Abode

A while ago I started exploring social with the mindset of creating something fun. I ended up creating something deeply meaningful.

When I started Abode it was out of frustration. How have we moved to a state of social that cares more about how you’re perceived than connection. Growing up from when social was all about connection I often became frustrated that group chats are all that remain for that space.

Don’t get me wrong it’s not all bad. A lot of great things have come out of this era of social. I just always wished for more than a chat for my close friends and family.

I wanted to create a space that felt as unique as each of my friendship groups. One that wasn’t restricted to a chat thread or functionality, I always felt that chat was this weird state of social where you’re waiting on a response, it didn’t allow for some of the best moments which are often spontaneous. Chats felt like more of a chore to keep up with, than something I wanted to be part of.

The result of this was Abode. a hyper personal, create your own social, blank canvas. it allows you to add unique functionality through the form of widgets (which we call magnets). This allows you to have a unique experience depending on how you build your space. More games? More organisation? More social? The beauty of this is it’s up to you.

This resulted in what I’ve ended up calling social through presence vs social through action. I’d be playing a real life game with a friend and update our score note in the Abode and other friends jump in and congratulate on the win. No message was needed, no context was given. Social just happened.

I’ve seen friends who wouldn’t normally go out of their way to message each other play gruelling games of connect4 with each other because they saw someone was online and playing.

It’s this idea of someone else’s presence triggering a natural hangout that’s low pressure. Not someone messaging, asking if you’re around and waiting for a response. It’s a blend between async and real time that just works.

Congrats on the launch, Joseph! 🎉 Abode looks like such a refreshing take—as an introvert who dreads the 'message chore' but still craves connection, this hits home. Love how it makes hanging out feel spontaneous yet low-pressure (no awkward 'you free?' texts!). Brilliant work.

P.S. Any plans for an Android version if this takes off on iOS? Asking for my fellow introverts on the other side. 👀

OMG this is so nicely done!

I am in absolute awe with the app, it's my new favorite UX! 🥹