Making an App to Optimise Focus & Attention

Dec 18, 2022

Experiments, Design

Toctic is a focus-time-blocking app that combines the Pomodoro technique and the power of 40hz gamma sound to enhance focus. If you find it hard to focus or find yourself easily distracted, this may be your antidote.

In a world where cheap dopamine is right at our fingertips, one that constantly dissects our attention into tiny chunks of incoherent contexts, our ability to sustain a good amount of focus is rapidly declining. Some recent research has suggested that the average attention span of the average human is 8 seconds, myself included.

In searching for an antidote, I discovered some tools and strategies that help me sustain focus and get things done, including the Pomodoro technique and 40HZ binaural gamma sound.

I learned about the Pomodoro technique from a friend obsessed with productivity, and since they introduced me to the Pomodoro technique, I’ve been using it during periods when I need sustained focus. However, I always thought I needed something more.

One day, I searched on YouTube for focus music, and one of the search results caught my attention. The title said “Gamma for a Genius Brain - 1hr Pure Binaural Beat Session at (40Hz) Intervals”.

As I always do before consuming anything on YouTube, I read the comment section and was sold by what people said about how the sound does magic to their attention. I tried it, and it worked like magic. Then I thought, what if I combine a Pomodoro timer and binaural gamma sound? I tried it, and I kid you not, I was able to complete all my tasks with deep focus and fewer internal & external distractions. This became my go-to to get things done.

But to use it, I had to use two apps, a Pomodoro app and YouTube, which in itself, is a distraction. So, I thought, why not make an app that merges the two? I dusted my coding skills, and that was how Toctic was born. Toctic has been a game changer for periods when I need sustained focus and deep attention.

Meet Toctic

Toctic is a focus-time-blocking app that combines the Pomodoro technique and the power of 40hz gamma sound to enhance focus. If you find it hard to focus or find yourself easily distracted, this may be your antidote.

What is Pomodoro Technique?

Pomodoro (meaning “tomatoes” in Italian) technique is a time management system developed in the late 1980s by then-university student Francesco Cirillo. Cirillo was struggling to focus on his studies and complete assignments. Feeling overwhelmed, he asked himself to commit to just 10 minutes of focused study time. Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, and the Pomodoro technique was born.

This time management method asks you to alternate Pomodoros — focused work sessions — usually 25 minutes per session with frequent short breaks to promote sustained concentration and stave off mental fatigue.

Why 40hz Gamma Wave Sound?

Your brain is constantly at work, performing processes like thinking, concentrating, remembering, and more. During these activities, your brain cells constantly communicate with each other. This produces patterns or rhythms called brain waves. Gamma brain waves are one such wave pattern created by your brain.

Gamma brain waves have the highest frequency among all brain waves. They are associated with high levels of thought and focus. They can have different effects depending on their levels in your brain.

If your brain produces high levels of gamma waves, you tend to be happier and more receptive. You may also have a higher intelligence quotient or IQ and better concentration. If your brain produces low levels of gamma waves, you may develop learning and memory problems. You may experience lower concentration, attention span, and mental ability.

Gamma waves are associated with higher brain functions like cognition and memory. A recent study has shown that gamma waves can improve your working memory. Studies have also revealed that increased gamma brain wave activity can help you achieve the highest concentration levels.

The sound that plays when you use Toctic is a 40hz binaural gamma brain wave. By combining it with the Pomodoro technique, your focus is greatly enhanced.

What people are saying

“I am a writer. I tend to be a bit ADD sometimes and have a hard time staying focused and on task, so sometimes my writing projects take a lot longer than they should. Today I plugged in with this binaural beats and got my article done in just a couple of hours! Awesome!” - Catherine

“This is the first time I ever listened to the entire hour of anything without quickly change my mind or get distracted to do other things. Powerful stuff, amazing!” - Luther

“Since I experienced the power of this sound, it’s been a cheat code for me. It helps me focus and get things done. Each time the sound stops playing, I feel like a critical function in my brain has stopped working. It’s a super power!” - Precious, maker of Toctic

“Wow, this somehow makes me focus with deeper intent. I am using this as I study for school. Amazing!” - Edwards

I hope that this little app will help people improve their focus so that they can be much more productive.