Inspiration
We knew we wanted to create something we would use regularly, and we LOVE sparking joy with our work. We also have various problems focusing and have used several timers and focusing tools to help keep us on track. Focus Pocus was born out of a desire to have a focus companion that adds some joy and excitement to a productivity practice, and create incentives to encourage users to keep using it and building good habits.
What it does
Focus Pocus is a Pomodoro timer that encourages users to set a rhythm for work and break time. The Pomodoro technique’s structure helps you feel more in control and keeps things predictable. It’s especially helpful for people with ADHD, who might have trouble keeping track of time or estimating it right.
As users use the app, they'll unlock more and more witches and wizards to use as focus companions.
How we built it
Focus Pocus is all Swift, with Firebase as our backend. We brought in Lottie for some animations, and we feel really good about that decision.
Challenges we ran into
We're both relatively new to iOS development, and this is the first project we've done together, so learning Swift alongside someone else while also learning how to collaborate with each other remotely was a big challenge.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Ben: This was my very first Swift project, and I knew pretty much no Swift before starting it, so I’m proud of learning Swift AND finally building something together with Tyler after ~12 years of friendship.
Tyler: This is my second Swift app, but as a product designer and hobbyist-level developer, I'm super proud that I survived working with an actual developer who knows what he's doing and (lovingly) made me do things the right way. Plus, it was great finally getting to work with an old friend!
What's next for Focus Pocus
Focus Pocus started out as a project for the Ship-a-ton, but we really believe in it! Our dream is to partner with an illustrator and animator and create more dynamic focusing screens and character moments.
We planned to build widgets and live activities for this project since this experience would translate really well across surfaces. We ran out of time but we would definitely like to make those happen!
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