one sec | screen time + focus

What it does

one sec is a digital wellness app that aims to break the cycle of mindless social media scrolling. Instead of simply blocking apps, it introduces a brief, mandatory pause or 'intervention' whenever a user tries to open a targeted app. This short delay, often a breathing exercise, forces the user to make a conscious choice, disrupting the automatic habit and reducing overall screen time.

Where it shines

The app's core genius is its intervention screen (01:14). This simple, full-screen takeover forces a moment of mindfulness just when the user is about to slip into a distracting habit. The main dashboard is another highlight, as it reframes these 'prevented attempts' into positive metrics like 'Time Saved' (01:36), turning potential moments of failure into celebrated successes. Finally, the depth of customization is impressive, allowing users to choose from various interventions (03:09) and even enable features like journaling (03:28) to connect their app usage with their emotional state.

UX highlights

Tangible Value Metrics: The dashboard doesn't just show usage; it quantifies the app's benefit in 'minutes saved,' making its value proposition concrete and easy to grasp.
Positive Reinforcement: By framing blocked attempts as 'preventions,' the app uses positive psychology to motivate users rather than punishing them for slip-ups.
Deep Customization: Users can choose their intervention type, duration, and even set up different behaviors for different apps, giving them a strong sense of control.
Contextual Journaling: The journaling feature (04:04) is cleverly integrated, prompting users to reflect on their feelings, which can help them understand the root causes of their distraction.
Helpful Tutorials: The app provides a library of video and text tutorials for its various features (02:53), acknowledging that some of its powerful tools require guidance.
Focus on Privacy: The onboarding includes a clear statement about the app's business model (00:19), building trust by being transparent about data privacy.

Monetization & growth

The app presents its subscription offer very early, using a long, scrollable landing page (00:04) that details the differences between the free and pro versions. It includes a feature comparison table, user testimonials, and a free trial offer to encourage conversion. After subscribing, the app immediately transitions to a detailed setup tutorial (00:35), ensuring that paying users are properly equipped to get value from their purchase. The app also includes a rating prompt (01:29) after the user has had a chance to see the core features in action.

Who it’s for

one sec is for anyone who feels they've lost control over their social media habits and wants to be more intentional with their time. It's not for people looking for a hard blocker, but rather for those who want to build self-awareness and gradually change their behavior. The focus on mindfulness and journaling suggests it appeals to users interested in self-improvement and digital wellbeing.

Notes & opportunities

The mandatory, technical setup via the Shortcuts app (00:35) is a significant point of friction. While necessary for the app to function, it could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users. Streamlining this process or providing even more hands-on guidance could improve the initial experience. Additionally, the main dashboard, while effective, could benefit from more data visualizations to show trends over time, helping users see their long-term progress more clearly.