Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman Focus Friend by Hank Green is #1 in the App Store with Bria Sullivan
Aug 21, 2025
Bria Sullivan, a developer and founder of Honey B Games, joins the conversation to discuss the remarkable rise of Focus Friend, the engaging productivity app she co-created with Hank Green. She reveals how a dinner talk sparked its development, transforming a simple focus timer into an interactive gaming experience. Bria dives into the importance of user feedback and empathy in design, sharing insights on creating ethical gaming that promotes well-being. Plus, she candidly reflects on the challenges of balancing app development with parenthood.
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How The Collaboration Began
- Bria first met Hank at dinner after he was in town for a tour and they casually discussed apps and creators.
- A week later Hank messaged and the conversation turned into collaborating on a focus timer app.
Games That Build Helpful Habits
- Bria framed the app as a habit tool rather than an addictive game to align with her values.
- Gamification supports useful habits without forcing daily play for its own sake.
Validate Your Aesthetic With Users
- Do user research early: Bria interviewed ~40 people and used aesthetic tests to pick the bean and style.
- Iterate visuals with real users to land on an emotional point of view.