Understanding the Problem
For many students, managing time effectively is a constant struggle. Digital entertainment competes for attention, making it difficult to focus, while traditional study methods often feel uninspiring. Through user research and interviews, I identified two major challenges:
- Digital Distractions – Students find it difficult to limit entertainment use while studying.
- Lack of Motivation – Without a structured system, staying engaged in academic tasks can feel overwhelming.
This project addresses these issues by designing a study companion that helps students develop sustainable focus habits while maintaining a healthy balance between work and leisure.
Final Outcome
Rough Sketches
Before diving into wireframes, I start with hand-drawn sketches. This allows me to refine ideas quickly and establish a smooth user flow. Through iterative testing, I created a study app that reinforces focus through behavioral design principles.
Wireframes: How It Works
- Study Timer with Distraction Control: A built-in focus timer helps users stay on task. If they switch to another app, their on-screen hamster stops running, reinforcing discipline.
- Gamified Rewards System: The longer users focus, the more gold coins they earn, which can be redeemed for in-app rewards.
- Community & Social Features: Seeing friends stay focused encourages accountability and makes studying feel less isolating.
- Progress Tracking: Users can visualize their study habits, helping them build consistency over time.
Prototypes
Early prototypes revealed challenges in visual harmony and navigation. After multiple iterations, I refined the design to ensure a seamless experience, balancing motivation with ease of use. The final version integrates intuitive UI elements, clear feedback loops, and engaging social features.
Final Impact & Future Potential
By blending productivity with engagement, this app transforms studying from a chore into a rewarding habit. It demonstrates how UX design can shape behavior—helping users stay focused, reduce distractions, and build lasting study routines. Future updates could introduce deeper customization, collaborative study groups, and adaptive focus techniques tailored to different learning styles.
This project showcases how thoughtful interaction design can make focus effortless and enjoyable in an increasingly distracted world.
