· 3 min read
Case Study: Focus Schedule - Turning Plans into Action
Building iOS application for better productivity and creativity, focusing on an upcoming day to become a better day.
Project Background
Focus Schedule was created to address a common challenge: the gap between planning and execution. Many people create ambitious to-do lists during moments of inspiration, only to find themselves overwhelmed when reality hits. Unlike traditional to-do apps that populate with recurring events, Focus Schedule offers a fresh approach by starting each day blank. This app prompts users to mindfully schedule tasks with strict time assignments, transforming intentions into achievable daily plans.
Focus Schedule was inspired by the creator’s own experience with a pencil-and-notebook planning system introduced by a psychologist. This analog approach helped clarify priorities, and the goal was to digitize it into a mobile app that’s always accessible.
Objectives and Goals
The main goal was to provide an intuitive, device-based tool for daily planning, emphasizing commitment to each task. Key objectives included:
- Daily Fresh Start: Avoid overwhelming users by starting each day with a blank slate.
- Time-Bound Task Scheduling: Encourage careful planning by assigning specific times to tasks, with notifications for both start and end times.
- Templates for Repetitive Tasks: Offer a template mechanism that includes tasks and time gaps, providing flexibility for recurring routines.
Development Journey and Challenges
Developing Focus Schedule required a new skill set in Swift and SwiftUI. SwiftData posed some challenges, particularly with query filtering and state management, which initially caused looping issues. These complexities were resolved by carefully managing states and navigation, allowing for a smoother user experience.
To create a user-friendly interface, default SwiftUI components were used with an emphasis on simplicity. Each feature was introduced incrementally, prioritizing usability over complexity.
Features and Functionalities
Focus Schedule offers unique features designed to bridge the gap between planning and doing:
- Blank Daily Canvas: Every day starts without pre-filled events, encouraging users to plan with intent.
- Task Scheduling and Notifications: Each task is assigned a specific time, and users receive reminders for both start and end times.
- Templates for Repetitive Routines: The template feature simplifies recurring events by grouping tasks and time intervals, enabling users to effortlessly add routine structures.
- To-Do Inbox: A dedicated space to capture tasks that don’t yet have assigned times, ensuring nothing gets lost in the planning process.
User Reception and Insights
Since launch, users have appreciated the “blank slate” approach, which they say feels refreshing and helps them focus better. Metrics gathered through Telemetry Deck—like launch counts and custom metrics for each “Save” action—provide insight into real usage, validating the app’s impact.
Reflections and Key Takeaways
Developing Focus Schedule solidified the creator’s interest in SwiftUI, which felt flexible, composable, and enjoyable to work with. Swift itself proved to be a powerful, mature language. Moving forward, plans include using tools like Telemetry Deck and RevenueCat in future projects, alongside a focus on building in marketing elements to encourage organic growth.
Future Plans
Future updates will include efforts to boost app visibility and engagement, potentially incorporating viral features to motivate users to share the app more widely.