What it does
MinimaList is a task management app that lives up to its name. It provides a clean, distraction-free interface for creating and organizing to-do lists. Beyond simple checklists, it integrates a Pomodoro focus timer to help users transition from planning to doing. The app is built around gesture-based controls and offers deep customization, allowing users to tailor everything from themes and fonts to the app's core interaction model.
Where it shines
The app's commitment to minimalism is its greatest strength. The core interaction of adding a task is a simple pull-down gesture (00:47), which keeps the main screen clean and uncluttered. Its integrated Focus Timer (05:33) is another standout feature, directly linking work sessions to specific tasks. The app also excels in customization, offering unique features like creating a to-do list wallpaper for your phone's lock screen (10:43), providing an ambient, non-intrusive reminder of your priorities.
UX highlights
- Gesture-driven interface: The app relies on intuitive gestures like pulling down to add a task and swiping to complete, which becomes fast and fluid with use.
- On-demand tutorials: Instead of a forced upfront tour, a library of animated tutorials (01:46) is available for users to learn gestures at their own pace.
- Deep theme customization: Users can change not just colors but also fonts and font sizes (05:01), and even create custom themes, making the app feel personal.
- Contextual actions: Long-pressing a task reveals relevant actions, while a more subtle tap expands to show subtasks, creating a layered and clean UI.
- Flexible list views: The app allows users to switch between different list views, such as a compact card mode or a traditional list mode (10:12), catering to different organizational preferences.
- Focus timer integration: The Pomodoro timer is not a standalone feature. It's directly tied to tasks, complete with ambient sounds and a prompt to mark the task as complete after a session ends (07:19).
Monetization & growth
Monetization is introduced early in the onboarding process with a paywall appearing at 00:12. The paywall is well-structured, presenting four subscription tiers (Yearly, Lifetime, Lifetime Family, Monthly) that become visible with a quick scroll. It builds trust effectively by displaying social proof, including an "App Store Featured" badge, a high star rating count, and over 10 million downloads. The Yearly plan is highlighted and offers a 3-day free trial, which the user subscribes to via the standard iOS system prompt.
Who it’s for
MinimaList is for individuals who find traditional to-do apps cluttered and overwhelming. Its target user values simplicity, efficiency, and a high degree of personalization. It's particularly well-suited for those who practice the Pomodoro Technique or want a tool that helps them focus on one task at a time. The gesture-based controls will appeal to power users who prioritize speed, while the extensive customization options cater to those who want their tools to match their personal aesthetic.
Notes & opportunities
While the gesture-based system is powerful, it might have a slight learning curve for some users, making the discoverability of the tutorial section crucial. The initial paywall is presented before the user has a chance to experience the app's core functionality, which could be a point of friction. Allowing users to create a few tasks before showing the paywall could demonstrate the app's value more effectively and potentially increase conversion rates.