Neuroscience-powered focus

Deep work,
finally measured.

Most focus apps measure time. DepthWork measures depth — scoring every session with the Focus Depth Index, built on neuroplasticity, dopamine, and flow-state research.

Inspired by the deep work movement. Built on the neuroscience behind it.

Download on the App Store See how it works →

iOS only  ·  No account required  ·  7-day free trial

23min avg re-focus cost after distraction
8wks to measurable brain changes
25min flow-state entry threshold

Not a timer. A brain training system.

Every session is measured, scored, and fed back into a model of your cognitive fitness — built on peer-reviewed neuroscience.

01
Before

Set your intention

Define a micro-goal for the session. Activates your prefrontal cortex's goal-holding circuits before you even start.

02
During

Focus without interruption

The app silently tracks session quality. Every distraction is weighted by timing — early interruptions cost more than late ones.

03
After

Receive your FDI score

Your Focus Depth Index (FDI) is calculated from interruption patterns, goal completion, and flow state detection.

04
Over time

Track brain fitness

Streaks, achievements, and a rolling cognitive fitness score show how your focus improves week over week.

A score that actually means something

Most focus apps measure time. DepthWork measures quality. The FDI formula combines four scientifically-backed variables to give you a true picture of how deep your focus really went.


Completion ratio — how much of your planned session was genuinely focused
Distraction decay — each interruption reduces your score exponentially
Timing penalty — early distractions cost more (the 23-min flow window)
Goal bonus — completing your stated goal adds 15% to your score

87
FDI score
Completion
96%
Interruptions
×1
Flow state
Yes
Goal
Deep work — article draft 87
Code review session 74
Email catch-up 41

Milestones rooted in real neuroscience

🌱
First synapse
Your first neural connection is made
Day 1
🧠
Myelin builder
Focus pathways begin myelinating
Day 7
🧬
Habit encoded
Basal ganglia automates your routine
Day 21
🔬
Neural architect
Structural brain changes now detectable
Month 1
🌊
Flow native
Flow state becomes your default mode
Month 6
🧘
Zone entered
First confirmed zero-interruption session
Flow

Built on peer-reviewed research, not wellness trends

Every feature in DepthWork traces back to published neuroscience. Here's what's under the hood.

23-minute re-focus cost

UC Irvine research shows each distraction costs 23 minutes of recovery. Our FDI formula weights interruption timing accordingly.

🔁

Neuroplasticity loops

Repeated focused practice physically reshapes neural pathways through myelination and synaptic strengthening — measurable in 8–12 weeks.

🎯

Dopamine completion mechanics

Completing stated goals triggers dopamine release, reinforcing the focus habit. Our goal-setting flow is designed around this loop.

🌀

Ultradian rhythm breaks

University of Illinois research shows brief breaks prevent attention habituation. DepthWork rewards strategically timed rest, not just work.

🧪

Flow state threshold

Csíkszentmihályi's flow research shows ~25 uninterrupted minutes is the entry threshold. Sessions crossing this earn our rare Flow badge.

🎵

Noise & cognition

2024 research in Scientific Reports confirms pink and white noise at ~45dB improves sustained attention. Built into every session.

Start free. Go deeper when you're ready.

Try every premium feature for 7 days. No credit card required.

Free Trial
7 days free
Try all premium features
  • Unlimited focus sessions
  • Advanced FDI breakdown
  • Flow state detection
  • All achievements unlocked
  • No credit card required
Start free trial
Premium Monthly
$1.99 / month
The full neuroscience engine
  • Unlimited focus sessions
  • Advanced FDI breakdown
  • Flow state detection
  • Noise type correlation tracking
  • Monthly & lifetime achievements
Download app

Frequently asked questions

Everything you'd want to know about DepthWork before downloading.

How is DepthWork different from other focus apps?
Most focus apps are just timers. DepthWork uses peer-reviewed neuroscience to measure focus quality, not just duration. The Focus Depth Index (FDI) formula accounts for interruption patterns, flow-state detection, timing, and completion — giving you a true picture of how deep each session actually went.
What is the Focus Depth Index (FDI)?
The FDI is a 0–100 score that measures the quality of your focus session. It combines four variables: completion ratio (how much of your session was focused), distraction decay (each interruption reduces your score exponentially), timing penalty (early distractions cost more, based on the 23-minute flow window), and a goal bonus (completing your stated goal adds 15% to your score). The formula is grounded in UC Irvine attention research and Csíkszentmihályi's flow-state studies.
Is DepthWork affiliated with Cal Newport or Deep Work?
No. DepthWork is an independent product, not affiliated with or endorsed by Cal Newport. We're inspired by the deep work movement his book named, and we built DepthWork as the measurement layer for the practice it describes — so practitioners can finally see how deep their work actually went, not just how long it took.
Does my data leave my device?
No. All focus sessions, scores, and personal data stay on your device. DepthWork doesn't require an account, doesn't send your data to servers, and doesn't track you. Your brain training is completely private.
How long until I see results?
Neuroplasticity research suggests measurable brain changes begin around 8 weeks of consistent practice. You'll likely notice improved FDI scores within days, but structural changes — like myelination of focus pathways — typically take 8 to 12 weeks. Our achievement system tracks these biological milestones as you progress.
Is DepthWork available on Android?
Not yet. DepthWork is currently iOS-only. We're focused on perfecting the iOS experience first. Android is on the roadmap for late 2026.
How does the free trial work?
You get 7 days of full access to all premium features — Advanced FDI breakdown, flow-state detection, all achievements, and brain fitness reports. No credit card required. After the trial, choose between $1.99/month or $17.99/year (save 17%) to continue.

Start training your brain today

Download free on the App Store. Try every premium feature for 7 days — no credit card required.

iOS only  ·  No account required  ·  All data on-device