Noro ADHD Planner

Product Introduction

1. Noro ADHD Planner is an AI-powered productivity tool designed to convert unstructured voice inputs into organized task lists with automated time estimation and subtask generation. It specifically addresses challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, such as time blindness and task initiation barriers, by providing adaptive planning workflows. The app integrates behavioral science principles from institutions like Harvard and Stanford with real-world ADHD experiences to create a neuroinclusive design.
2. The core value of Noro lies in its ability to reduce cognitive overload by transforming chaotic thoughts into actionable, time-bound plans through AI-driven structuring. It prioritizes user-friendly interaction with voice-first input to accommodate executive dysfunction, while its adaptive algorithms prevent daily task overload through realistic time allocation. By aligning with neurodivergent cognitive patterns rather than enforcing rigid scheduling, it fosters sustainable productivity.

Main Features

1. Voice-First Planning: Users can verbally articulate tasks or ideas, which Noro’s AI processes into categorized, prioritized to-do lists with contextual tagging. The system uses natural language processing (NLP) to identify action items, deadlines, and dependencies from unstructured speech. This eliminates manual note-taking and reduces initiation paralysis common in ADHD workflows.
2. AI Task Breakdown: The app automatically decomposes complex goals into subtasks with defined sequences, using machine learning models trained on productivity frameworks like GTD (Getting Things Done). For example, a vague input like “Plan birthday party” becomes discrete steps: “Research venues → Send invites → Order decorations,” each with estimated time commitments. This granularity mitigates overwhelm and improves follow-through.
3. Dynamic Time Estimation: Noro calculates time requirements for each task using historical user data and population-level ADHD productivity benchmarks, adjusting estimates based on completion patterns. It prevents over-scheduling by flagging unrealistic daily workloads and suggesting redistributions. Time-blocking features sync with calendar apps to visualize task durations against available time slots.

Problems Solved

1. Noro directly addresses time blindness—a core ADHD symptom—by externalizing time perception through AI-generated task durations and visual timelines. It compensates for impaired internal time awareness by providing objective, data-driven scheduling.
2. The product targets neurodivergent adults and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD or exhibiting traits like executive dysfunction, task avoidance, and working memory deficits. It is also relevant for individuals with overlapping conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who struggle with planning.
3. Typical use cases include managing academic deadlines, breaking down multi-step projects (e.g., home organization), and preventing last-minute rushes by distributing tasks across days. It also aids professionals in balancing work assignments without relying on manual prioritization.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike traditional planners requiring manual input and rigid time blocking, Noro uses AI to adapt to fluctuating ADHD energy levels and attention spans. Competitors like Todoist or Trello lack ADHD-specific features such as voice-to-task parsing and neurodivergent-informed time estimation.
2. Innovations include context-aware subtask generation (e.g., auto-adding “Buy groceries” as a prerequisite to “Cook dinner”) and fatigue detection that reschedules tasks if users consistently undercomplete estimates. The app also incorporates “micro-achievement” nudges to boost task initiation.
3. Competitive advantages stem from its dual foundation in clinical research (e.g., Stanford’s ADHD task-persistence studies) and lived experience, ensuring features like interrupt-resistant save states for unfinished plans. Proprietary algorithms refine time estimates using anonymized crowd data from 10,000+ ADHD users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Noro’s AI differentiate between urgent and non-urgent tasks in voice inputs? The AI analyzes lexical cues (e.g., “today,” “ASAP”) and cross-references them with predefined user priorities set in-app, assigning urgency scores from 1–5. Users can override these rankings post-processing.
2. Can Noro integrate with other productivity tools like Google Calendar? Yes, Noro syncs with major calendar apps to auto-block time for tasks, though advanced features like two-way subtask sync require iOS 16 or newer. Data exports to CSV/PDF are available for therapy or coaching sessions.
3. Is Noro available for Android or desktop? Currently, Noro is iOS-only due to optimized Siri integrations, but a web beta and Android version are slated for Q4 2024.
4. How does the app handle user data privacy? All voice inputs and task data are encrypted end-to-end; processing occurs on-device for iOS users, with optional cloud backup using zero-knowledge encryption.
5. Can I customize the AI’s task-breaking style? Yes, users adjust the granularity of subtasks (e.g., “detailed” vs. “broad-steps” modes) and set time-estimation preferences (e.g., “pessimistic” or “ADHD-friendly” buffers).