Social Distancing App Ideas for Smart Watches

I have an Apple Watch that I rarely use beyond fitness tracking or as a remote control for other devices.  The watch versions of the apps I've downloaded simply do not provide enough benefit for me to use my watch over my phone.  I would like to get more out of my watch, but just haven't discovered the killer apps that make using my watch more convenient than my phone.

The mobile phone is a germ magnet and a potential health risk during the pandemic if not regularly sanitized. I started to think of watch apps that may convince me to leave my phone in my pocket while navigating the challenges of social distancing.

Caveat:  I have no idea if or how these apps are technically possible and they would need to be implemented with security and privacy as a priority.  These are simply ideas that interest me and may spark ideas for others.

Don't Stand So Close to Me
Objective:  Create awareness around what a 6 ft bubble really looks like and how difficult it is to maintain.

Concept:  Create a virtual barrier 6 ft in radius around the user.  When the barrier is broken vibrate the watch and display a directional indicator pointing to the intrusion with the current distance.  Settings could be included to configure the distance radius, set alert exceptions (ie. I'm with others), and mute notifications.  There could be a gamification element to the app where you find out at the end of the day how well you maintained social distancing such as did you avoid the zombies or other genre.

Where's the Party?
Objective:  Identify areas, such as parks or beaches, where there is already a high density of people and provide alternate destinations.

Concept:  Identify nearby POI  that have a current population density that would make it difficult to maintain social distancing.  Presentation could be as simple as applying a stoplight filter to a list or as complex as applying a heatmap layer to an interactive map.  Basic calculations for density could be the number of people detected for every 6 sqft.    

Recalculating Route
Objective:  Identify activity routes that have a current population density that would make it difficult to maintain social distancing.

Concept:  Integrate with common activity tracking apps such as MapMyRide, RunWithGPS, Garmin, etc., that provide route mapping and planning features.  Create an overlay along routes, similar to traffic maps, highlighting segments with high traffic.  Offer route-recalculation on the fly to avoid busy segments, or a warning to mask up if approaching a dense area.  In neighborhoods, it may be a challenge to differentiate between people in their homes vs on the sidewalk or street depending on gps accuracy.

If anyone would like to collaborate on these or other ideas, contact me via the button below. 

Contact New Start PM