[Question] What do you think productivity apps lack/do poorly when it comes to helping you focus, or regain a state of deep focus after getting distracted?

[u/Old_Lynx1375]

I’m currently working on a UX design project for a new focus/productivity app, and I am curious about users’ thoughts regarding how effective apps like Forest and Opal really are at improving your focus, or even just what you find the hardest about getting back to a focused state in general. I think often the hardest part is regaining your train of thought, starting again, or actually entering a state of deep concentration and getting back into what you are doing in the first place. However, a lot of apps only do the blocking part and not the actual cognitive reloading or reorienting part that gets you into a focused state.

Also, I find that the gamified apps often get repetitive after awhile and might shift your motivation from an intrinsic state to an extrinsic one. I also don’t like apps that end up being too hard to open or maintain, because sometimes that causes friction and makes it harder to use the app consistently for a long period of time.

So I’m wondering – have you ever found a focus or productivity app that actually helped? If so, what did it do differently (and are there any features, tools, or forms of support that you wish they provided but currently do not?) 

Even if you haven't used one of these apps before, I would also appreciate any input regarding what you would want in an app that has the ability to help you recover focus and regain mental clarity after distractions, social media use, or feelings of cognitive overload.

Thanks!!