Case study 05 / 05
Goal Bingo
Gamifying Productivity
A bingo game for goal setting. Built with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and TypeScript.
- Project
- Goal Bingo
- Year
- 2025
- Role
- Design & development
- Live
- goal.bingo
- Stack
- Next.js, TypeScript, Supabase, Clerk
01/Problem
The problem
Traditional goal tracking apps feel like work. I explored why games are engaging and discovered that bingo offers unique psychological benefits: clear visual progress, multiple paths to success, and the excitement of getting close to winning. User interviews revealed that accountability and sharing were key motivators for goal completion.
Many people struggle with traditional goal-setting methods due to lack of motivation, overwhelming task lists, or ineffective tracking.
Most productivity tools focus on rigid structures rather than making goal achievement engaging.
Gamification is a proven way to boost motivation, but existing goal-setting apps lack a simple and fun approach.
Goal Bingo was created to solve this by making goal tracking enjoyable and visually rewarding.
02/Approach
Goals and approach
Users create a 5x5 bingo card filled with their goals for the week or month. Each completed goal marks a square, and achieving a bingo (5 in a row) unlocks achievements and streaks. The app supports custom categories, recurring goals, and shareable bingo cards for accountability partners. Dark mode and mobile-first design ensure a pleasant experience on any device.
Build a lightweight, engaging, and easy-to-use web app for goal tracking.
Leverage gamification mechanics (bingo grids, rewards) to encourage consistency.
Provide a simple onboarding experience that lets users set up their goals quickly.
Ensure the app is mobile-friendly and intuitive.
03/Architecture
How it is built
Next.js App Router with React Server Components for optimal performance. Supabase provides real-time subscriptions for live bingo card updates across devices. The 5x5 grid state is managed with optimistic updates for instant feedback. Clerk handles auth with magic links and OAuth. Achievements and streaks are calculated server-side with database triggers to prevent manipulation.
A bingo board system, where users add goals and mark progress.
A reward-based progression system that makes goal completion exciting.
A minimalist, distraction-free UI to keep users focused.
04/Results
What happened
Goal Bingo is live at goal.bingo. Goals sit on a 5x5 card instead of a list, progress is visible at a glance, and completing a line is a small win worth sharing. Cards can be shared with accountability partners, and achievements and streaks are computed server-side so they cannot be gamed. The app works on any device, with dark mode and a mobile-first layout.