one elsewhere

Product Introduction

1. Definition: one elsewhere is an iOS productivity application categorized as a digital wellness tool. It employs a gamified space-flight mechanic where users earn progress by avoiding physical interaction with their iPhone.
2. Core Value Proposition: The app exists to combat smartphone addiction and fragmented attention spans by incentivizing uninterrupted focus through tangible, achievement-based rewards. Primary keywords: focus challenge app, digital detox tool, attention training, phone distraction blocker.

Main Features

1. One-Tap Focus Run: Initiate sessions instantly via single-tap activation. The app uses iOS background processing to monitor device interaction (touchscreen sensors). A 3-second countdown precedes session start, minimizing setup friction.
2. Achievement Milestones: Tracks cumulative focus duration (measured in minutes) using local device storage. Unlocks virtual milestones (planets, deep space) and ships via JSON-based achievement systems. Progress syncs to iCloud for cross-device access.
3. Minimalist UI Architecture: Built with SwiftUI for near-zero interface elements during active sessions. Dark mode optimization reduces eye strain. Auto-hides navigation controls after 5 seconds of inactivity.
4. Ship Unlock System: Ships function as visual progress markers. Unlock criteria use time-based thresholds (e.g., "30m continuous focus") stored in Core Data. No in-app purchases required for core ships.
5. Touch Interruption Protocol: Immediately terminates sessions upon detecting capacitive touch input via UIKit’s touch event API. Session data logs include interruption timestamps for behavior analysis.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Eliminates compulsive phone-checking during critical tasks by creating immediate consequences (session termination). Addresses attention fragmentation, productivity loss from distractions, and digital anxiety.
2. Target Audience: Students (study focus), remote workers (deep work sessions), writers/creatives (flow state maintenance), and mindfulness practitioners (digital detox).
3. Use Cases:
   • Completing uninterrupted 90-minute work sprints
   • Reading physical books without phone distractions
   • Meditation sessions with quantifiable "success" metrics
   • Preventing social media scrolling during family time

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike Pomodoro timers (e.g., Forest) requiring manual session resets, one elsewhere auto-persists progress until touch occurs. Competitors lack tactile consequence mechanics.
2. Key Innovation: Proprietary "touch-to-fail" detection combined with passive progression creates behavioral conditioning. Achievements avoid social comparison (unlike leaderboards in Headspace), reducing performance pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does one elsewhere track focus time without draining battery?
   Uses iOS Low Power Mode-compatible background processing, consuming <2% battery/hour by disabling animations and polling sensors only during active sessions.
2. Can I use one elsewhere for team focus challenges?
   No group features exist; it’s designed for personal accountability. For collaborative focus, pair with "Do Not Disturb" mode during sessions.
3. Is one elsewhere’s premium version necessary for core functionality?
   The free tier includes all ships and milestones. Premium (optional) adds historical analytics exports and custom achievement goals.
4. Does the app work when my phone screen is off?
   Yes. Sessions persist in the background until touch input occurs, even during locked-screen states.
5. What iOS versions support one elsewhere?
   Requires iOS 15+ due to SwiftUI dependencies and background activity APIs.