· Case Studies · 1 min read
FocusBuddy - A Safe Space for Focus and Accountability
How my own struggles with productivity inspired me to design a macOS app that helps individuals with ADHD and autism stay focused, accountable, and connected.
Overview
FocusBuddy is a macOS app designed to help individuals with ADHD and autism stay focused, accountable, and connected. The app provides a safe space for users to structure their work, find focus-enhancing music, and connect with an online community for support and encouragement.
This case study explores the journey of designing FocusBuddy, from identifying key challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals to turning ideas into reality. By combining personal insights with extensive research, I crafted a productivity app that addresses the unique needs of its users.
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Me | Product Designer and researcher leading the project end-to-end. |
| Users | ADHD community members, remote workers, and neurodivergent individuals. |
| Peers | Neurodivergent testers who offered invaluable feedback. |
| Timeframe | October 21 - November 8, 2024. |
| Tools Used | Figma, Google Forms (for surveys), Slack & Nolt (for interviews and usability testing) |
Finding Focus in the Chaos
FocusBuddy was born out of my own experiences as a neurodivergent individual. Like many with ADHD, I often found myself struggling to maintain focus, manage my time, and stay productive.
Key Challenges Identified
Distractions Everywhere
Staying focused was a constant battle
Time Slipping Away
Poor task prioritization created overwhelm
No Accountability
Without structure, productivity was inconsistent
Isolation Hurts
Working alone often led to feelings of loneliness
What users needed most
The Journey
Building FocusBuddy was a deeply personal process.
I used the Design Thinking Methodology to guide each step.
Empathize
- Mapped my own struggles and combined them with the stories shared in interviews and surveys
- Learned about tools users tried and what didn't work for them
Define
- Created personas like The Overwhelmed Worker and The Isolated Achiever to capture the range of needs
- Defined problem statements to focus on designing for flexibility and support
Ideate
- Customizable Pomodoro timers to structure focus
- Accountability partner matching for real-time encouragement
- Focus-enhancing music playlists to create the right environment
Prototype & Test
- Developed low, mid, and high-fidelity prototypes
- Collected feedback from neurodivergent users at every stage to refine the experience
Moments That Defined FocusBuddy
Key insights and decisions that shaped the journey
Customization
Understanding that neurodivergent users need flexibility, we prioritized personalized workflows, adaptive dashboards, and visual comfort options including light and dark modes. This customization ensures each user can create their ideal focus environment.
Focus-Enhancing Music
Through testing and personal experience, we discovered the powerful impact of curated music on concentration. This insight led to the integration of a comprehensive focus music library, helping users maintain their productivity flow.
Community Connection
Inspired by body doubling sessions, we built strong community features including accountability partner matching and group focus sessions. These social elements transformed FocusBuddy from a simple app into a supportive productivity ecosystem.
Turning Ideas Into Reality
The key features that make FocusBuddy a powerful productivity tool
Structured intervals for work and breaks
Partner matching, shared agendas, and habit tracking
Playlists curated for concentration and relaxation
Seamlessly integrated with Apple's design guidelines
What's Next?
The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of FocusBuddy
Enhanced Customization
Expanding workflow and timer options to provide more flexibility and personalization for different user needs.
Expanded Music Library
Growing our focus music collection with more genres and ambient sounds to suit diverse preferences.
Mobile Experience
Developing a mobile app to enable seamless productivity across all your devices.
Tool Integration
Connecting with popular tools like Trello and Asana to create a unified productivity ecosystem.
Insights
What I Learned
Discover the key insights I gained while designing FocusBuddy and how they shaped my approach to design.
What was the most important lesson you gained from designing FocusBuddy?
Designing FocusBuddy highlighted the transformative power of empathy in design. By grounding the solution in my own experiences and those of my community, I discovered how to transform shared struggles into meaningful opportunities.
How did this project impact your approach to design?
This project reinforced my passion for creating tools that empower neurodivergent individuals. It showed me the value of understanding users deeply and designing with their unique needs in mind.
What does empathy mean in the context of this project?
Empathy meant truly listening to the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, recognizing their unique struggles, and turning those insights into actionable design solutions.
How does FocusBuddy reflect your growth as a designer?
FocusBuddy is a testament to my ability to connect with users on a personal level, leverage research effectively, and translate those insights into impactful design decisions.