Focus - Timer for Productivity

What it does

Focus is a productivity tool built around the Pomodoro Technique. It provides a clean, customizable timer to help users break down their work into focused intervals separated by short and long breaks. Beyond the core timer, the app includes task management, allowing users to create to-do lists and even set specific timer durations for individual tasks. It also tracks user activity over time, providing simple analytics to help build better work habits.

Where it shines

Focus stands out with its thoughtful approach to personalization, right from the first screen. The onboarding quiz (00:03) isn't just for show; it sets the stage for a tailored experience. The app's flexibility is another strong point, particularly the ability to set custom timer durations for each specific task (03:30). This moves it beyond a generic timer into a more powerful workflow tool. The interface is clean and distraction-free, especially the main session screen (02:09), which prioritizes the countdown and minimizes clutter.

UX highlights

Personalization First: The app immediately asks about user goals (00:03) and offers cosmetic choices like accent color and app icon (00:37), fostering a sense of ownership from the start.
Clear Permission Priming: Before the system notification prompt appears, a dedicated screen (00:52) explains why notifications are needed, using a visual cue to guide the user.
Task-Specific Settings: Users can define unique Pomodoro durations for different tasks (03:31), a powerful feature for varied workloads.
Non-Intrusive Rating Prompt: The app cleverly asks for a rating during a break session (02:30), a natural pause point, and uses a two-step warmup to filter for happy users.
Clean Timer Interface: The main session screen is minimalist, showing only the essential timer, progress ring, and basic controls, which aligns perfectly with the app's purpose.
Actionable Analytics: The activity screen (05:47) provides simple, easy-to-digest bar charts showing focus sessions over time, with clear comparison indicators.

Monetization & growth

The app uses a free trial model with a soft paywall presented at the end of onboarding. At 01:33, the paywall clearly outlines the trial timeline: what happens today, on day 5, and on day 7 when the subscription starts. It presents two plans (Yearly and Monthly) and uses social proof like user testimonials and Apple App Store badges to build trust. The yearly plan's price is broken down into a monthly cost to make it appear more affordable.

Who it’s for

Focus is designed for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their concentration and manage their time more effectively. Its core audience likely includes those familiar with the Pomodoro Technique, as well as individuals struggling with procrastination or managing ADHD. The task-specific customization suggests it's also well-suited for freelancers or workers who juggle different types of projects that require varying levels of focus.

Notes & opportunities

The app has a very polished and logical flow. One small point of friction is the two-step process to change timer duration in the main settings (08:50), which requires a tap then a selection from a picker. While the in-session swipe-to-change feature is great, the settings flow could be slightly more direct. Additionally, while the activity tracking is clean, there's an opportunity to add more qualitative insights or highlight personal bests to further motivate users.