Chrony

Overview

Chrony is a minimalist iOS app designed to combat procrastination through a «conscious commitment» mechanism. Unlike traditional timers, Chrony challenges users to make a psychological contract with themselves: once a task and duration are set, the user enters a deep focus mode that is intentionally difficult to abandon. Despite the complexity of the logic, the project was moved from scratch to release within just 10 days, demonstrating an extremely efficient development cycle.

My role

I acted as the Product Lead and Designer, taking full ownership of the entire product cycle: from conceptualizing the «high-friction» focus logic to the final UI execution and monetization strategy.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was to build a productivity app that actually works in an era of constant notifications. I needed to design an experience where the smartphone stops being a source of distraction and turns into a stylish progress indicator. Additionally, I had to ensure that the rapid development pace didn't compromise the app’s stability or its integration with Apple’s latest native features.

The Process

Phase 1: Research and Logic

During the research phase, I focused on the psychology of dopamine loops. Most apps allow users to end a session with a single tap, which often defeats the purpose of a focus tool. I developed a «Commitment» logic where the interface is intentionally stripped of redundant controls during an active session. The design utilizes a deep dark aesthetic to minimize visual noise. The core UX revolves around creating a mental contract: the user selects an activity type (Work, Study, Focus) and sets a minimum time threshold, establishing a firm intent to finish the task.

Phase 2: Design and iOS Release

To achieve maximum immersion, I implemented advanced iOS system features. A key highlight was the deep integration of Live Activities and Dynamic Island, allowing the session progress to be displayed in real-time directly on the Lock Screen and at the top of the interface. This enables users to monitor their remaining time at a glance without being tempted by other apps. For the final stage, I managed the commercial implementation by integrating native paywalls through Adapty. This allowed for flexible subscription management and offer testing while maintaining the app’s premium minimalist aesthetic.

Results

The project resulted in a powerful tool for those who value deep work. By leveraging Live Activities, we achieved high retention rates as the app provides a constant yet non-intrusive presence during focus periods. The integration with Adapty ensured a stable conversion flow, and the app currently maintains an average rating of 5.0 on the App Store, proving that even a rapid 10-day development cycle can result in a high-quality, user-centric product.