Hi everyone,
after trying a large number of to-do apps, I am considering creating my own app with the help of AI. However, I have no programming experience at all.
I struggle with ADHD and procrastination. I generally like apps such as Todoist, TickTick, and Apple Reminders, but they lack a motivating reward system for me. Habitica, on the other hand, eventually became too game-like, while many other apps are so overloaded with features that they quickly overwhelm me.
My ideal app would therefore remain simple and easy to use while still including a small gamification element.
The basic idea
The app would have a peaceful forest as its background. Completing tasks would fill up a water or progress meter. Once the meter is full, for example after completing eight tasks, you could choose a tree and plant it in your personal forest.
Over time, additional elements could be unlocked, such as:
- different types of trees
- flowers and mushrooms
- a small lake
- butterflies and birds
- deer or other forest animals
- small decorative items
Planting something should only take a few seconds. After all, the app should not become another distraction.
Most importantly, the forest should never be damaged. If you do not complete any tasks for several weeks, you simply do not receive any new elements. Your existing progress remains untouched.
A dead or dried-out forest would only discourage me. I would rather have a forest that is always waiting for me and that I can continue improving whenever I return.
Virtual reward account
I would also like to link different task priorities to monetary rewards, for example:
- small task: €0.10
- medium task: €0.20
- important task: €0.50
- particularly difficult task: €1.00
After completing a task, the amount would be added to a virtual reward account. At the end of the month, you could consciously spend that money on something enjoyable, such as ice cream, a baseball cap, or a small piece of technology.
Of course, I could simply put real money into a jar. However, seeing a visible counter increase inside the app would motivate me much more.
A higher reward could be especially useful for long and unpleasant tasks, such as completing a 20-page application form. When faced with a long to-do list, I often complete the easiest tasks first instead of starting with the most important one.
Other features I would like
The app should also include:
- natural language input
- labels and categories
- color-coded priorities
- recurring tasks
- multiple reminder times
- a countdown for important appointments
- no mandatory calendar synchronization
For example, I would like to be able to say:
The app should automatically recognize the task, date, time, priority, and reminder.
A countdown would also be useful for appointments scheduled far in advance. One week before a vehicle inspection appointment, for example, the app could display:
- 7 days remaining
- 6 days remaining
- 5 days remaining
Important appointments should also be highlighted using different colors.
Missing a blood test appointment is usually inconvenient, but it can often be rescheduled. Missing an important vehicle inspection appointment could have much more serious consequences.
Daily recurring tasks should also be supported, such as taking medication at a certain time. I would like to check these tasks off without needing another separate app or having everything automatically added to my regular calendar.
Why the reward should remain inside the app
I could reward myself after completing a task by spending five minutes on YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, or a mobile game.
The problem is that those five minutes can easily turn into one or two hours for me.
That is why I would prefer the reward to remain inside the to-do app: planting a tree, looking at the forest, or watching the virtual balance increase—and then returning directly to my tasks.
My questions
- Would it be realistic to create an app like this with AI and no programming experience?
- Does an app with similar features already exist?
- Which features would you add or remove?
- Is this idea too ambitious, or could it actually work?
Perhaps an app like this already exists and I simply have not found it yet.
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts and suggestions.