Make it stand out.
INTRODUCE YOUR BRAND
Problem Statement
Users who rely on time-blocking for productivity are frustrated with existing applications that are either overly complex with lengthy setup processes or too minimal and lacking essential features. This complexity forces them to invest significant productive time into configuring the very tool meant to save it, defeating its purpose.
Therefore, thistle culture for WearOS 3.5 must solve this by providing a frictionless, minimal-yet-powerful time-blocking experience that can be managed directly from the wrist. The core value is effortless setup and immediate use, ensuring the tool enhances productivity rather than hindering it.
Purpose
When it comes to productivity, nothing works better for me than time blocking. That’s not to say that it makes me 100% productive, I don’t believe that’s even possible for humans neither do I wish to achieve that. Anyways, I tried a few different applications but most of them were too complicated and had a long winded setup. I don’t want my productivity app to take away my otherwise productive time. There are also some productivity apps that are minimal but to a point that they are missing some features I require.
Although time blocking using Google Calendar works well for me, I have realized I need visual reminders of my tasks. I use colors to code my tasks and mindmaps for many personal projects. Google calendar’s default reminders are incredibly annoying. Especially when they bother me while I am listening to music on my phone. Another problem with those is that if my phone is in my pocket and I am not wearing earphones, I have to take my phone out to check up on my tasks.
Another thing is that I love the concept of a smartwatch. Having so much computing power on my wrist is amazing. I already use time to organize my day, it was only fitting that I would use my smartwatch to help me remember what task I was up for. I tried a few apps available on my version of the wearOS (3.5) - I do not like the Toggle app because of its overwhelming UI and complexity, and a few open source apps were good but too minimal and did not connect to the Google Calendar. Not to mention, most free, closed-source apps come with ads on their companion phone app. Google calendar’s own app was pretty good but lacked some features I wanted - like recording progress for my tasks and taking voice notes, also to be completely honest, I REALLY wanted to try building an app for my smartwatch!
Enter - Thistle Culture!
