Benefactor
- 15,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Murguia
- Member #
-
0000
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KM6YSL
Hey all - this post is to provide the Overland Bound Community with a little context for the changes happening on the website, and for that reason, it may ramble just a bit. Bear with me.
Things I'll touch on briefly:
In addition, the needs of overland adventurers are unique. If we could use something off the shelf, we would. But it doesn't exist. For example, I know for a fact y'all use three applications to navigate from your doorstep to an off grid location. I know, because that's what I do! In short, we develop software because it is required in order to provide the Overland Bound community with the support and resources it needs to safely find adventure of all sorts.
Our overland community platform will focus on three things:
Why this "Upgrade" specifically? You see some new buttons and a few more colors, but is it "Better"? Yes, it is. As in life, what is better is often harder than what we are used to. In this case, the upgrade is required. When we started specifying the upcoming platform requirements, our development team was a bit slack-jawed, meaning, the goals are ambitious. To be honest, nothing like this has ever been built before. It doesn't exist. It's hard.
OK, specifics - The web platform is the source for all OLB information and features. We develop features on the web platform first. An Application Program Interface or API serves information to any client, a mobile device for example. We are designing the platform to be able to serve any client device. That can be a mobile phone, VR helmet, AR Glasses or or a Beeper from the early 90's. Various devices will interface with the web platform. In order to do this, the platform has to be fast. The previous platform was returning client "Requests" in 8000 milliseconds (8 seconds). Totally unacceptable. We needed that to be 500ms at most. In addition to performance improvements, we were able to change the development process by which we address issues so we will be much faster (the developers closed out 45 issues last night), and security has been improved. The annoying part is, much of the improvements are not visible to the community, but nonetheless, required. Now, your quality of life will improve quickly from this point.
What are we building for the community? At the highest level, we are a mobile community - we are overlanders. It's required that we have a mobile application to connect, plan, and navigate. In Q2 this year, we will roll out the MVP (minimal viable product) of the software, and for the first time, our member features will be available in a mobile app. That includes Forums, Rally Point, and the Member Map, as well as preliminary navigation. @LiveWorkWander, OB Member 0300, are accomplished UI/UX designers, and were given the challenge to execute on a design concept that was function-first, specifically for overlanders. You won't find annoying check-boxes or sliders too small to use, and being a driving app for all times of day, day/night modes are a requirement. The list goes on. As I said, nothing like this exists.
That's the beginning.
After the initial release, we will continue to deliver features at a monthly cadence. These will be innovative features that make overland travel safer, more fun, and better with a world-wide support network of fellow members. These features will be both cutting edge, and simple features that add value. Examples include:
Many of you know I have a background as a software developer, and among the many reasons for starting Overland Bound, escape from that world was a part of it - or at least, finding balance. When we made the full realization I would need to embrace software development in order to support the Overland Bound community the way it deserves, it was a huge decision. The fact is, our software development is required to provide the tools and support the community needs, and to make our community everything it can be. Software development is hard. Anything worth doing usually is. It's worth it.
I have a huge personal thanks to give to the community for being continually awesome, and being understanding and supportive as we work hard to execute on a large vision. I'm not sure another community like Overland Bound exists. You are unique, unprecedented, and awesome. We're busting ass to meet you halfway.
Thank you,
Michael, Corrie, and Team OLB
Remember, you can switch to a light or dark theme by selecting "OLB Light" or "OLB Dark" in the Style Chooser at the very bottom of this page.
For any issues you are having, please contact info@overlandbound.com, or use the "Support" forum.
Things I'll touch on briefly:
- Why Overland Bound develops software.
- Why this "upgrade", specifically?
- What's to come?
In addition, the needs of overland adventurers are unique. If we could use something off the shelf, we would. But it doesn't exist. For example, I know for a fact y'all use three applications to navigate from your doorstep to an off grid location. I know, because that's what I do! In short, we develop software because it is required in order to provide the Overland Bound community with the support and resources it needs to safely find adventure of all sorts.
Our overland community platform will focus on three things:
- Connecting with the community (Resources, SOS, Friendship)
- Planning (Trips, Events, Training, AR and 3D Terrain Viewers)
- Navigation (Maps and Resources, Seamless doorstep to off grid Nav, Layers)
Why this "Upgrade" specifically? You see some new buttons and a few more colors, but is it "Better"? Yes, it is. As in life, what is better is often harder than what we are used to. In this case, the upgrade is required. When we started specifying the upcoming platform requirements, our development team was a bit slack-jawed, meaning, the goals are ambitious. To be honest, nothing like this has ever been built before. It doesn't exist. It's hard.
OK, specifics - The web platform is the source for all OLB information and features. We develop features on the web platform first. An Application Program Interface or API serves information to any client, a mobile device for example. We are designing the platform to be able to serve any client device. That can be a mobile phone, VR helmet, AR Glasses or or a Beeper from the early 90's. Various devices will interface with the web platform. In order to do this, the platform has to be fast. The previous platform was returning client "Requests" in 8000 milliseconds (8 seconds). Totally unacceptable. We needed that to be 500ms at most. In addition to performance improvements, we were able to change the development process by which we address issues so we will be much faster (the developers closed out 45 issues last night), and security has been improved. The annoying part is, much of the improvements are not visible to the community, but nonetheless, required. Now, your quality of life will improve quickly from this point.
What are we building for the community? At the highest level, we are a mobile community - we are overlanders. It's required that we have a mobile application to connect, plan, and navigate. In Q2 this year, we will roll out the MVP (minimal viable product) of the software, and for the first time, our member features will be available in a mobile app. That includes Forums, Rally Point, and the Member Map, as well as preliminary navigation. @LiveWorkWander, OB Member 0300, are accomplished UI/UX designers, and were given the challenge to execute on a design concept that was function-first, specifically for overlanders. You won't find annoying check-boxes or sliders too small to use, and being a driving app for all times of day, day/night modes are a requirement. The list goes on. As I said, nothing like this exists.
That's the beginning.
After the initial release, we will continue to deliver features at a monthly cadence. These will be innovative features that make overland travel safer, more fun, and better with a world-wide support network of fellow members. These features will be both cutting edge, and simple features that add value. Examples include:
- 3D and AR Renderings of terrain traveled by the community (3D for safety - better prepare you for the environment you will encounter)
- Theodolite Telemetry data recorder - (everything about your speed, angle, and location recorded - Overlander Black Box)
- Gas planner and Alert - Based on known, updated gas locations, app will tell you to keep going or turn around based on your current fuel level.
- Map, save, and share your tracks and trips (if desired)
- Map Overlays (BLM, Nat'l, Private, and other mapping layers)
- Team Ride (see where your crew or convoy is on the map in real-time)
Many of you know I have a background as a software developer, and among the many reasons for starting Overland Bound, escape from that world was a part of it - or at least, finding balance. When we made the full realization I would need to embrace software development in order to support the Overland Bound community the way it deserves, it was a huge decision. The fact is, our software development is required to provide the tools and support the community needs, and to make our community everything it can be. Software development is hard. Anything worth doing usually is. It's worth it.
I have a huge personal thanks to give to the community for being continually awesome, and being understanding and supportive as we work hard to execute on a large vision. I'm not sure another community like Overland Bound exists. You are unique, unprecedented, and awesome. We're busting ass to meet you halfway.
Thank you,
Michael, Corrie, and Team OLB
Remember, you can switch to a light or dark theme by selecting "OLB Light" or "OLB Dark" in the Style Chooser at the very bottom of this page.
For any issues you are having, please contact info@overlandbound.com, or use the "Support" forum.
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