Focus Compass

Inspiration

We wanted to make staying focused feel less like a chore. It’s easy to start studying or working, then get distracted by “one quick check” of another app. Focus Compass combines practical tools, rewards, and humor to help people get back on track.

What it does

Focus Compass helps users build better habits through focus timers, guided breathing, progress tracking, and collectible rewards. An AI Tutor explains study questions and learning materials. When users leave an active focus session, a playful roast encourages them to return.

How we built it

We built Focus Compass on Replit using React Native, Expo, and TypeScript. The app connects to a backend API and PostgreSQL database for synchronized practice data. Clerk handles authentication, OpenAI powers the AI Tutor through Replit AI Integrations, and RevenueCat supports subscription management.

Challenges we ran into

Moving from a development preview to TestFlight revealed connection and authentication issues. We also had to handle interrupted sessions, prevent duplicate roast triggers, and protect saved progress.

Platform differences presented another challenge: detecting that someone left the app is not the same as identifying or blocking another app. The iOS version uses a personal distraction-reminder list rather than system-level blocking.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We brought focus sessions, breathing exercises, study support, and rewards together in one app. We’re especially proud of giving the experience personality through playful roasts and collectible Paper Planets, while keeping the emphasis on helping users return to their goals.

What we learned

We learned that a successful mobile app needs more than a polished interface. Reliable authentication, clear error messages, safe data storage, and physical-device testing are just as important.

We also learned to distinguish features that work in a preview from features that are fully verified for release.

What's next for Focus Compass

Our next steps are completing account-management features, verifying subscriptions and purchases, and testing more thoroughly on physical iOS and Android devices. We also want to refine the roasts, improve accessibility, and use feedback to make everyday focus sessions more helpful.

Built With

• javascript
• replit
• typescript