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Complete tasks to unlock apps
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Choose apps to block
Inspiration
I built this project because I struggle with procrastination. I would constantly choose instant gratification—scrolling on my phone, watching videos, or texting—instead of doing the work I actually needed to get done.
That led to a simple idea: what if my phone only worked after I earned it?
Instead of relying on self-control, I wanted to create a system where productivity directly unlocks screen time. By tying something I want (phone usage) to something I avoid (tasks), I could change my behavior in a more structured way.
What it does
Lock In 2 Unlock is a productivity app that restricts screen time until you complete tasks.
- Users create tasks they need to finish
- Each task is assigned a screen-time reward
- Completing tasks unlocks time on your phone
- The app enforces limits using system controls
At its core, it turns productivity into a reward-based system:
$$ \text{Unlocked Time} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \text{Task}_i \times \text{Reward}_i $$
How we built it
We built the app by combining task management with system-level screen control.
- A task system to create, track, and complete tasks
- A reward engine to calculate earned screen time
- Integration with device-level APIs (like Screen Time) to enforce restrictions
- A simple UI to make progress and rewards clear and motivating
The backend logic tracks completed tasks and dynamically updates how much screen time is available.
Challenges we ran into
One of the biggest challenges was working with system restrictions. Mobile operating systems limit how much control apps have over screen usage, so integrating with Screen Time APIs required careful handling and workarounds.
Another challenge was designing for real behavior. It’s easy to build a strict system, but much harder to build one that users won’t just ignore or bypass. We had to balance:
- Strict enforcement vs. usability
- Motivation vs. frustration
- Flexibility vs. discipline
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re proud that we turned a simple idea into a working system that directly connects productivity to rewards.
- Built a functional link between tasks and screen time
- Designed a system that encourages real behavior change
- Created a clean and intuitive user experience
- Tackled a problem we personally experience every day
What we learned
This project showed us that productivity isn’t just about discipline—it’s about designing better systems.
We learned:
- How to work within platform limitations
- How to connect technical features with human behavior
- How small incentives can strongly influence habits
We also realized that making something useful is often harder than making something functional.
What's next for Lock In 2 Unlock
Next, we want to make the system more personalized and harder to bypass.
- Smarter task prioritization and rewards
- Better tracking of real productivity vs. shortcuts
- Cross-platform support
- Social or accountability features (friends, streaks, etc.)
- More integrations with apps like calendars or school platforms
Ultimately, we want to turn Lock In 2 Unlock into a tool that helps people build long-term discipline—not just short-term focus.
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