DeepSync is a freediving app concept designed to help divers train their breath, track progress, and mentally prepare for each dive. It brings together streamlined tools for dive planning, breathwork, and safety—all in one intuitive experience tailored for the freediving community.
DeepSync is a freediving app concept designed to help divers train their breath, track progress, and mentally prepare for each dive. It brings together streamlined tools for dive planning, breathwork, and safety—all in one intuitive experience tailored for the freediving community.
Context
Context
Personal concept project
2025 Dec – 2026 Mar
12:02
12:02
23ft
23ft
00:11
00:11
02:12
02:12
73ft
73ft
00:32
00:32
12:02
23ft
00:11
02:12
73ft
00:32
IDEATION
Freediving is an incredible experience—calm, intense, and deeply personal. But getting ready for a dive? That part isn’t always so smooth.
From breath training and dive timing to tracking conditions and dive buddies, there’s a lot to prepare before hitting the water. It got me thinking—how could the preparation process be simpler, more focused, and tailored to the freediver’s mindset?
RESEARCH
Why is dive prep often so overwhelming?
To understand the frustrations behind freedive preparation, I interviewed several divers—both seasoned and new. Their experiences revealed a handful of recurring obstacles that get in the way of a smooth and confident dive.
Understanding Conditions
Reading and interpreting environmental data like wind, currents, and tides isn’t easy—especially for newer divers. Many rely on general weather apps that aren’t tailored for freediving needs, making it hard to feel confident about when or where to dive.
Disorganized Dive Resources
Divers often turn to forums, social media groups, or random blogs to research dive locations—but it’s time-consuming and unreliable. Without a central place for up-to-date site info, people are left piecing things together on their own.
Finding Compatible Partners
Many divers emphasized the importance of having a trusted dive buddy. But finding someone with a similar skill level—and building that trust—can be a real challenge, especially when diving in unfamiliar places or trying to meet new people in the community.
Understanding the Diving Process
To fully grasp the freediving experience and the routines that divers follow, I decided to go beyond desk research and immerse myself in the practice by attending freediving classes. This hands-on approach gave me valuable firsthand exposure to the physical, mental, and environmental factors that divers constantly navigate, as well as the decisions they make before, during, and after each dive.
Through these classes and conversations with instructors and experienced divers, I discovered that the diving experience typically follows a structured process made up of three key stages: Plan → Dive → Review. While this may seem straightforward at first glance, each stage involves a series of important actions and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to assessing environmental factors.
One of the most crucial insights I gained was the importance of continuously monitoring weather and ocean conditions. Divers rely heavily on up-to-date information about the weather, tide patterns, and water clarity before making the decision to enter the water. Even small changes in environmental conditions can significantly impact a dive’s safety and overall experience.
A key practice I observed during my freediving sessions was how instructors would check several weather and tide apps before confirming the day’s dive. They paid close attention to identifying Slack Tide — a short window of time when the water is relatively still because the tide is neither rising nor falling. This calm period can lead to clearer, safer waters, making it the ideal time for divers to enter the ocean.
However, finding this information often required switching between different sources and interpreting data from multiple apps.
This experience highlighted a clear opportunity for Deepsync to simplify this process for divers. By integrating reliable, real-time weather updates, tide charts, and notifications about optimal dive windows like Slack Tide, the app could become a central tool that helps divers plan their dives more efficiently and safely.
Expert Insights
Through interviews with freediving coaches and experienced divers, two recurring themes stood out — the importance of specialized diving gear and the role of community connections.
Online Communities
A number of active freediving groups thrive on platforms like Facebook and Google. Within these spaces, divers frequently exchange tips, share personal experiences, and organize local dive meetups. These online hubs have become valuable resources for those seeking advice, recommendations, and a sense of belonging within the freediving community..
Diving Gear
Many seasoned freedivers rely on dive watches to keep track of crucial metrics like dive time, depth, and water temperature. These devices often come with features to log dive sessions, enabling divers to monitor their progress and review performance data over time.
Models and vision
After research, I analysed the findings, and created some graphs to help understand the structure and goals of this app.
