Wen Weng

Brain Dump & Clarify

From Spare Time to Launch: My End-to-End Approach to Building a Real Product

Timeline

June 2025 - Current

My Role

Co-Founder
Product Designer

Team

1 Designer
1 Developer

Prompted Journal

Productivity

B2C

Cognitive Loads

Liquid Glass

Trigger List

Getting Things Done

I co-founded this App as the person handling Product, Design, and Research, building it alongside a full-stack iOS engineer. It started because both of us enjoy productivity tools, and when Apple released Liquid Glass, we were curious how this new UI could change everyday interactions. We wanted to build something small, fun, and experimental. It was just two people trying different approaches and learning from each other. That mindset later became our indie studio, NRF2.

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

I co-founded this App as the person handling Product, Design, and Research, building it alongside a full-stack iOS engineer. It started because both of us enjoy productivity tools, and when Apple released Liquid Glass, we were curious how this new UI could change everyday interactions. We wanted to build something small, fun, and experimental. It was just two people trying different approaches and learning from each other. That mindset later became our indie studio, NRF2.

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

I co-founded this App as the person handling Product, Design, and Research, building it alongside a full-stack iOS engineer. It started because both of us enjoy productivity tools, and when Apple released Liquid Glass, we were curious how this new UI could change everyday interactions. We wanted to build something small, fun, and experimental. It was just two people trying different approaches and learning from each other. That mindset later became our indie studio, NRF2.

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

👁️ About the App

Brain Dump & Clarify sits between a prompted journal and a productivity tool. Inspired by GTD (Getting Things Done), the app gives users a dedicated space to unload everything on their mind using carefully designed trigger lists. After the brain dump, the Clarify Notes flow guides users to think through each thought and decide the next action without turning the process into a heavy task manager.

The goal is simple: create a focused moment to clear your head, understand what each thought means, and move forward with more clarity.

Brain Dump & Clarify sits between a prompted journal and a productivity tool. Inspired by GTD (Getting Things Done), the app gives users a dedicated space to unload everything on their mind using carefully designed trigger lists. After the brain dump, the Clarify Notes flow guides users to think through each thought and decide the next action without turning the process into a heavy task manager.

The goal is simple: create a focused moment to clear your head, understand what each thought means, and move forward with more clarity.

🤧

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

🤧

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

🤧

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

🤧

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

🎯

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

🎯

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

🎯

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

🎯

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

📍 Scope

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:
Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.
Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.
Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.
We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:
Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.
Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.
Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.
We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.

👾 How we started

An untraditional start: landscape analysis first

Instead of beginning with user needs, we tried something neither of us had done before. We started with landscape analysis.

We looked at the App Store, competitors, and social media, imagining where our app could eventually sit.

This idea came from studying Nest, a product that positioned itself clearly from day one. We were curious about this approach, and it offered a major benefit: instead of searching for a niche need, we could design with the market in mind from the start.

Survey to test the market

We noticed that journaling was both popular and aligned with GTD. So I decided to run a survey to test the idea.

I created a questionnaire and shared it through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We sent out 25 surveys and collected 22 valid responses. Participants came from across the U.S., mostly aged 20–35, with many working in tech.

First design and user flow

At the same time, the first design draft was ready. It included the main functions: Home, Brain Dump, Clarify, and Trigger Lists.

Users would start by picking a trigger list that interested them. The session would begin with a series of prompts to brain dump their thoughts, then move straight into Clarify to identify the next action.

Testing the first design: Cognitive Walkthrough

To test the early design quickly (before we had a prototype) I conducted a cognitive walkthrough.

This method only requires static screens. I asked participants what they thought each page was for, what they wanted and expected to do next, and where they would click.

It was a perfect early test. Low cost, fast, and very good at exposing flow issues and usability gaps.

🧩 Survey Insights

S1

GTD is niche for the general public, but strong within certain communities.

S1

GTD is niche for the general public, but strong within certain communities.

S1

GTD is niche for the general public, but strong within certain communities.

S1

GTD is niche for the general public, but strong within certain communities.

S2

Participants live structured lives, yet still feel overwhelmed.

