In today’s constantly moving world, where time feels like an ever-dwindling resource, punctuality has become paramount. This is especially true for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who often struggle with time management and maintaining organization in their daily lives. Enter Lately, a groundbreaking app that has recently made its debut on the App Store, aiming to tackle these very issues. By gamifying the process of getting places on time, Lately sets itself apart as an innovative solution designed specifically for those who often feel overwhelmed by their time perception.
Understanding the Challenges of ADHD
The intricacies of ADHD can lead to various hurdles, particularly concerning time management. Many individuals with ADHD experience time blindness, whereby they lose track of time and struggle to anticipate how long tasks will actually take. Erik MacInnis, the indie developer behind Lately, recognized this common pain point. In his own words, he often found himself labeled as “the late one” among his friends. Inspired by personal experiences along with insights gleaned from the ADHD community, MacInnis sought to create an app that not only alerts users when it’s time to leave but also rewards them for punctuality—a concept that feels both familiar and refreshing.
How Lately Works: A Blend of Functionality and Fun
At its core, Lately operates through a straightforward system of reminders. Users receive alerts 30, 10, and 5 minutes prior to their scheduled departure, giving ample notice to ensure they don’t lose track of time. Additionally, the app utilizes Apple’s Live Activities features on iPhones and Apple Watches, providing a visual countdown that helps reinforce the urgency of departing on time. By integrating these features, Lately ensures users remain engaged and vigilant about their timeframes.
What truly sets Lately apart is its clever point reward mechanism. Users can select from four leveling options—Goldfish, Coffee, Grown Up, and Yoda—each offering different incentive structures for their punctuality. The Goldfish level is encouraging for newcomers, granting 3 points for early arrivals and nothing for latecomers, while the Yoda level is a rigorous taskmaster that penalizes lateness more harshly. This gamified approach not only makes arriving on time feel rewarding but also builds a sense of accomplishment as users accumulate points and unlock virtual rewards within the app.
The Competition and Market Context
Although other apps for time management exist—such as the task-oriented tools like Structured or TickTick—most do not address the unique challenges that accompany ADHD, especially with regard to time estimation during travel. With Lately, MacInnis captures a specific niche that has been largely neglected, marrying the rigidity of time management with the fluidity of daily living for those with ADHD.
While it’s commendable that Lately already stands apart from other offerings like Time to Leave, there remains room for evolution. During our assessment of the app, we identified one significant limitation: the current options are restricted to driving and walking only, overlooking public transportation users and cyclists in urban settings. By expanding to include various modes of commuting, Lately could greatly enhance its functionality and appeal, tapping into a larger segment of the ADHD population that relies on public transit.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Promisingly, MacInnis continues to invest in Lately’s future trajectory. His plans to introduce a social feature that automatically notifies friends of users’ locations throughout their journey reflect a commitment to enhancing connectivity among users. Additionally, the thought of launching an Android version broadens the app’s reach, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from its unique approach.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Lately lies not just in its functionalities, but in its potential impact on users’ lives. For many people with ADHD, the feeling of being unmotivated is a common obstacle. The incorporation of a reward system has shown promise in cultivating self-discipline. By gamifying their time management efforts, users may find themselves more motivated than ever to leave on time, ultimately fostering success in both professional and personal realms.
In an era increasingly driven by time efficiency, Lately stands as a beacon of hope and enhancement for individuals with ADHD, illustrating that time management can be less daunting and significantly more rewarding.