While the speed and efficiency of traditional navigation apps is occasionally required, it is often more fun to explore a new city without strict guidelines.

For those times when you’re craving a little more adventure, check out Crowsflight ($Free, App Store), a GPS-based app that navigates using the iPhone’s built-in compass.  Instead of providing turn by turn directions, the app simply points the user in the right direction, allowing for exploration along the way.

Crowsflight’s GPS-only design also uses less battery power than other navigation apps, so you’re less likely to be left in an unknown area with a dead battery.  Destinations can be saved before you head out, or you can directly input latitude and longitude coordinates, meaning that the app doesn’t need a data connection to function.

I haven’t had a chance to try the app out in a big city, but just around Carlisle it seems to work quite well.  The minimal design provides just enough information to be useful, and the compass was very accurate.  I was originally confused as to what the blue ring meant, but later realized that it is a visual indicator of distance.

Crowsflight is one of the many software products developed by CW&T, a Brooklyn-based design house.  CW&T has also produced a few pieces of hardware, mainly interior design products such as lighting.   All CW&T products are designed around the same premise, focusing on “minimal aesthetics, intuitive interfaces and over-engineered construction,” according to their website.

Considering how many of our manufactured goods come from overseas, I typically jump at any chance to support good ole’ American manufacturing.  While the firm has only a few products currently available for sale, clients can also commission CW&T for custom products.