Wayfolk was inspired by the unique challenges of the "Van Life" movement, specifically the problem of Nomadic Isolation. Traditional social apps fail nomads because they are built for static locations. Based on Quinn's pitch, we realized that in a life defined by movement, matching based on current coordinates isn't enough, you need to match based on travel trajectories. We wanted to build a "digital backbone" that solves the trajectory mismatch, addresses the safety gap for solo travelers, and provides a mission-critical marketplace for rig repairs.
How We Built It: Frontend: Developed with React Native and Expo to ensure a high-performance, cross-platform mobile experience. Backend: Leveraged Supabase for a persistent "Source of Truth," managing our verified member profiles, nomadic builders, and community "Vouches". Monetization: Integrated RevenueCat to handle secure pro-tier subscriptions and connection fees for our marketplace. AI Integration: Used the Newell AI API for intelligent features like smart replies and the "Vibe-Check" waitlist analysis.
What We Learned We learned that niche, community-led platforms require a specific vocabulary and specialized features like "Trajectory Matching" and "Rig Specs", to gain traction in protective communities. We also proved that with the right AI-collaboration tools, a single developer can ship a complex, monetized ecosystem that feels like the work of a full engineering team.
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