Aestu - Frequently Asked Questions (ENG)

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Aestu ADHD Timer for Apple

Welcome to the Aestu FAQ. 

Here you'll find answers to common questions about how the app works and why it's designed the way it is.

Philosophy & Science-Backed Design

What makes Aestu different from other timers?

Aestu is built on the science of Neuro-Inclusion. 

I designed it specifically to combat Time Blindness, a common trait in ADHD where the brain struggles to perceive the passage and placement of time. 

Instead of static numbers that can cause "Executive Dysfunction" or anxiety, Aestu uses a Liquid Engine to visualize time as a physical, flowing resource.

Why are the fonts rounded and numbers stable?

Softness (The Bouba/Kiki Effect): I use SF Pro Rounded because cognitive science shows that sharp angles create subtle, unconscious tension. Soft shapes are perceived as "safe," reducing the performance anxiety that often triggers task avoidance.
Visual Stability: I use monospaced digits to prevent "visual clutter"—the distracting "dancing" effect when numbers change width. This minimizes the cognitive load on your working memory.

Why are the colors changing?

I use Semantic Color Processing so your brain can process the state of your timer instantly without needing to "read" or calculate:

  • 🔵 Indigo (Flow State): Optimized for focus without over-stimulation.
  • 🔴 Red (Urgency Notification): Triggers a "Panic Pulse" only when necessary (last minute) to help break hyperfocus.
  • 🟢 Teal (Cognitive Safety): Signals that time is "frozen," lowering cortisol levels during breaks.
  • 🟠 Orange (Positive Accountability): Used for Overtime to provide data without the "failure" association of red.

Core Features

What is "Overtime"?

Traditional timers ending at zero can cause a "flow-break" or a sense of failure if the task isn't done. 

In Aestu, reaching 00:00 triggers Positive Accountability. 

The timer counts up in orange, allowing you to finish your current thought while making you aware of the "Time Debt" you're accumulating. 

This builds metacognition (awareness of your own thought processes) without the guilt.

How does the "Scientific Cooldown" work?

Research shows that after 15-20 minutes of interruption, the ADHD brain completely loses the working memory context of a task.

  • The 5-Minute Nudge: I use a "heartbeat" haptic pattern to gently prompt your interoception (internal awareness) and bring you back to focus.
  • The 15-Minute Auto-Stop: If you're away for 15 minutes, I save the session for you. This acknowledges the limits of working memory and helps prevent the "shame spiral" of leaving a timer running for hours by mistake.

What is the Energy Level Tracker?

ADHD is often an energy management problem, not just a time problem. 

Many neurodivergent people struggle with Interoception, the ability to feel internal states like fatigue or hunger.

By asking "How do you feel?"

  • 🟢 Energized 
  • 🟡 Neutral 
  • 🔴 Drained

I help you build a data-backed map of your productivity. 

You might discover that tasks you thought were "easy" are actually draining you, allowing you to plan your day around your brain's natural energy cycles.

Controls & Interaction

How do I set the time?

  • On iPhone/Mac: Use the Circular Gesture. Click/touch and rotate your finger around the timer like a physical knob.
  • On Apple Watch: Use the Digital Crown to dial in your time.

Why do I have to "Long Press" to reset?

To prevent impulsive deletions. 

I added a 1.5-second delay to the reset button to ensure you actually want to clear your session, protecting you from accidental slips.

Multi-Platform & Sync: Total Continuity

Why is Aestu across all my Apple devices?

I built Aestu as a native experience for iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch because continuity is a cognitive tool. 

Science calls this "Cognitive Offloading." 

For the ADHD brain, switching tasks or environments is a high-risk moment for focus loss. 

By having your timer and history automatically synced via iCloud, I remove the friction of setup. 

Whether you're at your desk (Mac), on the move (iPhone), or away from screens (Watch), your focus context remains anchored and uninterrupted.

Does my data sync across devices?

Yes! Aestu uses iCloud Sync to keep your history and settings consistent. 

This ensures that no matter which device you pick up, you have an immediate visual anchor to your current session and progress.

Where is my data stored?

Your data is stored securely in your private iCloud database. 

I do not have access to your tasks, sessions, or energy levels.

Apple Watch

Does the timer work when the screen is off?

Yes. The app use Extended Runtime Sessions to ensure the timer keeps running and will vibrate on your wrist when it's done, even if you lower your arm.

Can I control the timer from my Watch Face?

Yes, using Smart Stack Widgets. 

You can start, pause, or add extra time ("Panic Button") directly from your watch face without opening the app.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me via the Contact section!