Managing time can be a major challenge, especially for individuals with ADHD. A newly launched app called Lately is here to help — and it’s doing so with a creative, gamified twist.
Available now on the App Store, Lately helps users stay punctual by sending timely departure reminders. Users receive alerts 30 minutes, 10 minutes, and 5 minutes before they need to leave, while Live Activities on iPhone and Apple Watch display a live countdown, keeping users focused on their schedule.
How Lately Works
What sets Lately apart is its reward system. Users earn points based on their punctuality across four difficulty levels. At the easiest level, “Goldfish,” arriving early earns 3 points, being on time earns 2 points, and being late earns none. As users move to tougher levels like “Coffee,” “Grown Up,” and “Yoda,” the game becomes stricter — with Yoda even deducting points for tardiness.
The more points you earn, the more virtual character badges you unlock. It may seem simple, but for many users, seeing progress and receiving rewards can make a huge difference in staying motivated.
A Personal Solution for a Common Problem
Erik MacInnis, the indie developer behind Lately, was inspired by his own struggles with time management.
“I’ve always been the late one among my friends,” MacInnis shared. “Lately tackles the challenges of time blindness and poor time estimation by keeping users constantly aware of their departure times — and rewarding them for being on schedule.”
While there are similar apps like Time to Leave for Android, MacInnis pointed out that many feel outdated. Apps like Structured and TickTick are useful for task management but don’t specifically address the issue of leaving on time.
Areas for Improvement
While Lately works well for drivers and walkers, those relying on public transport or cycling in major cities might find the options limited — something users are hoping will be addressed in future updates.
Despite this, Lately is gaining traction among people with ADHD, who often benefit from structured reward systems. Other apps, like the self-care app Finch, have seen success using similar gamified motivation methods.
What’s Next for Lately?
Looking ahead, MacInnis plans to introduce social features that automatically notify friends when users are on their way or about to arrive. An Android version is also in development.
Lately is free to download, with a premium subscription option ($3/month or $10/year) offering additional features like customizable difficulty settings and recurring trip scheduling.
