· Dev Log · 3 min read
KONVOY Dev Log Week 7: Gearing Up for Beta and Insights from the Community
With new customer insights and significant progress on navigation features, KONVOY is one step closer to launching its private beta. This week emphasized refining features and strategizing for large car club adoption.
Current KPIs
The waitlist is steadily growing, reflecting continued interest in KONVOY:
- Waitlist signups: 18 🚗 (up 2 from last week)
It’s encouraging to see this growth as we edge closer to launching the private beta.
Talking to Customers
This week, I had a fantastic conversation with Anthony, a member of BMW CCA. Anthony regularly participates in large group runs (50-60 cars) with the BMW Z-Cars and shared invaluable insights. Some key takeaways include:
- Unmet Needs: Anthony confirmed that there’s nothing like KONVOY on the market, and many groups still rely on printed instructions and walkie-talkies.
- Desktop UI for Planning: Planning detailed routes can be challenging on mobile devices. A desktop interface would simplify creating and managing specific trip plans.
- Satellite/Street View: During route planning, satellite or street views could help avoid undesirable routes, like gravel or dirt roads.
- Waypoint Differentiation: The ability to distinguish between waypoint types (e.g., gas stops vs route markers) is essential for effective trip organization.
Anthony was unphased by our proposed pricing and saw significant potential for KONVOY to serve large car clubs like BMW CCA, which has over 75k active members. His encouragement and insights were motivating and underscored the importance of targeting these organizations for widespread adoption.
What’s Been Done & What’s Next
✅ Recently Completed:
Significant strides were made in navigation and testing:
- Banner Instructions: Clear, actionable turn-by-turn navigation banners.
- Voice Instructions: Audio guidance to keep drivers focused on the road.
- Route Adherence: Improvements to reduce rerouting and API calls for smoother navigation.
- Driver Map Display: Real-time visualization of all drivers on the map.
- Personal Testing Sessions: Multiple test drives to ensure the system’s reliability and user experience.
🚧 In Progress:
We’re preparing for the private beta while addressing key feedback and polishing features:
- Bug Fixes: Refining issues identified during testing sessions.
- Private Beta Prep: Ensuring waitlist members have a seamless onboarding experience.
- Customer Request Triage: Prioritizing new features based on feedback, like those from Anthony.
- Final Navigation Touches: Adding customizable settings and finalizing the turn-by-turn navigation system.
How We’re Feeling
This week off from my day job provided much-needed extra time to focus on KONVOY. The conversation with Anthony was a major motivator, highlighting the real demand for this product and its potential to fill a gap in the market.
Targeting large car clubs like BMW CCA will be critical for KONVOY’s success. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be strategizing how to connect with these organizations effectively. Meanwhile, I’m thrilled to be nearing the private beta phase and can’t wait to see how waitlist members respond to this early version of KONVOY.
Join the Waitlist
KONVOY is crafted for car enthusiasts and overlanders who want seamless group travel experiences. With tools for real-time communication, shared navigation, and collaborative trip planning, KONVOY keeps your focus on the journey.
Be part of the early adopters shaping KONVOY’s future. Join the waitlist today to stay updated and share your feedback. 🚗💨
