The Science of Productivity:
How Our App Was Built to Help you Achieve More in Less Time

Lisanne Fellinger
Cofounder & CTO



Productivity is a highly sought-after skill. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a busy parent, finding ways to accomplish more in less time is key to success. That's why we are excited to share the latest product updates for Recess, our mobile app designed to empower users to maximize their productivity and make the most of every moment.

Development Journey: Ups and Downs, Challenges and Triumphs

Recess is not just an app; it's a product that embodies the principles of psychology and cognitive science. Building such a complex product has been a journey of both challenges and triumphs. One of the initial hurdles we faced was outsourcing some of the development work. We encountered various obstacles along the way, including communication issues and differences in time zones. On the other hand, we also learned a lot on how to manage a remote team, from different parts of the world, and work across different disciplines and with different technical backgrounds.

Behind the Scenes:
Navigating Development

The Recess app may appear simple on the surface, but behind the scenes, it's a complex blend of three interconnected parts: the backend, main app, and AR component. Each part is written in different programming languages to ensure optimal performance and functionality.

The backend of Recess is powered by Ruby on Rails, a robust and scalable framework known for its efficiency and flexibility. It serves as the backbone, handling data management and facilitating seamless interactions between users and the app's features.

The main app, responsible for the core functionalities, is built using Flutter, a powerful cross-platform framework. Flutter enables us to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that works seamlessly across various devices and operating systems.

Integrating augmented reality (AR) into Recess required leveraging Unity, a leading game development platform. Unity enables us to craft immersive AR experiences, enhancing user engagement and providing unique opportunities for productivity and learning.

Deepening Understanding:
In-App Media

To provide users with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and concepts behind our app, we have integrated in-app media that delves deeper into various topics. One such topic is of course bilateral stimulation, a key element of Recess, which involves engaging both sides of the brain through alternating sensory stimuli to promote focus and cognitive enhancement.

These media elements serve as powerful tools to explain the science behind the technique in an engaging and accessible manner. Whether you're a visual learner or prefer interactive experiences, our media content will enrich your understanding and help you make the most of Recess.

The Psychology Behind Recess: Creating a Productive Environment

Additionally, our team of psychologists and experts in human behavior have ensured that Recess aligns with established psychological principles. From the design of the user interface to the selection of productivity techniques, every aspect of the app is grounded in evidence-based practices.

By combining the power of technology with the insights from psychology, Recess provides users with a comprehensive toolkit for achieving their goal.

Notifications and Engagement

We understand the significance of notifications in staying organized and on track and we are working hard on incorporating this feature. Our aim is to strike the perfect balance between timely updates and respecting users' need for uninterrupted focus. Stay tuned for future updates as we refine and implement this crucial aspect of the app.

Unleash Your Potential with Recess

From navigating outsourcing hurdles to harnessing the power of multiple languages and frameworks, we have strived to deliver an app that empowers users to achieve more in less time. With enhanced in-app media and ongoing work on notifications, we are committed to creating an engaging and productive environment for our users.

As we work towards completion of the first full version of our app Recess, we can't help but joke that we could have used an app like Recess to keep us focused and productive throughout the development process! But rest assured, our team's dedication and hard work have resulted in a robust and feature-rich app that we are proud to soon share with you.

Join us on this exciting journey toward unlocking your full potential and making every second count. Recess is here to help you embrace the science of productivity and accomplish more in your personal and professional life.

And remember, even though we developed Recess, we're not entirely immune to the distractions and challenges of everyday life ourselves. So let's all take a moment, breathe, and dive into the world of productivity together!


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