In the last month, I have been working on a fun side project. It started when I was trying to build an app to control my home lights, a task I assumed would be difficult. But with modern tools like AI, and with ChatGPT guiding me and helping me diagnose errors, I was able to build a full custom app for the lights in two days. I’m sure the same task would have taken weeks before, considering the number of errors and steps I came across.
After that, I had another idea for an app of a more creative and fun nature. I went back to an idea I had before but never had the time to really start: an exploration or side-quests app. I’m a big fan of outdoor adventures, trying new things, and seeing new places, as most people are. I thought having this in an app would be perfect, so I researched similar apps and eventually came up with Bambloo. It gives you side quests near you that you can complete to earn XP and coins, which you can spend to customize your own black bear avatar, also called Bambloo, with different cosmetics. It is a fun way to gamify trying new places. There is also a feature to add friends, make groups, and use other social features.
As of now, I would say the app is about 90% complete. I have added most of the features, and only small touches and some backend work remain before it is ready for the App Store.
I’m really proud of how it came along. It was a good experience that taught me more about coding and the creativity involved in making apps. That feels especially important today, as AI tools make it easier for everybody to build things. Code is no longer the main limiting factor. Creativity, imagination, and coming up with something other people want to use and find useful or fun are what matter, and that is never going away.