Standing Out in a Flood of Features
Dote Timer began with simple features—time tracking and statistical summaries. But those functions were already offered by countless apps. In fact, using a basic stopwatch might have been more effective for some. To build real competitiveness, the team recognized the need for differentiation.
Challenges with a Reward System
One alternative first explored was a reward system. The idea was to let users earn coins based on their focused time and redeem them for tangible rewards like coffee gift coupons. However, several risks surfaced during the planning stage. Technical glitches in tracking focus time could lead to user dissatisfaction, and setting up partnerships and managing inventory would essentially turn the app into a retail platform. Legal hurdles—like handling taxes in multiple countries and international operations—made this system impractical.
The Problem of Reward Dependency
Moreover, while reward systems might boost short-term motivation, they can also create dependency. Users may begin to lose motivation if tangible rewards disappear. Dote Timer’s goal has always been to support users in building intrinsic motivation and setting self-directed goals. A structure that relies too heavily on external rewards could undermine genuine immersion and habit formation. Instead, Dote Timer aimed to encourage users to find satisfaction and fulfillment directly from time management itself.
Alignment with the “Connecting the Dots” Philosophy
Material rewards didn’t align with Dote Timer’s core philosophy: Connecting the Dots. This philosophy emphasizes intrinsic motivation and pursuing meaningful goals. Rather than simply tracking time, Dote Timer helps users reflect on their process and internal growth. Like connecting small dots to complete a bigger picture, the app focuses on helping people realize the deeper meaning of their time use.
Transition to a Donation Feature
Eventually, the team pivoted to a new idea: replacing material rewards with a donation system. Now, every time users focus, they earn virtual coins that can only be used for donations. Personal achievement is connected with social contribution, users feel rewarded not with gifts, but by positively impacting others.
This concept has universal appeal and potential for global reach. The first step was donating study notebooks to a local children’s center. Since then, the initiative has expanded to include more organizations. Users can exchange their focus coins for notebooks, which are then delivered to facilities in need. All donation activities are publicly shared online in real-time to ensure transparency.
While current efforts are focused on domestic institutions, Dote Timer plans to eventually support underprivileged students abroad. More than just a productivity app, Dote Timer is evolving into a platform where small acts of focus create collective social value.
