Elevate your productivity with Focushaus – the Pomodoro app infused with Bauhaus-inspired design.

Why

The primary goal of Focushaus is to enhance productivity and focus among users. The Pomodoro Technique, a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, has proven to be effective in breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. This method can help users maintain concentration and manage distractions more effectively.

Additionally, the Bauhaus visual style is chosen for its simplicity, functionality, and modern aesthetic. The Bauhaus movement, originating in Germany in the early 20th century, emphasized minimalism, geometric shapes, and clean lines. By integrating this style into Focushaus, the app not only provides practical utility but also offers a visually pleasing and inspiring experience for users.

What

Focushaus is a Pomodoro App designed to help users manage their time efficiently and improve their productivity. For the Focushaus MVP the core features include:

1. Timer: Users can set customizable work intervals (traditionally 25 minutes) and short break intervals (typically 5 minutes) and a long break after 4 Focus Sessions.

2. Notifications: The app sends notifications to alert users when each interval is complete, signaling them to take a break.

3. Instructions: The user is instructed to focus on one task at a time.

How

Design: Incorporate Bauhaus design principles such as minimalism, geometric shapes, bold colors, and clean typography into the app's interface.
Tool Figma: Leveraged for conceptualizing ideas, creating wireframes, and developing interactive prototypes.
Development: Utilize the Swift and SwiftUI programming languages and frameworks, which are suitable for Apple platform development, to ensure that Focushaus is accessible to users on multiple devices.
Xcode: Instrumental in the creation and publication of the application, providing a robust environment for iOS development.
Testing: Conduct thorough testing to ensure the app's functionality, usability, and performance meet user expectations.
Launch and Marketing: Launched Focushaus on the Apple App Store. Engage with users through social media, blogs, and other platforms to raise awareness and gather feedback for future iterations.

Focushaus screens

Focushaus Case Study

About the Project

Focushaus is an iOS app designed to facilitate productivity and focus through the implementation of the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Focushaus aims to assist users in managing their work sessions efficiently, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing distractions.

The purpose of this case study is to provide insight into the UX design process behind Focushaus. We will explore the research, design iterations, and user testing conducted throughout the development of the app. By examining the user-centered approach taken in designing Focushaus, we aim to showcase how it effectively addresses user needs and promotes a focused and productive work environment.

Role/Individual

Designer - All UI design for the App
Researcher - All research for the App
Developer - All the coding for the App

Tools

Figma, Apple Human Interface Guidelines
Xcode, Developer Documentation and Internet desk research

Duration

2 months

Year

2024

Problem Statement

Today's fast-paced lifestyle makes it difficult for people to stay focused and productive. Existing time management methods often fall short in combating distractions and procrastination. A Pomodoro app offers a solution by breaking work into manageable intervals with timed breaks, enhancing productivity and work-life balance.

For our users, staying focused and productive amidst distractions is crucial. Whether they're students, professionals, or managing various responsibilities, this challenge impacts their ability to meet goals and maintain well-being. Our Pomodoro app helps them regain control, reduce stress, and boost productivity, leading to better performance and satisfaction.

Desk Research

During this phase, I actively sought out individuals grappling with issues of focus, aiming to grasp their challenges and offer solutions. A quick online search revealed a multitude of individuals on forums, Quora, and Reddit earnestly seeking ways to enhance their concentration and productivity. Here’s some of the key findings, people struggle to focus and the Pomodoro Technique have potential to help them.

“Can't focus in class or start studying, brain feels kind of 'dead' all the time"

“I have a problem and that is lack of focus and concentration for studying. How can I fix this problem? Let me know if there's a website or anything or any solution to fix my problem?”

“I can’t bring myself to actually DO my work and focus”

“How the Pomodoro Technique Saved My Productivity and Helped me as a Writer”

Competitive Analysis

There's a myriad of Pomodoro-style apps waiting for you in the App Store. They all share a common set of features: task creation, a 25-minute timer, followed by a 5-minute break, and a longer break after four sessions.

However, while some offer customizable timers, others inundate you with so many options that navigating them becomes a challenge.

The challenge for designing Focushaus was: 'How might we design an app with the essential features but with a unique interface?'

The answer can be found below.

Ideation & Design

After checking what others were doing the decision for the Focushaus MVP App was to follow the Bauhaus philosophy “Less is More” and remove all non essential features that could make its use complicated.

Below are some of the initial sketches and high-fidelity screens crafted using Figma and hand draw.

First Interface Idea - Circle would show the time progress

First Interface Idea - Shapes will form the interface. Circle = Time progression. Triangle = Start. Square = Stop.

First Interface Idea - Pause was removed because if you pause a pomodoro you have to restart it.

Planing about the VStacks, HStacks and ZStacks. This allowed the app to adjust to any device used by the user.

User onboarding explains how to do a Focus Session

Launch Screen Brings the Bauhaus Philosophy

User Onboarding

During onboarding, users are introduced to the Pomodoro Technique, which we refer to as 'Focus Sessions,' providing them with comprehensive guidance on its utilization.

Prototype and Testing

In our preliminary tests, we iteratively improved existing interfaces to prioritize one-handed phone usage. This involved strategically placing buttons within easy reach of the thumb, enhancing overall user experience and accessibility.

Coding

To understand a little bit how I got here I suggest check this medium post where I tell a little bit of the story of the Focushaus App.

Media

Just after a few days of launch the Focushaus App got selected as “The Indie App of The Week” by Create With Swift website.