Feature Request — QR Code Friend Add + Social + Privacy Controls

Summary

Adding friends in CARV currently requires name search, which is unreliable and slow. Skiers should be able to instantly connect by scanning a profile QR code and choose how much location visibility they share with each friend. This removes onboarding friction and enables CARV to be a social companion on the mountain—without compromising personal boundaries.

User Story

As a skier using CARV, I want to add friends by scanning a QR code and manage who can see my live ski location, so that connecting is effortless while still protecting my privacy and comfort.

Problem / Pain Points

• Name-based search fails, especially with common names.

• Social encounters on lifts or après aren’t conducive to typing/searching.

• Current location sharing is all-or-nothing; removal can feel awkward.

• Large resorts make coordinating meetups challenging without visibility.

Proposed Solution

• Add a “Share Profile” button that displays a personal QR code tied to the user’s profile ID.

• In-app camera scans QR to open a profile and send a friend request.

• Add granular location privacy settings:

  • Share with all friends

  • Share with selected friends

  • Hide location from specific friends (without unfriending)

  • Temporary Ghost Mode (hide from everyone for X hours)

• Optional share link via Messages, AirDrop, email, etc.

Acceptance Criteria

• Users can display and share their QR code from the profile screen.

• QR scan reliably opens the correct profile and allows one-tap add.

• Users can configure location visibility per friend.

• Hidden friends do not receive notifications or visibility indicators.

• Default setting prompts user to choose their comfort level on first use.

• Location settings sync across devices and persist between app sessions.

• Security: QR codes cannot be spoofed; profile IDs are protected.

• Privacy audit logging compliant with data policies.

UX Considerations

• Use neutral wording—e.g., “Hidden” instead of “Blocked.”

• Visual indicator on map showing who can see you.

• One-tap toggle accessible from map, run summary, or home screen.

Additional Enhancement Opportunities

• Preselect a friend when recording video for tagging and sharing.

• Introduce “Meetup Mode” where location temporarily shares with a selected group.

Success Metrics

• Faster friend-add completion time

• Higher % of users with ≥3 friends

• Reduced abandoned search attempts

• Increased friend map engagement and shared ski sessions

• Positive privacy sentiment in feedback/NPS

Rationale

Skiing is social. CARV should make it easy to connect spontaneously while respecting boundaries. Frictionless friend adding + thoughtful privacy controls strengthens trust, adoption, and long-term engagement.