What it does
Timeshifter is a highly specialized app designed to combat jet lag. It uses circadian science to generate personalized plans for travelers based on their specific flight itineraries and sleep profiles. By providing timed advice on light exposure, sleep, and caffeine intake, the app aims to help users adapt to new time zones quickly and minimize the negative effects of long-haul travel.
Where it shines
Timeshifter's strength lies in its ability to translate complex science into a simple, actionable plan. The main plan view (02:19) is a masterclass in clarity, presenting a 24-hour timeline that's easy to follow even when tired. The app also handles edge cases with grace. For example, when a user enters a short trip that doesn't require timeshifting, it rewards them with a free credit for a future trip (02:14), turning a limitation into a positive experience. Furthermore, its error messages are educational; trying to add a past flight triggers an explanation of why that's not possible from a circadian perspective (03:39), reinforcing the app's scientific credibility.
UX highlights
- Progressive Disclosure: The main plan is simple, but users can tap any action (04:31) to get detailed explanations, catering to different levels of user curiosity.
- Actionable Onboarding: The onboarding process requires users to input a real trip, making the setup process immediately relevant and goal-oriented.
- Clear Visual Language: The use of simple icons for sun exposure, sleep, and caffeine creates an intuitive timeline that transcends language barriers.
- Trust-Building Content: The app is filled with detailed scientific explanations, from info on chronotypes (01:46) to disclaimers about melatonin use (02:05), positioning itself as an expert tool.
- Thoughtful Copy: Phrasing the first use as a 'gift' (00:41) rather than a 'trial' is a small but powerful choice that reduces subscription anxiety.
- Smart Defaults: The app correctly identifies the airline from the flight number prefix (01:03), reducing manual data entry for the user.
Monetization & growth
The app's monetization strategy is introduced gently during onboarding. Instead of a hard paywall, it presents the first plan as a free gift (00:41), clearly stating the price for subsequent plans or an annual subscription. This allows users to experience the full value of the product once before asking for payment. This approach likely leads to higher-quality conversions from users who have already found the app useful. The app also encourages retention by offering a free credit for trips that don't qualify for a plan (02:14), incentivizing users to return for their next big trip.
Who it’s for
Timeshifter is clearly targeted at frequent international travelers, such as business professionals, flight crews, and athletes, who are highly motivated to mitigate the effects of jet lag. The scientific framing and detailed personalization suggest it's for users who value evidence-based solutions and are willing to follow a structured plan to improve their travel experience and performance upon arrival.
Notes & opportunities
The mandatory sign-up at the very beginning of the flow (00:01) introduces significant friction. While the app is confident in its value, allowing users to create a plan first and sign up to save it could improve initial completion rates. Additionally, the process of adding a trip requires several steps; a more streamlined flight search or calendar integration could simplify this core task. Finally, while the plan view is clear, the ability to see a multi-day overview at a glance could help users better prepare for the days ahead.