Lately App Helps Users Conquer Time Management with Gamification
Indie developer Erik MacInnis has launched Lately, a new iOS app designed to help users, particularly those with ADHD, improve their punctuality through gamification. The app provides timely reminders – 30, 10, and 5 minutes before departure – and utilizes a point-based reward system to encourage on-time arrivals.
Gamified Rewards for Punctuality
Lately offers four difficulty levels, each with varying point rewards and penalties for early, on-time, and late arrivals. The levels range from "Goldfish" (most lenient) to "Yoda" (most challenging). As users accumulate points, they level up and unlock virtual characters as achievement badges, fostering a sense of progress and accomplishment.
MacInnis explained the app's focus on addressing time blindness and poor time estimation, common challenges for individuals with ADHD. He stated:
I've always been the 'late one' in my friend group. For many of us, our toughest challenges to leaving on time are time blindness and poor time estimation. Lately addresses both of these problems by keeping the user constantly aware of when to leave, and it's gamified, so you get points when you arrive on time, which honestly feels good.
Features and Future Plans
While similar apps exist, MacInnis believes Lately offers a fresh approach to time management specifically targeting time blindness related to commuting. Currently available on iOS, the app supports driving and walking directions. Future plans include adding support for public transportation and biking, a social feature for notifying friends about arrival times, and an Android version.
Lately's Freemium Model
Lately is free to download and use. A premium subscription ($3/month or $10/year) unlocks additional features, including customizable difficulty levels and recurring trip scheduling.
While the app currently lacks public transport and biking options, its gamified approach to punctuality could resonate with its target audience. The use of rewards systems for motivation is a common strategy for managing ADHD, as seen in other successful apps like Finch. Lately offers a promising solution for those seeking to improve their time management skills.
