Gwyneth Binz
Pixel Sprout is a goal-based productivity app that helps users track multiple goals and projects at the same time in a structured and stress-free way.
The idea arose from the observation that students, in particular, often have to manage numerous other ambitious projects alongside their standard university routine – be it career plans, creative projects, the path to self-employment or personal development. As long-term visions can quickly get lost among short-term to-dos in the hustle and bustle of daily life, this leads to many people feeling overwhelmed and losing motivation.
Pixel Sprout solves this problem through a clear structural separation of life’s different areas and a playful visualisation within an interactive pixel art garden. Each overarching goal is assigned its own garden area, which visibly grows, flourishes and changes as milestones are reached. Progress is thus not merely documented in a dry manner, but made emotionally and visually tangible. This strengthens intrinsic motivation and keeps the focus on what really matters.
The idea combines my own experiences as a student with my passion for app and game development. As I myself pursue many different interests simultaneously, I know first-hand the challenge of keeping track of everything. At the same time, I’m developing a so-called ‘cozy game’ in pixel art style in my spare time. This combination gave rise to the vision of merging the motivating, stress-relieving mechanisms of video games (gamification) with a functional tool for goal tracking.
What are your biggest challenges at the moment?
I am currently working intensively on developing our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in order to turn this playful concept into a fully functional, stable software application. A major hurdle in this process is securing the necessary financial and time resources to drive the technical implementation forward consistently.
Looking ahead, another challenge lies in strategic marketing: we need to reach the exact target audience, position the app in the app stores and build an active, loyal community around Pixel Sprout right from the start.
What is your goal for the duration of the EXIST-Women programme?
My primary goal during the EXIST Women programme is to successfully complete the Pixel Sprout MVP and gather qualified user feedback through initial closed testing phases. I intend to use this data to optimise the application iteratively.
In addition, I want to make use of the specialist workshops and personal mentoring to deepen my knowledge in the areas of business start-ups and strategic product development. Equally important to me is the open exchange with the other female founders, in order to build a resilient network, find mutual support and benefit from the community’s experience.
“Your focus shapes your reality.”