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Drift.

A daily check-in with a twist.

In discovery · Concept
Stage
Concept and discovery
Platform
Planned: mobile-first PWA
Role
Research, design, build
Pen pals
Fictional characters, never real strangers

The problem

Mood journals ask a lot and give little back, so most people stop within a week. Streaks make every missed day feel like failure.

Hypothesis

If a quick check-in earns something to look forward to, like a letter that might arrive, people will keep showing up without streak pressure.

How it works

Reflection and a letter game, kept separate
  1. 01Check inA quick mood check-in, notes optional. Each one earns points.
  2. 02Drift a letterSpend points to send a letter to the past or the future, on stationery you choose.
  3. 03Wait and wonderA fictional pen pal may write back, and random letters can arrive. Replies are never guaranteed, so each one feels special.
Quick check-insLight and fast. No streaks and nothing lost for missed days.
Patterns, not diagnosesWeekly and monthly reflections show what you logged, gently.
Letters through timeA cast of fictional correspondents, from a 1700s sailor to someone in the future.
Stationery and keepsakesPaper, ink and wax seals nudge who might reply. Letters can hold small mementos.

Early wireframes

Low fidelity, for testing the flow
Daily check-in
Write a letter
Inbox

Progress

  • ✓Concept, two-system design and principles
  • ✓Draft points economy and rarity tiers
  • ✓Mock brand mark
  • Check-in questions and mood scale
  • First cast of fictional pen pals and their voices
  • Playtest letter arrival odds

Open questions

  • How can analytics show patterns without sounding clinical?
  • How often should letters arrive to keep anticipation fun?
  • Are the point prices balanced against daily check-ins?