Focus apps are failing neurodivergent minds, new research finds
theconversation.com
Many focus apps fail to consider neurodivergent strengths, such as the ability to hyperfocus.

From the conclusion:

  1. Support curated digital stimming: Blockers could provide familiar, soothing content that fits neatly into a set amount of time for digital stimming, helping users settle their minds without falling into doomscrolling.
  1. Use task-based rules over timers: Distractions could be blocked until a specific goal is met (for example, “until I write two pages”) rather than setting arbitrary time limits for focus.
  1. Use scaffolds, not crutches: Blockers could be framed as a way to build personalized growth and self-acceptance through affirming language that normalizes fluctuating focus.

Internet developers. Please fix the apps!

What else would you like to see in a focus app? Do you know any that do a good job (in the directions above ideally)?

  • cheese_greater@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    9 days ago

    Novel idea: make it so if the user doesnt touch the screen or progress (scroll or something) like within every 30 s, the screen dims and threatens to sleep

    Natural, predictable avoidable impediment-consequences > blocking/timers/whatever gimmick.

    Learned this from one of my favprite apps of all time that progrsmmed their app such that sometimes it keeps playing even if it goes to sleep from inaction but equally often stops and cuts off play back so yourevincentivized to keep engaging with it in a periodic superstitous way

    Very lootbox-esque in some sense. It keeps me the fuck guessing but engaged as fuck