Devlog

Engineering and design notes from behind the scenes.

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engineering February 27, 2026 · 11 min read

Visualizing Pace Data

How we built a pace chart from noisy GPS samples using a two-stage smoothing pipeline, reversed the Y-axis so faster feels higher, and synced scrubbers across charts for multi-metric correlation.

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engineering February 26, 2026 · 7 min read

Smooth Live Pace Display

Why raw instant pace flickers like a broken stopwatch, how Garmin solved it with 5-second rounding, and how we built a calm pace display that updates only when it matters.

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engineering February 25, 2026 · 7 min read

Custom Navigation with Variable Blur

How we replaced UINavigationBar with a branded header system using progressive blur, dark gradients, and layered shadows — and why the stock navigation bar wasn't enough.

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design February 24, 2026 · 7 min read

Redesigning How You Review a Walk

How adding heart rate stats to session recaps triggered a full redesign of the walk detail screen — informed by competitive analysis of Strava, Apple Fitness, Nike Run Club, and Garmin.

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engineering February 23, 2026 · 7 min read

Adding a Heart Rate Monitor

How one new sensor triggered a cascade of changes across Bluetooth, UX, settings, and data persistence — and why the pre-session screen had to be redesigned.

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design February 22, 2026 · 5 min read

Designing Without Gamification

How Step FWD approaches streaks without guilt, avoids badges and leaderboards, and designs motivational systems for adults.

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privacy February 21, 2026 · 4 min read

Privacy Architecture

How Step FWD stores everything on-device with SwiftData, requires no accounts, makes no cloud calls, and ensures deleting the app deletes everything.

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engineering February 21, 2026 · 4 min read

Dual-Source Step Tracking

Why Step FWD combines HealthKit and CMPedometer for step counting, and how the reconciliation logic keeps your numbers accurate.

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engineering February 20, 2026 · 4 min read

GPS Route Tracking

How Step FWD handles route segmentation, pause detection, accuracy filtering, and the battery trade-offs behind GPS tracking.

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engineering February 19, 2026 · 4 min read

On-Device AI Insights

How seven statistical engines and Apple's Foundation Models generate personalized walking insights without any data leaving your phone.

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engineering February 18, 2026 · 4 min read

Building the Voice Coach

How we designed a walking companion with 157 audio files, milestone detection, anti-repetition logic, and background audio ducking.

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announcement February 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Opening Our Devlog

Why we're starting a public devlog for Step FWD, what we'll cover, and what to expect from these posts.

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