S2

Participants live structured lives, yet still feel overwhelmed.

S2

Participants live structured lives, yet still feel overwhelmed.

S2

Participants live structured lives, yet still feel overwhelmed.

S3

Different tools are used for capturing thoughts vs. managing tasks.

S3

Different tools are used for capturing thoughts vs. managing tasks.

S3

Different tools are used for capturing thoughts vs. managing tasks.

S3

Different tools are used for capturing thoughts vs. managing tasks.

S4

Reliability is crucial for long-term use.

S4

Reliability is crucial for long-term use.

S4

Reliability is crucial for long-term use.

S4

Reliability is crucial for long-term use.

🧩 Cognitive Walkthrough Insights

C1

A quick success is important for first-time users.

C1

A quick success is important for first-time users.

C1

A quick success is important for first-time users.

C1

A quick success is important for first-time users.

C2

Users may not always want to dedicate in one session.

C2

Users may not always want to dedicate in one session.

C2

Users may not always want to dedicate in one session.

C2

Users may not always want to dedicate in one session.

A milestone moment: from research insights to actions

The survey and walkthrough revealed several insights that pointed to clear problems we had to solve. I created a UX report for my teammate and we held a full review session.

The biggest UX recommendation was to separate Brain Dump and Clarify.

S3 & C1 ->

New feature: A place for direct and fast note input.

S3 ->

Increase “Archive” feature to higher priority.

C1 & C2 ->

Separate Brain dump and Clarify.

S4 ->

Increase reliability by… providing Exporting option.

Second design iteration: show the moment of truth sooner, and redefine MVP scope

Users needed to feel the value quickly and understand how the app works. Forcing both steps to happen together only made the experience feel long and confusing.

We agreed to make major changes to the flow and reset our MVP scope. I redesigned the flow to surface the core value earlier.

Small tests to validate the homepage

Along with the new flow, I ran two small tests to confirm that the homepage communicated the product clearly.

I wanted to know whether users could understand what the app does without me explaining it first. The homepage carries a lot of weight, and it should speak for the product on its own.

The two tests were:

5-second test
Black hat session

🏗️ Next Steps

Improving ASO & Marketing

After reviewing our backend data, we realized we needed to strengthen our App Store presence. That meant improving ASO: name, subtitle, keywords, reviews, conversion rate, screenshots, outside links, and more.

We are using Astro to analyze competitor keywords and plan a more accurate and wider keyword strategy.

There is still a lot to do. Stay tuned and we’re continuing the journey!

🥋 Retrospection

✸

There’re so many other things outside of the APP itself.

As a designer, we often focus on optimizing the experience in the APP itself. But there're many thing we can consider. Like one way to improve user engagement is to post your working process in public, inviting people to see how you build the product.

✸

There’re so many other things outside of the APP itself.

As a designer, we often focus on optimizing the experience in the APP itself. But there're many thing we can consider. Like one way to improve user engagement is to post your working process in public, inviting people to see how you build the product.

✸

There’re so many other things outside of the APP itself.

As a designer, we often focus on optimizing the experience in the APP itself. But there're many thing we can consider. Like one way to improve user engagement is to post your working process in public, inviting people to see how you build the product.

✸

There’re so many other things outside of the APP itself.

As a designer, we often focus on optimizing the experience in the APP itself. But there're many thing we can consider. Like one way to improve user engagement is to post your working process in public, inviting people to see how you build the product.

✸

Be humble, be curious, and find your team.

It sounds cliche, but it's so true! I asked questions when I wasn't sure, I didn't stick to my design opinions only because I was the designer. And I ended up learning more things from other people than I could ever expected.

✸

Be humble, be curious, and find your team.

It sounds cliche, but it's so true! I asked questions when I wasn't sure, I didn't stick to my design opinions only because I was the designer. And I ended up learning more things from other people than I could ever expected.

✸

Be humble, be curious, and find your team.

It sounds cliche, but it's so true! I asked questions when I wasn't sure, I didn't stick to my design opinions only because I was the designer. And I ended up learning more things from other people than I could ever expected.

