To-Doo Boo

Finish Tasks or Lose Apps
Ghosts haunt you by blocking apps if you procrastinate
Complete delayed tasks to avoid being haunted
Banish Ghosts to unblock apps
More focus with Banish Mode
Get tasks done one by one
Your tasks at a glance with Widget

Inspiration

I’ve always been fascinated by productivity tools, but I found that most to-do list apps felt too serious and easy to ignore when procrastination struck. I wanted to create something fun, engaging, an app that motivates you to finish tasks on time… and haunt you if you don’t.

What it does

To-Doo Boo is a focus-boosting to-do list app that ensures tasks get done on time.

Add tasks with deadlines.
If a task becomes overdue, ghost companions (“Doos”) haunt you by progressively blocking distracting apps until you get back on track.
Scheduled focus sessions for extra productivity.
A home screen widget so you can see your active tasks at a glance.

How we built it

Built with SwiftUI for a modern and smooth iOS experience.

Integrated Apple’s Screen Time API (Family Controls & Device Activity) to enable selective app blocking.
Custom illustrations and ghost characters designed to match the app’s vibe.
Local data management for privacy — no personal data leaves the device.
WidgetKit for the home screen task widget.

Challenges we ran into

Navigating the limitations and approval process for the Screen Time API entitlements.
Designing ghosts that are both cute and slightly menacing for the “haunting” mechanic.
Ensuring the widget stays useful and up-to-date without draining battery.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Creating a productivity app that’s fun and actually helps people fight procrastination.
Successfully implementing Screen Time API app blocking in a way that feels magical and seamless.
Designing a cohesive ghost theme with illustrations, animations, and copywriting that tie the experience together.
Building the MVP in time for the Shipathon submission.

What we learned

The importance of emotional design in productivity tools, people engage more when the app makes them feel something.
The technical nuances of Apple’s Family Controls and Device Activity frameworks.
How to balance user freedom with restrictions so the app feels helpful, not intrusive.