GoblinX: ADHD Planner & Todo
In this eagerly anticipated post, we’re thrilled to uncover GoblinX, an AI-powered app built to support the neurodivergent community in navigating daily tasks with greater ease.
Join us as we explore the innovative features of GoblinX, developed with care by Emmanuel, a solo developer, to address the unique needs of those with ADHD and related conditions. GoblinX shows tremendous potential to become an indispensable asset in the pursuit of productivity and well-being.
Can you tell us about yourself in 3 sentences?
I’m Emmanuel, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community, with a personal journey deeply intertwined with therapy and psychiatric care. I started off in banking and after teaching myself how to code, I started dabbling in creating software for myself that I found to be useful. With GoblinX, I wanted to build something for myself that addressed some of my daily challenges and then I extended it to others to make their daily tasks more manageable with the intent of empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Can you tell us a bit more about GoblinX and what it does?
GoblinX is an innovative iOS app designed to revolutionise the way the neurodivergent community interacts with productivity tools. It offers a suite of features specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by adults with ADHD, anxiety, and similar conditions. From ADHD-friendly organisers and mood journals to neurodivergent specific tools, GoblinX aims to simplify daily tasks, enhance productivity, and support users in managing their conditions effectively. Unlike generic tools, our app focuses on minimising distractions and fostering a supportive environment conducive to focus and efficiency.
What was the driving factor that made you build GoblinX?
The driving force behind GoblinX was the evident gap in the market for productivity tools that cater specifically to the needs of the neurodivergent community. My personal experiences with therapy and psychiatric care highlighted the importance of grounding techniques, organisational support, and a balanced lifestyle in managing ADHD and anxiety. It was very important to me that the app be personalised which I believe provides a deeper level of care than some of the apps out there. Recognizing the scarcity of apps designed with these principles in mind, I was motivated to create GoblinX as a comprehensive solution that not only aids in daily task management but also embodies the therapeutic strategies that have been pivotal in my own journey.
Now we know why you built GoblinX, can you tell us a bit more about how you built it?
Building GoblinX was a comprehensive journey that required diving deep into both the technical and security aspects of app development. I chose Apple’s native SwiftUI framework for the frontend to leverage its powerful capabilities in creating a seamless and intuitive user interface, ensuring that the app is accessible and user-friendly for the neurodivergent community. For the backend, I utilised Firebase for its scalability and reliability, which was crucial in managing the data and operations of our app effectively. I use Firebase auth, analytics, database, functions, and messaging.
One of the most enriching parts of this journey was the diverse set of skills I had to acquire to elevate GoblinX to production grade. This included gaining a deep understanding of infrastructure security to protect the app from unauthorised access and bot attacks. An early challenge I encountered was handling an unexpected surge in OTP requests from countries like Bangladesh and Iran, which significantly increased our authentication costs. This incident taught me the importance of implementing robust security measures, such as IP and phone number verification, to prevent similar issues. Firebase’s “AppCheck” feature became a pivotal tool in ensuring that requests were authenticated and originated from legitimate devices, thereby enhancing our app’s security posture.
Additionally, I integrated OpenAI’s technology extensively within GoblinX to increase the degree of personalization offered to users which was instrumental in helping our users manage their tasks more effectively. The adaptive use of OpenAI not only improved the app’s usability but also enriched the feature set tailored for our target audience.
As GoblinX evolved, the necessity to expand our technological stack became apparent. I ventured into learning other languages and technologies like Javascript and integrated Google Cloud Functions to support new features like the referral program and deep linking. This allowed for more sophisticated functionalities, including a personalised notification system that runs on Google Cloud Functions, providing our users with daily personalised notifications to enhance their experience with GoblinX.
How did you roll this out to end users? Were there any specific platforms or techniques you used?
I did not have an official rollout strategy for GoblinX because initially, I was just playing around and trying to build something for myself. After realising that others could find the app useful, I decided to pursue a formal rollout strategy that focused on community engagement and digital platforms. I did a product hunt launch to get the word out there and I also leveraged social media platforms like Tiktok and posting on my personal instagram page. One of the mistakes I made starting out is that I did not incorporate a robust analytics infrastructure when I first launched the app which set me back a couple of months. Incorporating analytics early would’ve given me insights on what features my users were using and also provided some data to leverage advertising platforms like Facebook and TikTok. I tried running ads on Facebook and TikTok for a few months but they were largely unsuccessful. I’ve gotten better traction with organic reach as > 90% of my user acquisition is through Apple Search Optimization (ASO).
Do you have any future plans for GoblinX that you’re willing to share?
Looking ahead, I am pretty excited about the future of digital health. I’ve been working on a core feature over the last few months called “coaching” that will allow users to connect 1 on 1 with ADHD coaches. This is consistent with my view that providing personalization at scale is the greatest form of value add I can offer to my users. The X in GoblinX is an “ode” to elon musk transforming twitter to X in an effort to create a superapp. I want GoblinX to serve the same function as a superapp in mental health.
Finally, where can people find GoblinX and keep in touch with you?
GoblinX is available for download on the iOS App Store. I’m very inactive on social media but you can also find my twitter at @venturemanny and personal instagram at @therealmannyu.
From the Idea2Product team
With its thoughtfully crafted suite of tools, GoblinX is beginning to recognise the distinct challenges its users encounter, offering tailored solutions to help overcome them. With features like the Automated Task Organiser and Mood Journal, GoblinX is beginning to empower individuals with ADHD and related conditions, aiding them in regaining control and unlocking their full potential. This isn’t solely about productivity; it’s about embracing a journey of empowerment. As GoblinX gains momentum, it’s proving to be increasingly indispensable for those striving to conquer the daily grind.
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