My vision for Felt is to ultimately build a product that encourages us to be well—to do the things that we already know, from 30 years of wellbeing research, actually make a difference to the quality of our lives.

To begin with, that means a close friend's feed, capped at 15 individuals — drawing on Dunbar's research that most people can actively maintain about 15 close relationships within a wider circle of roughly 150 meaningful ties — and putting them into a lightweight, private space where you can easily stay connected to the people you're close to.

Second, we’re adding a simple way to gather—and return to—positive emotions. We’re starting with “music that brings you joy” — a quick weekly reflection. Week by week, you’ll build a personal catalogue of shortcuts to positive emotion and, gently, a “Felt Profile”: a picture of your best, wisest self — the part that knows how to live well. It’s a profile you can return to, and that others can see, too.

Both of these things—strong relationships and positive emotion—are cornerstones of wellbeing. And they’re the starting points for the design and user experience.

Over time, Felt will become a series of small, supportive experiences that are proven to enhance wellbeing. Some will be well-known, like gratitude journaling. Others will be lesser-known practices that help build a sense of flourishing. There will be something new every week on Felt Friday.

Through them, we’ll create a rich, layered experience—one that keeps you connected to the people who matter, to your core sense of self, and to the kind of practices that build both wellbeing and resilience to changing circumstances.

1. That people find it useful and enjoyable—that it has a gentle presence in their lives, and ultimately contributes in a small but meaningful way to human flourishing.

2. That it becomes sustainable—that people value it enough to support it financially, so it can cover the cost of my time and efforts. But honestly, I’m also building it for myself. I enjoy the process. It gives me a sense of autonomy, creativity, and flow. I’m building mastery and learning through doing. It builds relationships. It scratches an itch. This is an app I want for myself—and for my family.

3. That it becomes a distinctive early example of what’s possible in the Farcaster ecosystem. Something different from a Twitter or Instagram clone. Something that’s only possible because of the open, autonomous nature of Farcaster. Something that points to a new direction for digital life—social tech that nourishes us. That is a positive force, for individuals and for society.

Create your close friends feed. Share the music that brings you joy. And let me know how the experience is for you.

~felt on Farcaster

https://imagedelivery.net/BXluQx4ige9GuW0Ia56BHw/7a601e4b-879e-4c4b-4d19-a8f0c2ce2d00/original

Farcaster

I'd love to hear what you think of Felt so far, and what you'd like to from the experience as it develops. Drop me a line on Farcaster @chriscocreated

Build your close friends feed, and share the music and the people that bring you joy, as we build social that nourishes us.