TRack depth & time
Plan
Dive
Review
Monitor conditions
Log dive summary
Find dive partners
Detailed dive site data
Goals along timeline
Watch
Connect To Dive Buddies
Log Dives
Check Information
Watch
Explore Dive Sites
Find Diving Buddies
Check Log Dives
Platforms
Persona
Kai
Age: 20 years old
Gender: Male
Occupation: Photographer
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Diving Experience: 3 years
Frustrations
Local dive maps often outdated or generic
Can’t easily revisit previous dive routes visually
Finds it hard to coordinate with others on short notice
Motiviations
Visual storytelling through the ocean
Connection with nature and marine life
Tracking personal growth in freediving skills
Goals
Discover photogenuc dive locations with ease
Record and share unique underwater experience
Traits
Adventurous and highly visual thinker
Values independence but enjoys occasional group diving
Keeps a journal of each dive for creative stirytelling
Persona
Scenario
Search
Select Date
Information Hierarchy
Post-Dive Summary
After each dive, a pop-up shows key details from the session. Users can review stats, notes, and explore a 3D visual of their dive route, generated directly from their watch data.
Understanding the Diving Process
To fully grasp the freediving experience and the routines that divers follow, I decided to go beyond desk research and immerse myself in the practice by attending freediving classes. This hands-on approach gave me valuable firsthand exposure to the physical, mental, and environmental factors that divers constantly navigate, as well as the decisions they make before, during, and after each dive.
Through these classes and conversations with instructors and experienced divers, I discovered that the diving experience typically follows a structured process made up of three key stages: Plan → Dive → Review. While this may seem straightforward at first glance, each stage involves a series of important actions and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to assessing environmental factors.
One of the most crucial insights I gained was the importance of continuously monitoring weather and ocean conditions. Divers rely heavily on up-to-date information about the weather, tide patterns, and water clarity before making the decision to enter the water. Even small changes in environmental conditions can significantly impact a dive’s safety and overall experience.
A key practice I observed during my freediving sessions was how instructors would check several weather and tide apps before confirming the day’s dive. They paid close attention to identifying Slack Tide — a short window of time when the water is relatively still because the tide is neither rising nor falling. This calm period can lead to clearer, safer waters, making it the ideal time for divers to enter the ocean.
However, finding this information often required switching between different sources and interpreting data from multiple apps.
This experience highlighted a clear opportunity for Deepsync to simplify this process for divers. By integrating reliable, real-time weather updates, tide charts, and notifications about optimal dive windows like Slack Tide, the app could become a central tool that helps divers plan their dives more efficiently and safely.
DESGIN
Detailed Dive Site Information
Each dive site page offers users key information needed for safe and efficient dive planning. The most important details are presented upfront in a simplified, color-coded format for quick and easy scanning. Supporting information, such as different map views, diver ratings, and site reviews, is positioned lower in the layout, allowing users to dive deeper into the site’s specifics as needed.
Share Dive Plan to Find a Buddy
Kai can easily share his dive plan using the app’s export feature. The shared plan includes key details about the dive spot and what kind of dive buddy he’s looking for. This makes it simple to connect with the right partner through social media or dive groups.
Post-Dive Summary
After each dive, a pop-up shows key details from the session. Users can review stats, notes, and explore a 3D visual of their dive route, generated directly from their watch data.
Dive Watch Use Case
During dives, the watch switches between modes: Dive Mode (current depth & time), Surface Mode (surface interval countdown), and Buddy Monitor Mode (shows your dive buddy’s position).
BRANDING
Why “DeepSync”?
In freediving, harmony between body, mind, and the water is everything. “DeepSync” reflects that perfect alignment—where your breath, movement, and surroundings all move in sync as you descend into the blue.
The name captures more than just depth—it speaks to connection. Connection to your own rhythm, to your dive buddy, and to the underwater world. It’s bold, clean, and memorable—just like the kind of dives DeepSync is built to support.
That’s a wrap. See you in the deep end 👋🏾
IDEATION
Freediving is an incredible experience—calm, intense, and deeply personal. But getting ready for a dive? That part isn’t always so smooth.
From breath training and dive timing to tracking conditions and dive buddies, there’s a lot to prepare before hitting the water. It got me thinking—how could the preparation process be simpler, more focused, and tailored to the freediver’s mindset?
Understanding the Diving Process
To fully grasp the freediving experience and the routines that divers follow, I decided to go beyond desk research and immerse myself in the practice by attending freediving classes. This hands-on approach gave me valuable firsthand exposure to the physical, mental, and environmental factors that divers constantly navigate, as well as the decisions they make before, during, and after each dive.
Through these classes and conversations with instructors and experienced divers, I discovered that the diving experience typically follows a structured process made up of three key stages: Plan → Dive → Review. While this may seem straightforward at first glance, each stage involves a series of important actions and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to assessing environmental factors.
