SunUps - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes, mostly doing mobile apps development.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

The most challenging aspect was to converge on a useful viable product and gamification aspects to make exercise a daily habit. Making exercise fun, and enhancing the exercise experience was the key challenge.

_{Shiva Javalagi}

Graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. I have been a Mobile Application Developer for last four years. Native Development in iOS - Swift, Objective C as well as Android - Java. Previously co-founder of Nimbuz Inc.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

a. LastPass - Saves me from locking out of accounts with forgotten passwords!
b. Google Maps - Saves me time with accurate traffic and wait time predictions.
c. Asana - Helps me manage my task list effectively.

How long have you been working on this app?

Three months.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

Creating an awesome experience while doing the Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) using Music and Chants. Awareness through information, and in-app training about this ancient practice which does not require any special equipment. The desired effect of this exercise when done with gratitude and focussing on the energy centres (Chakras) of the body are explained.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

Most apps available are just videos and pictures of people doing the exercise. SunUps is designed to help know, train, meditate and making this exercise a daily ritual as a special time to connect with the mind body and the universe. SunUps is probably the first app to mix exercise and meditation to address the need of a healthy body and mind. The app uses proximity sensor to detect a particular position in a set of exercise. The user need not count the sets as the device is taking care of it as well as motivates the user to complete the goal that he/she has set for that day. The app helps user remind them to do the exercise until it becomes a daily habit and encourage to share and invite friends and family to do SunUps.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

We are exploring different genres of music and the effect it has on the human mind and body both while doing SunUps as well as post SunUps relaxation. We have researched several Raga’s (melodic modes in Indian classical music) which have therapeutic effect of parts of our body. Variations of these exercises to help all kinds of users who may not be able to do the regular 12-step exercise is also on the roadmap. Support localised languages for training and tracking.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

Our intention is to promote SunUps as a goto app for a full mind body exercise. We would love to hear the experience of the users after they use the app and if they would share SunUps with their friends and families and nudge them to inculcate this exercise as a daily habit.