in5min: Gamified Habit Building App
Transform your habits in just 5 minutes a day with gamification, social features, and AI-powered recommendations
Project Overview
The Challenge
The Solution
Development Approach
Research & Design: Analyzed successful gamification patterns from games and fitness apps, studied habit formation psychology, designed XP/leveling curves
UI/UX Design: Collaborated with my wife, a professional UI/UX designer, to create engaging visual design with satisfying animations and clear progression feedback
Core Habit System: Built 8 category task system, habit creation/completion flows, and basic XP earning mechanics
Gamification Layer: Implemented leveling system, streak tracking with freeze functionality, badge achievements, and puzzle progression
Social Features: Developed friend system, 4 duel types, team creation, group chat, and leaderboard infrastructure
Daily Challenges: Created rotating challenge system with Morning Rush, Focus Master, Speed Demon, and Variety Master
Mini-Games: Integrated 5 cognitive mini-games as reward mechanics and engagement boosters
AI Integration: Built mood-based recommendation engine and smart coaching system
Real-time Sync: Implemented Firebase real-time listeners for social features and cross-device sync
Premium & Monetization: Integrated RevenueCat subscriptions and premium feature gating
Platform Optimization: Optimized for iOS, Android, Mac, and Vision Pro with platform-specific enhancements
Testing & Polish: Extensive beta testing with habit tracking enthusiasts, animation refinements, performance optimization
Technologies Used
Mobile Development
State Management
Backend & Database
Real-time Features
Animations & UI
Monetization
AI & Recommendations
Analytics & Monitoring
Key Features
Gamified Task System
8 habit categories (Mind, Sport, Cleaning, Fun, Kitchen, Learning, Productivity, Social) with customizable tasks and satisfying completion animations.
XP & Leveling
Earn XP for completing habits with streak bonuses, Early Bird/Night Owl multipliers, and 10% Double XP chance. Level up to unlock new features.
Streak Tracking
Build daily streaks with increasing XP bonuses. Streak freeze feature protects your progress on off days.
Social Features
Friend tracking, 4 duel types, team creation, group chat, and comprehensive leaderboards for friendly competition.
Daily Challenges
Rotating challenges: Morning Rush, Focus Master, Speed Demon, and Variety Master for bonus XP and variety.
Mini-Games
5 cognitive games: Memory Match, Quick Math, Word Scramble, Reaction Test, and Pattern Memory for fun XP bonuses.
AI Recommendations
Smart coaching based on mood, time of day, and behavior patterns. Personalized habit suggestions and encouragement.
Puzzle Progression
10 themed puzzles (Sunrise, Ocean, Forest, Galaxy) to unlock piece by piece as you complete habits.
8 Achievement Badges
Starter, Disciplined, Deep Diver, Explorer, Team Player, Morning Person, Centurion, and Month Master badges.
Cross-Platform Sync
Seamless sync across iOS, Android, Mac, and Vision Pro. Your progress follows you everywhere.
Premium Features
Unlimited habits, advanced analytics, exclusive puzzles, and ad-free experience with RevenueCat subscriptions.
Beautiful Animations
Satisfying 60fps animations for level-ups, streak celebrations, and habit completions using Reanimated.
Results & Impact
Finally a habit app that actually keeps me coming back! The gamification is addictive in the best way. I love competing with friends in duels and watching my puzzle come together. The streak system with freeze option is genius - it motivates without stressing me out. Best habit app I have ever used!
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