UI

UI

UI

Visual Design

Visual Design

Visual Design

Mobile

Mobile

Mobile

Pokedoro

Pokedoro

This is a passion project I took on for fun, it was something I worked on in between my other case studies when I needed break or some sparkle joy. I grew up playing, watching and collecting a lot of Pokemon, so this is something close to home. I hope you have as much fun reading through as I did designing it :)

This is a passion project I took on for fun, it was something I worked on in between my other case studies when I needed break or some sparkle joy. I grew up playing, watching and collecting a lot of Pokemon, so this is something close to home. I hope you have as much fun reading through as I did designing it :)

Service

Service

Design + Development

Design + Development

Tools Used

Tools Used

Figma, Miro

Figma, Miro

Completion Timeline

Completion Timeline

6 Weeks

6 Weeks

Finding the balance between functionality and fun, motivating users to stay productive while enjoying the journey

Finding the balance between functionality and fun, motivating users to stay productive while enjoying the journey

Background

Background

Inspired by the world of Pokémon, "Pokedoro" reimagines productivity as a playful and interactive experience. This gamified Pomodoro timer lets users focus on their tasks while incubating an egg that hatches into a Pokemon. By blending goal-setting, rewards, and nostalgia, Pokedoro aims to make productivity fun and rewarding for users of all ages.

Inspired by the world of Pokémon, "Pokedoro" reimagines productivity as a playful and interactive experience. This gamified Pomodoro timer lets users focus on their tasks while incubating an egg that hatches into a Pokemon. By blending goal-setting, rewards, and nostalgia, Pokedoro aims to make productivity fun and rewarding for users of all ages.

What's the problem?

What's the problem?

Traditional productivity tools often lack engagement, which makes it difficult for users to maintain focus and motivation over time. Pokedoro seeks to address this by creating a playful, interactive environment where task completion is tied to visual progress and rewards, transforming productivity into an enjoyable experience.

Traditional productivity tools often lack engagement, which makes it difficult for users to maintain focus and motivation over time. Pokedoro seeks to address this by creating a playful, interactive environment where task completion is tied to visual progress and rewards, transforming productivity into an enjoyable experience.

Design Process

Design Process

01. Research

Competitive Analysis & User Research

In this process, I examined pros and cons of other applications (Pomofocus, Focuspomo) and solutions which deal with the same problem. Since I researched current solutions in this phase, I could understand the reason why the solutions success or fail. Based on this research, I could develop better ideas for possible solutions, but which is not overlapped with current solutions.

Competitive Analysis & User Research

In this process, I examined pros and cons of other applications (Pomofocus, Focuspomo) and solutions which deal with the same problem. Since I researched current solutions in this phase, I could understand the reason why the solutions success or fail. Based on this research, I could develop better ideas for possible solutions, but which is not overlapped with current solutions.

Target Audience
Target Audience

Age: 16–35

  • Demographics: Students and millennials

  • Pain Points:

    • Difficulty staying focused during long tasks

    • Lack of motivation to stick with productivity tools

    • Desire for rewarding and engaging systems


Age: 16–35

  • Demographics: Students and millennials

  • Pain Points:

    • Difficulty staying focused during long tasks

    • Lack of motivation to stick with productivity tools

    • Desire for rewarding and engaging systems


Key Findings
Key Findings

Users prefer visually engaging tools that provide real-time feedback


Gamification elements like collectibles and achievements increase motivation

Simplicity is essential to avoid distractions

02. Ideation

02. Ideation

Mapped out the user flow:

  1. Set Time: Users input their desired Pomodoro session length.

  2. Focus Mode: Timer begins, and the egg incubation animation progresses.

  3. Break Time: Encouraged short breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

  4. Reward: Egg hatches into a Pokemon upon session completion.

03. Designs

03. Designs

Core Elements:

  • Dialogue Boxes: Pixelated, rectangular boxes with soft, pastel-colored backgrounds and bold borders, showcasing game-like text.

  • Health Bars: Horizontal bars in vibrant colors (green, yellow, and red) with pixelated fonts indicating Pokémon HP stats.

