App Review: Focus Friend by Hank Green

martine.ellis
1 day ago
2 min read

A cosy illustrated room filled with plants, books, and craft supplies. In the centre, a smiling cartoon bean character with a small sprout on its head stands on a patterned rug. On the desk, a glowing hourglass symbol hovers, representing a focus timer. The style is cute, warm, and calming. — Focus Friend by Hank Green

Finding ways to stay focused can be a challenge for many autistic (and other neurodivergent) people, especially when distractions on phones or tablets get in the way. Focus Friend is a free app available on both iOS and Android that aims to make focusing feel gentler and even a bit fun.

What Does the App Do?

At its core, Focus Friend is a focus timer. You set a block of time (for example, 25 minutes if you are using the popular Pomodoro Technique) and the app helps you stay on task by limiting your access to your device. It also encourages you to take breaks after focus blocks.

There are different levels of blocking, including a deep focus mode, which reduces the chances of slipping back into distractions.

How Does it Work?

While you’re focusing, a cute cartoon bean appears on screen, quietly knitting. If you interrupt your session, the bean looks sad because they want to finish their project. If you complete the timer, the bean rewards you by finishing their knitting, which can be exchanged for furniture to decorate their room.

Using the app is gentle and wholesome rather than stressful. It combines practical time management with light-hearted gamification.

Four app preview screens for Your Focus Friend.
• First screen: The bean character stands in an empty room with a countdown timer displayed (“00:45:12”). Text above reads: “Stay Focused with Your New Bean Friend.”
• Second screen: The bean stands in a decorated room full of plants and furniture. Text above reads: “Earn Decorations – The more you focus, the more you can decorate.”
• Third screen: An app blocking screen with a large red padlock symbol over app icons (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok). Text above reads: “Block Apps – Limit Distractions.”
• Fourth screen: A decorated room with the bean character knitting during a timed break (“break: 00:05:12”). Text above reads: “Focus & Break Timers.” — iPhone Screenshots from Focus Friend by Hank Green

Free vs Paid Options

The free version of the app is strong enough to be useful on its own. For those who want more features, there are paid add-ons and an optional Focus Friend Pro upgrade (subscription). A one-off lifetime purchase option is available which some people might consider as a way to unlock extras, avoid another subscription, and support the app’s development.

Why Focus Friend Might Work For (Some) Neurodivergent People

Wholesome Gamification: The knitting bean adds a playful element that may make focusing less overwhelming.
Visual Motivation: Seeing your bean's progress in the form of several pairs of virtual knitted socks, or a nicely furnished room, can be more motivating than a standard timer.
Adjustable Blocking: You can choose how strict the app is, which supports different needs and comfort levels.
Low-Pressure Design: The bean isn’t harsh if you stop; it’s gentle and encouraging instead.

This style may particularly appeal to autistic people and people with ADHD who enjoy cute, cosy, character-based apps but find it hard to get started on tasks.

Things to Keep in Mind

The bean animations are visually appealing but may feel distracting for some.
The app does not provide strong accountability if you’re determined to bypass it; it’s designed to support, not force.
If you don’t enjoy gamified or “cute” aesthetics, this style may not appeal.
The app is still new at the time of writing; further development will be required so that users have more rooms to decorate.

Overall Recommendation

Focus Friend is a simple but effective app for creating focused work sessions. Its combination of gentle blocking, playful design, and achievable goals makes it especially worth considering for autistic people who struggle to start or maintain focus.