Laps – Focus Session App Redesign
Redesigning a distraction-free focus experience through structured sessions, intentional friction, and gamification.
Laps is a mobile productivity app designed to help users regain control over their screen time through structured focus sessions. Unlike traditional focus or blocking apps, Laps centers its experience around intentional focus sessions that can be done solo or socially.
Stage 1. Problem Statement
Users struggle to maintain focus due to constant digital distractions. Existing solutions often feel restrictive, generic, or lack motivation. Laps needed a clearer, more engaging experience that helps users understand the value quickly, commit to focus sessions, and stay accountable without overwhelming them.
Old authentication flow
Stage 2. Goals
Reduce friction during signup and onboarding
Help users quickly understand how Laps works and why it matters
Personalize focus sessions based on user behavior and preferences
Encourage commitment through difficulty levels and exit challenges
Create a cohesive, modern, and intuitive interface
Old Focus Stats and player Screens
Stage 3. User Research & Discovery
Competitive analysis (Opal, Forest, Focus Keeper)
Heuristic evaluation of the existing app
Assumption mapping around focus behavior and motivation
UX writing exploration to reduce cognitive load
Old focus stats screens
Key Insights
Users want flexibility but also need structure to stay accountable
Overly strict blocking creates frustration and abandonment
Clear progress feedback increases motivation
Gamified friction can discourage impulsive exits
1. Onboarding Experience
Designed a multi-step onboarding flow that:
Explains the value of Laps
Collects demographic and behavioral data
Guides users to set their first focus goal and session
Requests permissions progressively (screen time, notifications)
Introduced optional steps to reduce friction
New onboarding flow
2 Focus Session Design
Designed focus session creation with:
Focus goals (how long to focus)
Scheduling (when to focus)
App blocking selection
Created difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom)
Introduced exit routes as challenges required to leave a session early
3. States & Feedback
Designed empty states to guide first-time actions
Created success and error toasts for feedback
Added completion screens to congratulate users and show performance
4. Gamification
Designed difficulty-based break rules
Integrated exit route challenges such as games
Ensured users understand consequences before committing
Stage 5. Outcome
App screenshots
The redesign resulted in a clearer, more intentional focus experience that:
Reduces cognitive load during onboarding
Encourages commitment through structured difficulty levels
Differentiates Laps through gamified exit routes
Feels cohesive, modern, and purpose-driven
