FRUSTRATION at useful information about Jersey being “scattered” across social media inspired two Islanders to create an app bringing everything together in one place.
D’Arcy O’Neill and Sergio Goncalves spent around eight “long and exciting” months developing Island Life Jersey – despite neither having built an app before.
Described as “a private tour guide in your pocket”, the app brings together information ranging from coastal walks and trails to hedge veg stalls, live bus times and available parking spaces.
The idea was born during a conversation over a beer at their local pub.
Mr O’Neill said one of the biggest challenges was turning an idea discussed between two friends into “something real that people can download”.
“I taught myself as I went,” he said. “We’re still building now, so in a way it isn’t finished and probably never will be.”
Mr Goncalves added: “We believe we’ll always have challenges as we are always adding to the app and developing more exciting features.”
He said the pair believed their combination of different perspectives was one of the app’s strengths.
“What makes the app different is that we have local knowledge mixed with fresh, naive eyes,” he explained.
Mr O’Neill added: “It’s not a static list that goes out of date; it’s live bus times, car park spaces, deals that are on this week, and all the practical things people actually need, like where the nearest defibrillator or public toilet is.”
His favourite feature is the walks and trails section, which has encouraged him to explore parts of Jersey he had never previously visited.
Mr Goncalves highlighted the AI tour feature, “which allows you to point, shoot and chat, all whilst learning about historical sites as well as what one can do around them”.
Both founders enjoy exploring the Island themselves. Mr O’Neill said he particularly liked the north-coast cliff paths as “you get the history and views in one”, while Mr Goncalves favours the walk from St Brelade’s Bay to Corbière Lighthouse, stopping for an ice cream or cold beer at Corbière Phare.
Islanders who want to share their local knowledge with the pair can contact them at islandlifejersey4@gmail.com.