One of the most crucial insights I gained was the importance of continuously monitoring weather and ocean conditions. Divers rely heavily on up-to-date information about the weather, tide patterns, and water clarity before making the decision to enter the water. Even small changes in environmental conditions can significantly impact a dive’s safety and overall experience.
A key practice I observed during my freediving sessions was how instructors would check several weather and tide apps before confirming the day’s dive. They paid close attention to identifying Slack Tide — a short window of time when the water is relatively still because the tide is neither rising nor falling. This calm period can lead to clearer, safer waters, making it the ideal time for divers to enter the ocean.
However, finding this information often required switching between different sources and interpreting data from multiple apps.
This experience highlighted a clear opportunity for Deepsync to simplify this process for divers. By integrating reliable, real-time weather updates, tide charts, and notifications about optimal dive windows like Slack Tide, the app could become a central tool that helps divers plan their dives more efficiently and safely.
RESEARCH
Why is dive prep often so overwhelming?
To understand the frustrations behind freedive preparation, I interviewed several divers—both seasoned and new. Their experiences revealed a handful of recurring obstacles that get in the way of a smooth and confident dive.
Understanding Conditions
Reading and interpreting environmental data like wind, currents, and tides isn’t easy—especially for newer divers. Many rely on general weather apps that aren’t tailored for freediving needs, making it hard to feel confident about when or where to dive.
Disorganized Dive Resources
Divers often turn to forums, social media groups, or random blogs to research dive locations—but it’s time-consuming and unreliable. Without a central place for up-to-date site info, people are left piecing things together on their own.
Finding Compatible Partners
Many divers emphasized the importance of having a trusted dive buddy. But finding someone with a similar skill level—and building that trust—can be a real challenge, especially when diving in unfamiliar places or trying to meet new people in the community.
DESGIN
Detailed Dive Site Information
Each dive site page offers users key information needed for safe and efficient dive planning. The most important details are presented upfront in a simplified, color-coded format for quick and easy scanning. Supporting information, such as different map views, diver ratings, and site reviews, is positioned lower in the layout, allowing users to dive deeper into the site’s specifics as needed.
That’s a wrap. See you in the deep end 👋🏾
DESGIN
Navigation Overview
Explore: A dynamic map interface allowing users to discover nearby dive sites and plan future dives.
Dive Log: A dedicated space for divers to record their freediving sessions, including depth, breath-hold time, location, and personal notes, making it easy to track progress over time.
Saved Spots: A personalized collection of favorite dive locations for quick reference and planning.
Profile: A user-centric area for managing personal settings, dive certifications, and equipment preferences.
Dive Watch Use Case
During dives, the watch switches between modes: Dive Mode (current depth & time), Surface Mode (surface interval countdown), and Buddy Monitor Mode (shows your dive buddy’s position).
BRANDING
Why “DeepSync”?
In freediving, harmony between body, mind, and the water is everything. “DeepSync” reflects that perfect alignment—where your breath, movement, and surroundings all move in sync as you descend into the blue.
Expert Insights
Through interviews with freediving coaches and experienced divers, two recurring themes stood out — the importance of specialized diving gear and the role of community connections.
Online Communities
A number of active freediving groups thrive on platforms like Facebook and Google. Within these spaces, divers frequently exchange tips, share personal experiences, and organize local dive meetups. These online hubs have become valuable resources for those seeking advice, recommendations, and a sense of belonging within the freediving community..
Diving Gear
Many seasoned freedivers rely on dive watches to keep track of crucial metrics like dive time, depth, and water temperature. These devices often come with features to log dive sessions, enabling divers to monitor their progress and review performance data over time.
RESEARCH
Why is dive prep often so overwhelming?
To understand the frustrations behind freedive preparation, I interviewed several divers—both seasoned and new. Their experiences revealed a handful of recurring obstacles that get in the way of a smooth and confident dive.
Understanding Conditions
Reading and interpreting environmental data like wind, currents, and tides isn’t easy—especially for newer divers. Many rely on general weather apps that aren’t tailored for freediving needs, making it hard to feel confident about when or where to dive.
Disorganized Dive Resources
Divers often turn to forums, social media groups, or random blogs to research dive locations—but it’s time-consuming and unreliable. Without a central place for up-to-date site info, people are left piecing things together on their own.
Finding Compatible Partners
Many divers emphasized the importance of having a trusted dive buddy. But finding someone with a similar skill level—and building that trust—can be a real challenge, especially when diving in unfamiliar places or trying to meet new people in the community.