52
I built a minimalist habit tracker after getting stuck chasing cheap dopamine.
r/SideProject
6/27/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapsa | https://apps.apple.com/in/app/lapsa/id6746440430 | Habit Tracker | Totally free, minimalist design, custom day tracking, pause without breaking streak, personalized reminders, "Remember Why" notes, reset notes with pattern tracking, milestone tracking, calendar view, habit types (build/break), dark mode |
| Days Since App | Not provided | Habit Tracker | UI didn't click, felt lifeless, lacked features |
| Loop Habit Tracker | Not provided | Habit Tracker | Used by commenter for years, considered sufficient |
| LimitBuddy | http://limitbuddy.com | Phone Usage Tracker | Built by commenter to use phone less |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Mindless scrolling and chasing cheap validation from social apps
- Existing habit trackers have poor UI and lack desired features
- Habit trackers feel lifeless and don't help users stay on track
- High dropoff rates (75%) in habit trackers after few days
- Difficulty building habits, following diets, exercising, reducing phone usage
- Phone overuse stemming from thought patterns rather than lack of tools
- Design that is too subtle causing eye strain and difficulty processing information
- App availability issues in certain countries (e.g., France, Laos)
- iOS version compatibility issues
Problems to Solve:
- Breaking cycles of mindless scrolling and cheap dopamine
- Building or breaking habits with intention
- Creating habit trackers that actually motivate and retain users
- Addressing the psychological roots of phone overuse
- Making UI elements more distinguishable while maintaining minimalist design
- Expanding app availability globally
- Ensuring backward compatibility with older iOS versions
Potential Solutions:
- Minimalist, distraction-free habit tracking (Lapsa approach)
- Features like "Remember Why" notes and reset pattern tracking for deeper motivation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to address thought patterns
- Improved UI design with better visual hierarchy
- Rapid iteration based on user feedback (e.g., fixing iOS compatibility)
- Expanding app availability to more regions
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Building a product to solve personal pain points (scratching own itch)
- Focusing on specific differentiators (minimalism, custom tracking)
- Rapid iteration based on user feedback (e.g., iOS compatibility fix)
- Expanding availability to new regions based on user requests
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Sharing on relevant subreddits (r/SideProject) for initial exposure
- Offering free version with no paywalls to lower adoption barrier
- Word-of-mouth through positive user comments (e.g., praise for design)
- Direct app store links in promotional posts
Monetization & Product:
- Free model with no subscriptions (differentiator in crowded market)
- Feature development driven by user needs (e.g., habit types, pause function)
- Strong product-market fit focus: solving retention issues in habit trackers
- Design as key differentiator (minimalist, clutter-free UI)
User Engagement:
- Actively responding to all user comments and feedback
- Implementing user suggestions quickly (e.g., iOS version fix within a day)
- Encouraging user feedback for future features
- Building community through direct engagement (e.g., offering DM chats)
- Using reminders (RemindMeBot) to follow up on pending issues