Inspiration
The inspiration for BoostMode came from a moment of burnout. After watching a talk by Ali Abdaal on “Productivity for Tired People,” I realized that most productivity tools assume you're always at 100% energy — but that’s rarely the case. What if your productivity system started by asking “How are you feeling right now?” instead of “What’s on your to-do list?”
That question sparked the idea for BoostMode — a productivity assistant that adapts to your energy levels, not the other way around.
What it does
BoostMode is a smart productivity assistant that tailors your tasks based on your current energy level and available time. Instead of pushing you to power through when you’re drained, it suggests bite-sized, scientifically backed activities designed to boost your energy and focus gently. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, BoostMode helps you make meaningful progress without burnout.
How we built it
BoostMode was built in under 48 hours using:
Frontend: React with TailwindCSS for a clean, minimal UI
Logic Engine: Custom algorithm that maps energy levels and free time to curated task suggestions using psychology-based principles (like Dopamine Detox and the Pomodoro Technique)
Backend: Lightweight Node.js API to handle task logic and user states
Tools: GitHub for version control, Vercel for deployment, and Figma for quick UI mockups
Challenges we ran into
Designing a task recommendation engine that felt human, not robotic
Building a system that was useful at all energy levels, from totally burnt out to fully focused
Keeping the UI/UX clean while allowing room for personalization and feedback loops
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Built a fully functional energy-aware task recommendation engine in less than 48 hours during the hackathon.
Designed a clean, intuitive UI that users find inviting and easy to engage with.
Successfully incorporated psychological productivity principles like Dopamine Detox and micro-tasks into an automated system.
Received great early user feedback praising how the app respects their energy rather than demanding unrealistic output.
What we learned
How to design around human emotions, not just productivity goals
The power of micro-interactions — even a simple prompt like “How are you feeling?” can drive meaningful engagement
Balancing science and simplicity — keeping the app useful without overwhelming users
What's next for BoostMode
Expand the task database with more personalized suggestions based on mood, context, and user feedback.
Add integrations with calendar apps and productivity tools for seamless daily planning.
Incorporate AI-powered natural language understanding to interpret user energy and emotional states better.
Develop a mobile app version to support on-the-go energy management.
Explore community features where users can share energy-boosting tips and habits.
Built With
- express.js
- github
- node.js
- react.js
- tailwindcss
- vercel
