theory of Relativity
Good morning 👋
What is good weather? What is bad weather? These are difficult questions to answer, and arguably impossible to generalise. It varies per person with location a big factor. I remember getting a confused/unimpressed email from a user querying why I show a sad face when the weekend is expected to rain. He was clearly not a Londoner. But likely someone living somewhere where the occurrence of rain is considered special, or maybe someone who benefits from it somehow (I can confirm farmers use weather apps). So, on one hand, I’ve sort of given up on the idea that the app would make these generalisations. But I want to delegate this responsibility to the user. Let them inform the app what they consider to be ideal conditions and whether they’re bothered by the rain.
The other semi-related goal is to make it easy for users to understand what the weather will actually be like in x-hours by routinely contextualising it on their terms. Because a number is meaningless without context. Version 1 already indicates what the temperature difference between today v tomorrow will be on the Timeline for this reason. Did you think it was cold today? Well, it’s even colder tomorrow. The temperature as a standalone number matters less than what you feel. This clarity occurred late last night when I was sketching. And this didn't happen by accident. With the backbone of v2 pretty much there, I can ideate once again. This usually occurs at the very start of a project when it’s the formation of these ideas that motivate you to get started. Then it goes on hiatus until you’ve returned from dev slug – an unforgiving place that some never return from. I just about managed. I’m pumped for the next 12 weeks. The fun restarts.
Have a great Sunday!
Best,
Bardi