ADHD First Aid Kit
Neurodivergent-friendly toolkit for focus, productivity, and calm
The Problem
Most productivity tools are designed for neurotypical brains. They're cluttered, overwhelming, and full of features that actually make it harder for ADHD brains to focus.
Specific Pain Points
- Sensory overload: Bright colors, animations, and notifications trigger overstimulation
- Too many features: Complex interfaces create decision paralysis
- No crisis tools: When you're overwhelmed, you need calm-down tools, not task lists
- Rigid systems: One-size-fits-all approaches don't work for neurodivergent needs
The Solution
Comprehensive toolkit with timers, focus tools, and sensory-friendly interfaces for ADHD management. Built with React and designed by/for neurodivergent individuals.
Key Features
Focus Timers
Pomodoro and custom interval timers with gentle, non-intrusive alerts
Calm-Down Tools
Breathing exercises and sensory tools for moments of overwhelm
Sensory-Friendly UI
Minimal design, soft colors, optional dark mode, reduced animations
Body Doubling
Virtual co-working timer to simulate working alongside someone
Task Initiation Helper
Break down overwhelming tasks into tiny, achievable first steps
Customizable Interface
Adjust colors, sounds, and features to match your sensory needs
Screenshots & Walkthrough
Main toolkit interface with quick access to focus tools and calming exercises
Feelings picker tool helping users identify and process emotions
Additional Screenshots
Coming soon (Supabase down)More screenshots will be added once Supabase is back online
Technical Implementation
Architecture Decisions
I chose React for its component-based architecture, which allowed me to build modular, reusable tools. Each tool (timer, breathing exercise, etc.) is a self-contained component that can be customized independently.
Frontend (React)
- Component-based architecture for modular tools
- React Hooks for state management and timers
- CSS variables for user-customizable theming
- LocalStorage for persisting user preferences
- Web Audio API for gentle, customizable alert sounds
Accessibility Features
- Keyboard navigation for all tools
- Reduced motion option for users sensitive to animations
- High contrast mode for visual accessibility
- Screen reader compatible
Interesting Challenges
Challenge: Designing for Sensory Sensitivity
ADHD brains are often hypersensitive to visual and auditory stimuli. Traditional productivity apps are full of bright colors, animations, and loud alerts that trigger overwhelm.
Solution: Built a minimal, calm interface with soft colors, optional dark mode, and gentle sound alerts. Users can customize everything—colors, sounds, animation speed—to match their sensory needs.
Challenge: Supporting "Crisis" Moments
When you're overwhelmed, you can't navigate complex menus or remember where tools are. You need immediate access to calm-down resources.
Solution: Added a prominent "I'm Overwhelmed" button that instantly loads breathing exercises and sensory tools. No navigation required.
Development Process
What I Built First
Started with a simple Pomodoro timer, but designed it specifically for ADHD users: gentle alerts, easy pause/resume, and no judgment for breaks. Once the timer worked, I added calm-down tools based on my own needs.
User Testing & Iteration
- Round 1: Tested with myself—realized I needed a "body doubling" feature to simulate working alongside someone
- Round 2: Shared with neurodivergent friends—they wanted customizable colors because bright interfaces triggered migraines
- Round 3: Added "task initiation helper" after observing how paralyzing big tasks feel to ADHD brains
Additional Features I'd Like to Add
I'd add a mobile PWA version since many ADHD folks use their phones for task management, plus integrate smart notifications that adapt to user energy levels throughout the day. I'd also add habit streak tracking with gentle reminders.
Results & Impact
Lessons Learned
Design for accessibility from the start
Building for neurodivergent users forced me to think deeply about sensory needs, cognitive load, and customization. These principles make products better for everyone.
Less is more for ADHD brains
Every feature I removed made the app better. Decision fatigue is real—simplicity is a feature, not a limitation.
Build for your own pain points
This started as a tool I needed. Building for myself meant I could test constantly and iterate based on real needs, not assumptions.