Build log #13: A web app for ADHD task breakdowns
It’s been a while since I posted a build log. I haven’t been too inspired to build much in the last 2 months as I was fully occupied with a Service Design project.
Today, as my ADHD brain needed some help, it dawned on me that I’d actually built a webapp for that very purpose a few months ago!
Let me tell you about Nextly and how it supports ADHD people like myself.
ADHD and Task Management
ADHD is a way more complex condition than what many people think. Hyperactivity doesn’t always show up as the classic “boy who can’t sit still.” And distractibility isn’t a lack of focus — it’s too much focus, spread across every stimulus in the environment. Emotional regulation is another piece that rarely gets discussed enough.
A lot of ADHD folks struggle with what is called Executive Functioning, the set of cognitive processes and skills that allow us to plan, monitor, and execute tasks and goals. It is often described as the brain’s “management system”.
When faced with a big project, ADHD brains can freeze. The sheer number of moving parts can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or paralysis — even though we’re perfectly capable of completing the work.
A well-known strategy to combat this is chunking — breaking big goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. Chunking provides structure, reduces overwhelm, and helps keep attention focused on what’s next.
Building Nextly
Nextly was built around the science of chunking. The requirements incorporate knowledge gathered through decades of lived experience and learning (both my kids and I have ADHD).
Coding tool
Lovable is a great tool for vibe coding. I adore its interface, love the seamless integration with Supabase, and appreciate its overall user-friendliness for non-coders like myself.
Task breakdown
Generative AI is brilliant at breaking down tasks — but only when you give it the right context. During Nextly’s build, I experimented with countless prompt patterns to get the “chunking” just right so that the resulting subtasks are clear, specific, and easy to act on.
The operation is simple: type in a goal and you get back a realistic set of steps that move you forward.
Progress tracker
In real life, every one has more than one project on the go. Therefore, Nextly is designed to store more than one project, each with its own progress tracker. If the user has not checked off any steps for a while, a push notification appears, nudging users to pay attention.
Reward system
ADHD brains thrive on immediate rewards, not delayed gratification. So I built an optional reward system where you can assign an incentive to each completed step. It’s simple, but powerful.
In the future, I can add in more gamification functions - such as streaks or badges - to get users more excited about completing their projects.
Print option
Even in a digital world, some of us need tactile feedback. So I added a print option — users can export their project as a PDF, pin it on the wall, and physically check things off. Sometimes the satisfaction of crossing something out with a pen is the best dopamine hit there is.
Would you like to try Nextly?
For a limited time, you can sign up for free at https://nextly.lovable.app/
My hope is that you will find Nextly to be a small but mighty webapp to support you in your daily life. Feedback will be much appreciated!