MotivAider Review: Can This Task-Management App Help ADHD Adults?

I’m a self-proclaimed app skeptic who’s on a constant search for a “get things done” (GTD) app that can help me maintain focus during activities that require every bit of my attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) concentration. A clinical psychologist by the name of Dr. Steve Levinson recently asked if I would take a look at the newest iteration of his product, the MotivAider. Some of you may already be familiar with this habit-changing tool -- ~ADDitude~ has reviewed the original product, a pager-sized device users can set to remind them of specific goals. The latest version of MotivAider offers that same service in a mobile app form. Since the word “no” is not in my vocabulary, I gladly agreed.

App Overview: The MotivAider app is allegedly an “ingeniously simple device that was designed from scratch to enable people of all ages to change their own behavior and habits quickly, easily, and privately.” If you want to stick to a diet, stay focused at work, or change any undesirable behaviors, this app just might do the trick!

The Good: I like this app because it actually works. In a previous review, I had an issue with using an app that would be potentially distracting in a work environment. This doesn’t do that. After a few uses, I found it really amazing that I associated a certain vibration sequence with the desired behavior and personal message that I chose! (Remember Pavlov’s dogs? I can totally imagine a movie deal called Levinson’s Humans.) An even cooler feature is the ability to set time intervals to remind me of the desired behavior.

The Bad: It’s still in the works and not available to the public. With any new app, there are bound to be a few hiccups here and there, and that’s to be expected. Currently, the app has three different vibration settings, and I’m wondering if there will be more setting options in the full version. For people who have lots of behaviors they want to change, adding a few more vibration settings could be helpful.

The Grade: A. For me, the app is just what I’ve been looking for. I see this app really gaining in popularity around January 1. Get those New Year’s resolutions ready because they won’t stand a chance!

App Details: It’s not yet available to the public, but you can go here to sign up to receive a notification as soon as it’s ready.