✸

Be humble, be curious, and find your team.

It sounds cliche, but it's so true! I asked questions when I wasn't sure, I didn't stick to my design opinions only because I was the designer. And I ended up learning more things from other people than I could ever expected.

Thank you for reading! Next Project

My Choices For All Create inclusive decision-aid website for TGNC individuals

Bus+ Find the next stragegy for this All-in-one transit App

Made with resistence and love

Thank you for reading! Next Project

My Choices For All Create inclusive decision-aid website for TGNC individuals

Bus+ Find the next stragegy for this All-in-one transit App

Email me

wen.w.weng.ofc@gmail.com

Connect me

Linkedln

Behance

✺❊❆✵✹❉

Resume

Email me

wen.w.weng.ofc@gmail.com

Connect me

Linkedln

Behance

✺❊❆✵✹❉

Resume

Brain Dump & Clarify

Brain Dump & Clarify

Brain Dump & Clarify

From Spare Time to Launch: My End-to-End Approach to Building a Real Product

From Spare Time to Launch: My End-to-End Approach to Building a Real Product

From Spare Time to Launch: My End-to-End Approach to Building a Real Product

Timeline

June 2025 - Current

My Role

Co-FounderProduct Designer

Team

1 Designer1 Developer

Prompted Journal

Productivity

B2C

Cognitive Loads

Liquid Glass

Trigger List

Getting Things Done

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

I also tied this work into one of my class assignments, using academic resources to strengthen the product, and using the product to make the class project more realistic. It created a simple loop: school informed the app, and the app grounded the coursework.

The App's still in development, but our MVP is already live! You can find it on the App Store: Brain Dump & Clarify.

👁️ About the App

👁️ About the App

The goal is simple: create a focused moment to clear your head, understand what each thought means, and move forward with more clarity.

The goal is simple: create a focused moment to clear your head, understand what each thought means, and move forward with more clarity.

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

Problems

People interested in GTD struggle with the brain-dump step. Without a habit or structure, they find it hard to unload their thoughts on their own.

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

Objectives

1. From building it to dissertation

Build the app from zero and actually get it into people’s hands. Improve App Store visibility through better ASO.

2. Research Driven: Make fully informed decision

Bring user research and product strategy together in a way that actually guides decisions.

📍 Scope

📍 Scope

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.

👾 How we started

👾 How we started

An untraditional start: landscape analysis first

Instead of beginning with user needs, we tried something neither of us had done before. We started with landscape analysis.

We looked at the App Store, competitors, and social media, imagining where our app could eventually sit.

This idea came from studying Nest, a product that positioned itself clearly from day one. We were curious about this approach, and it offered a major benefit: instead of searching for a niche need, we could design with the market in mind from the start.

Survey to test the market

We noticed that journaling was both popular and aligned with GTD. So I decided to run a survey to test the idea.

I created a questionnaire and shared it through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). We sent out 25 surveys and collected 22 valid responses. Participants came from across the U.S., mostly aged 20–35, with many working in tech.

First design and user flow

At the same time, the first design draft was ready. It included the main functions: Home, Brain Dump, Clarify, and Trigger Lists.

Users would start by picking a trigger list that interested them. The session would begin with a series of prompts to brain dump their thoughts, then move straight into Clarify to identify the next action.

Testing the first design: Cognitive Walkthrough

To test the early design quickly (before we had a prototype) I conducted a cognitive walkthrough.

This method only requires static screens. I asked participants what they thought each page was for, what they wanted and expected to do next, and where they would click.

It was a perfect early test. Low cost, fast, and very good at exposing flow issues and usability gaps.

🧩 Survey Insights

Co-Founder
Product Designer

1 Designer
1 Developer

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:
Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.
Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.
Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.
We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.

This is the frame work of GTD. We seperated it to 3 parts:
Part 1 is to brain dump your thoughts.
Part 2 is to clarify actions for your thought.
Part 3 is to find a proper destination for your action.

We decided focus on part 1 and part 2, and optimizing the whole experiences on them.
We did not integrate part 3 because that required huge work and wasn't the focus of the App.