  • Pokémon Menu: A team layout with six Pokémon slots, showing levels, names, and health

  • Pokédex Interface: Displays a scrollable list of Pokémon, including pixel art sprites, ID numbers, and Pokémon names.

Core Elements:

  • Dialogue Boxes: Pixelated, rectangular boxes with soft, pastel-colored backgrounds and bold borders, showcasing game-like text.

  • Health Bars: Horizontal bars in vibrant colors (green, yellow, and red) with pixelated fonts indicating Pokémon HP stats.

  • Pokémon Menu: A team layout with six Pokémon slots, showing levels, names, and health

  • Pokédex Interface: Displays a scrollable list of Pokémon, including pixel art sprites, ID numbers, and Pokémon names.

First Iterations

Initially, I aimed to make the design as intuitive and functional as the Pomodoro timer, while preserving the retro UI elements. I found myself asking, "How can I create a design that feels modern, yet still evokes a sense of nostalgia?" After reflecting, I returned to the drawing board and reminded myself that less is more, particularly for a productivity timer.

04. User Testing

Feedback:

  • Users loved the egg animation as a visual representation of progress.

  • Break reminders were seen as helpful but needed a dismiss option

  • Notification silencer to block out unwanted interruptions

  • Different types of egg options

Iterations:

  • Introduced a "silent mode" for users who prefer minimal notifications

  • For longer focus periods, a newer egg is introduced and theme changes colour

  • Simplified design by removing buttons and adding gestures

Feedback:

  • Users loved the egg animation as a visual representation of progress.

  • Break reminders were seen as helpful but needed a dismiss option

  • Notification silencer to block out unwanted interruptions

  • Different types of egg options

Iterations:

  • Introduced a "silent mode" for users who prefer minimal notifications

  • For longer focus periods, a newer egg is introduced and theme changes colour

  • Simplified design by removing buttons and adding gestures

Feedback:

  • Users loved the egg animation as a visual representation of progress.

  • Break reminders were seen as helpful but needed a dismiss option

  • Notification silencer to block out unwanted interruptions

  • Different types of egg options

Iterations:

  • Introduced a "silent mode" for users who prefer minimal notifications

  • For longer focus periods, a newer egg is introduced and theme changes colour

  • Simplified design by removing buttons and adding gestures

First Iterations

Initially, I aimed to make the design as intuitive and functional as the Pomodoro timer, while preserving the retro UI elements. I found myself asking, "How can I create a design that feels modern, yet still evokes a sense of nostalgia?" After reflecting, I returned to the drawing board and reminded myself that less is more, particularly for a productivity timer.

Solution

05. Hi-Fidelity Prototype

The Pokédoro app merges the Pomodoro technique with a Pokémon-themed progression system. Users hatch Pokémon eggs by completing work sessions, typically 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks. Each completed work session brings users closer to hatching a new Pokémon, which they can collect and add to their Pokedex. The app encourages productivity by rewarding users with a sense of accomplishment and gamification, turning focus into an exciting experience

Reflections

I sought to make focusing on tasks feel enjoyable and motivating. Many users struggle with staying productive and maintaining focus, so offering a system that combines goal-setting with instant gratification helps reduce the monotony of work. The visual and interactive elements of Pokedoro encourage users to stay on track while celebrating their progress in a fun and nostalgic way.

In the next phase of my design process, I plan to conduct user testing to evaluate the app's usability and engagement. I would like to build more on the different rewards, travelling to different regions to collect new eggs and new Pokemon hatching from them, without taking away too much from the productivity aspect. I am committed to refining Pokedoro based on user feedback to ensure it aligns with their productivity needs and preferences. My ultimate goal is to create a playful yet functional tool that users can depend on to stay focused, achieve their goals, and have fun along the way.

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Kathy Dang

UX & Product Designer

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© 2025. Designed by Kathy Dang

Kathy Dang

UX & Product Designer

X Logo
Instagram Logo
Linkedin Logo

Let’s work together

© 2025. Designed by Kathy Dang

Kathy Dang

UX & Product Designer

X Logo
Instagram Logo
Linkedin Logo

Let’s work together

© 2025. Designed by Kathy Dang