Show HN: I built BodyCount to get an accurate 'number'
So, I built BodyCount.
Once I started inputting my own data (the data my brain had long forgotten), the project evolved. It became less about the final sum and more about the story the data told. Visualizing the connections on a map and seeing patterns over time gave me a new perspective on my own history. It wasn't just a number; it was a private, personal dataset that I owned and controlled.
From a technical standpoint, privacy was the absolute priority. The goal was to create a space that felt significantly more secure than a standard cloud-based note. All data is stored privately, with a focus on ensuring user entries are for their eyes only.
I posted an earlier version here a couple of days ago and received some great feedback. A recurring theme was the desire for people to try it out without hitting a paywall. So, I've spent the last 48 hours implementing a freemium model. You can now log your first few connections and explore all the features for free to see if it's right for you.
The site is www.bodycount.love
I’d love to get your feedback on the new freemium flow and the overall concept. Is a private, data-driven dashboard a better solution than the old notes app method for this kind of personal data?
For me, the motivation was purely selfish at first: I wanted to see the analytics without doing the work. I didn't want to have to mess with pivot tables or figure out a map API just to answer a personal question.
So this tool basically does all that data viz work for you. It auto-generates the map, the timeline, and charts for stats like nationalities, etc. It’s designed to surface interesting patterns automatically.
Clearly I am not the target demographic, but it seems like people who care about their body count don’t care about keeping it private. I haven’t done any research on this to know though. Good luck.
I'm curious about the 'vibe coded' comment - what specifically gave you that impression? I'd love to understand what made it feel that way so I can polish the experience for future users (and future projects). Any details you're willing to share would be incredibly helpful!
You make a great point about the privacy messaging. Looking back, I think I may have leaned too heavily into that angle. The real magic for me was actually discovering my exact count (turned out to be 77!) and then getting to play with the data in ways I never expected. Like finding out 2018 was apparently my peak year with 16 encounters, or that I'm averaging 4.8 per quarter since I started at 16. Those insights were genuinely surprising and fun to uncover.
I think I got caught up emphasizing privacy because it felt like such a sensitive topic, but you're right - maybe the more compelling story is about finally getting that accurate number and the entertaining visualizations that come with it. Do you think focusing on those benefits would resonate more with people than the privacy angle?
Also, I'm genuinely curious - even though you mentioned you're not the target demo, did any part of the data visualization or tracking concept appeal to you? Always trying to understand where the line is between 'useful tool' and 'solution looking for a problem.