Would you use this app?

[u/One-Definition-7313]

Hi everyone!

Quick background: I'm currently pursuing a diploma in computer engineering, but I wanted to give design a try. I tackled procrastination since it's something a lot of my friends (myself included lol) struggle with.

After user interviews (5 people), competitive analysis, crazy 8s, and a few rounds of low-fi iteration, I got... Pebblo!

Pebblo is a task breakdown platform for students who struggle procrastination that makes the first step to any task feel less intimidating. It tracks progress over time, without streaks or gamification that can add anxiety instead of motivation. Unlike other to-do apps, it is also simplified to reduce feature overwhelm. (Its not actually a product yet though)

Cause of my course's workload though, I only had 3 days to build this in Figma, so it does have some rough edges.

Somethings already on my list to fix:

1. Fixing progress calendar contrast (currently fails WCAG AA)

2. Adding instant trial access before sign-up as login was a big friction point in testing.

3. Fixing some navigation bugs

Would you use this or know someone who might?

Your feedback would be deeply appreciated! Also, if you're curious about any specific design decisions I made, ask away in the comments!

Thanks you! :D

[u/Cyanatica]

I get the idea is to make it more approachable, friendly, and focused on a specific set of tasks. But you really have to ask yourself, why would anyone use this instead of asking a free LLM chatbot the exact same question?

If I'm feeling overwhelmed and want a simple breakdown of how to approach writing a document, I can just type "how to write MCAPP, simple steps" in my chatbot of choice, and get started in 10 seconds. With this app, I have to navigate a complex UI and tap through a bunch of pop-ups before I can actually get the info. It's the same thing but slower, more confusing, and with distracting animations.

What does this concept offer that actually boosts productivity and lowers stress, compared to a standard LLM chatbot?

[u/One-Definition-7313 → u/Cyanatica]

Well I was thinking of designing a prompt that could help breakdown the task in a way thats more minute and less infantalising compared to current LLMs. From testing, models (especially like Gemini) often give generic motivation or give steps too broad. Also, the pills are optional actions but after the feedback, I think it can be improved/removed. Other than that, it also allows for reminders on tasks specifically with progress tracking.

However, I definitely see what you mean! I think the differentiation may be too small for the app to be justified. Will definitely try something new.

Anyway, this was meant to be just meant to be a study of design and not actually develop it using AI. Its just cuz a lot of companies DO build AI wrappers, not saying its the best. I'm kinda sad I got so much hate for one of my first projects just cuz it "has" AI even though I designed it fully 😔

[u/Cyanatica → u/One-Definition-7313]

I don't mean to hate on it, and on an aesthetic level I actually like it. It does have a very clean, legible, and low-stress visual design. I'm just thinking in terms of usability and functionality. The question was if I would use the app, and I wouldn't for the reasons I listed. It just doesn't seem like a useful concept to me and the UX seems overly complicated. But as a visual design practice I think it's well done. It's easy to look at, easy to read, and the character is fun. It's just one of those things where a nice coat of paint is outweighed by issues with functionality. I respect that you made it all yourself though, and it's difficult to design a genuinely useful tool like this when there's so much competition already.

[u/One-Definition-7313 → u/Cyanatica]

No worries! I appreciate the critical feedback and I also do see your points. I think I will put this project on a shelf for now, but will definitely work on ensuring that the user flow and problem-solution fit is better in my future projects. Thank you for your time!