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.
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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. 👀
@rani_zagita Haha yes! Right now this is just the initial start of a moment I want to start in social with shocker makes social... social. Assuming all goes well we have a lot lined up to improve product and make this an overall better experience. A big part of that is supporting every platform. So Android would be a focus in that reality yes!
Love your visuals, pretty sure you're onto something for gen-z/teenage groups: Abode feels more suited to these groups than generic FB groups. Exceptional work :) !
@busmark_w_nika Bloom (our mascot) also has friends. Equally cute, you can see them on the onboarding. Abode is the sorta place where even our mascot has friends.
Abode is the best social/chat app I’ve used. The magnets are a great feature which enhances chat and interactions with friends. Abode made planning trips easier, made communication more dynamic and enjoyable, and it increased my connection with my friends even when not together. I’ve recommended everyone get it!
Absolutely love the vibe you’re creating here. The energy, the idea, and the concept behind this app are truly refreshing.
In a world full of overly serious, utility-driven products, it’s such a joy to see someone bringing playfulness and emotion back into the mix. Design with personality matters it makes people feel something, and that’s how lasting connections with users are built.
We’ve seen so many apps fall into the trap of being purely functional. But fun, delight, and a bit of magic? That’s what makes an experience memorable. And I feel like you’re on to something special here.
Massive kudos for taking a bold approach and going against the grain. Rooting for you and this product.
Good luck with the launch, I’ll be following along closely!
@michal_porada Thank you, it means a lot. I think peoples habits are fixed in place when it comes to traditional social. So we wanted to break out of the norm a bit. We're not a feed, we're not a messenger. We're something entirely different, a space. And although bold and ambitious I am hopeful that social eventually moves into this direction where it values personal connections and relationships that matters more than how you're seen online.
The people who made this really cared for the problem they are tackling, and it shows through every element of the app. Its a beautiful experience and one that brings lots of joy when using. Great job team!
Replies
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. 👀
Abode
@rani_zagita Haha yes! Right now this is just the initial start of a moment I want to start in social with shocker makes social... social. Assuming all goes well we have a lot lined up to improve product and make this an overall better experience. A big part of that is supporting every platform. So Android would be a focus in that reality yes!
Thank you for your support ❤️
PageAI
OMG this is so nicely done!
I am in absolute awe with the app, it's my new favorite UX! 🥹
Abode
@dan_mindru thank you!
Microlaunch
Love your visuals, pretty sure you're onto something for gen-z/teenage groups: Abode feels more suited to these groups than generic FB groups. Exceptional work :) !
Abode
@said_aitmbarek Thank you ❤️
minimalist phone: creating folders
The most cute UI launched on this platform :)
Abode
@busmark_w_nika Bloom (our mascot) also has friends. Equally cute, you can see them on the onboarding. Abode is the sorta place where even our mascot has friends.
Showtime Gasless NFT Marketplace
Abode is one of the most fun, creative and exciting apps I've seen in the past few years, so excited for new people to discover it!
Abode
@m1guelpf ❤️
Abode is the best social/chat app I’ve used. The magnets are a great feature which enhances chat and interactions with friends. Abode made planning trips easier, made communication more dynamic and enjoyable, and it increased my connection with my friends even when not together. I’ve recommended everyone get it!
Surfer
Absolutely love the vibe you’re creating here. The energy, the idea, and the concept behind this app are truly refreshing.
In a world full of overly serious, utility-driven products, it’s such a joy to see someone bringing playfulness and emotion back into the mix. Design with personality matters it makes people feel something, and that’s how lasting connections with users are built.
We’ve seen so many apps fall into the trap of being purely functional. But fun, delight, and a bit of magic? That’s what makes an experience memorable. And I feel like you’re on to something special here.
Massive kudos for taking a bold approach and going against the grain. Rooting for you and this product.
Good luck with the launch, I’ll be following along closely!
Abode
@michal_porada Thank you, it means a lot. I think peoples habits are fixed in place when it comes to traditional social. So we wanted to break out of the norm a bit. We're not a feed, we're not a messenger. We're something entirely different, a space. And although bold and ambitious I am hopeful that social eventually moves into this direction where it values personal connections and relationships that matters more than how you're seen online.
Thanks for the support ❤️
Branding5 - AI Marketing Intelligence
TabTab
The people who made this really cared for the problem they are tackling, and it shows through every element of the app. Its a beautiful experience and one that brings lots of joy when using. Great job team!
Abode
@riccqi thank you ❤️