The author has tried various productivity apps over time but hasn't found one that works consistently. Finch, a new mobile app, stands out due to its unique method of helping users manage tasks. Instead of a traditional to-do list, the app uses a virtual pet system to encourage users to complete small duties like brushing their teeth, taking breaks, or finishing minor tasks. Completing tasks gives users points and in-game currency, which can be used to decorate the pet's virtual home or buy new accessories. The app's approach is not only innovative but also deeply personal, allowing users to visualize progress through their pet's development and customization.
A Playful Approach to Productivity
The writer found the app's playful and gamified approach especially appealing. The virtual pet introduces a sense of charm and motivation to the process of staying productive. Finch organizes goals into nine pre-defined self-care categories, such as Calm, Nutrition, and Hygiene, while also allowing users to set their own custom goals. For every task completed, users earn energy points, which can be used to send their pet on quests. After about eight hours, the pet returns from the quest with new discoveries, such as finding a cherry tree or a new item for the house. These small rewards make even the most mundane tasks feel more rewarding. The writer, for example, found themselves excited to answer emails when their pet could earn a new look. The app also lets users track their progress in each self-care category, offering a structured way to balance work with personal well-being.
The app also includes reminders to encourage users to stretch, drink water, or take a break from their screens, all of which help in maintaining focus and health during long work hours. The writer, who has frequently worked over 14 hours a day, admits to struggling with self-care routines. Finch’s gentle reminders have helped the author remember to drink water, wash their face, and take short mental breaks. Even quirky tasks like closing browser tabs are presented in a way that makes them seem useful. Though the app is essentially a game, it has helped the writer form small but important habits. Now, the author checks their to-do list each day with enthusiasm, driven by the desire to see what new rewards their pet might earn. By linking small, often overlooked tasks to meaningful in-game outcomes, the app has successfully changed the author's behavior.
Self-Care Through Gamification
Finch combines self-care and productivity by using a digital pet to motivate users. Users earn energy by completing individual tasks, which can be used to send their pet on virtual quests. Each quest lasts around eight hours, and upon returning, the pet brings back new items, preferences, or decorations like a cherry tree. The app organizes user goals into nine main categories, including Sleep, Gratitude, and Connection, while also allowing for the creation of personalized categories to better align with individual habits and needs. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor the app to fit their specific lifestyle and priorities. For instance, the default 'Connection' category encourages users to reach out to friends or family, while 'Gratitude' promotes reflecting on positive experiences.
Gamification makes everyday tasks feel more enjoyable and meaningful. The writer discovered that associating rewards with task completion increased their motivation to finish each item. The app’s instant feedback, through points and virtual rewards, gives a sense of accomplishment and progress. This makes managing a to-do list feel less like a burden and more like an engaging experience. By using game-like features, Finch helps users form better habits and stay on track with their daily routines. The writer has noticed a positive shift in their ability to remain consistent with tasks thanks to the app's playful and motivating design. Additionally, the app has helped the writer remember to take care of themselves, such as by drinking enough water or getting up to stretch during long hours at the computer.