Focus Friend is transforming productivity for users overwhelmed by traditional apps, offering a unique gamified approach to time management. Developed by internet educator Hank Green, this application utilizes the Pomodoro technique in a novel way, encouraging users to focus while caring for a virtual character called a Bean.
To use Focus Friend, individuals set a timer, usually for 25 minutes, during which they work while their Bean knits on screen. Successful sessions reward users with in-app currency, represented by socks, which can be used to decorate the Bean's virtual space. However, exiting the app or stopping the timer prematurely results in losing progress, adding an element of accountability.
Users often find themselves caught in a cycle of distractions, despite attempts to limit phone usage through various digital wellbeing tools. Focus Friend aims to break this cycle by fostering a sense of ownership and engagement, making productivity feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding experience.