Welcome to
Drew's to-do's
A custom-built task management app designed to bridge the gap between disposable lists and repeatable routines. Developed from scratch in SwiftUI, this app prioritizes a reusable task loop that transforms daily friction into a functional, high-frequency workflow.
objective
Design, develop, and publish a functional iOS application to the Apple App Store learning the SwiftUI framework and Apple’s technical development pipeline.
strategy
Pivot from an over-engineered life-management concept to a streamlined “Home and Past” architecture that allows users to reset and reuse task sets.
outcome
A live, approved App Store product featuring custom folder iconography, color-coded categorization, and a refined UI that supports a personal, daily use-case.
For this project I was forced away from comfortable design tools to build directly inside Xcode. I had no prior experience with writing SwiftUI, wrestling with a new coding language instead of just pushing pixels in a mock-up tool.
With these limitations in mind I had a idea, a to-do app. I had some frustration with some I used at the time and also thought it would be an appropriate challenge, so I got to work.
My first idea for making the app. I wanted to make a to-do app that used folders to categorize what you had to do. These items could also be connected to a calender.
On the left you see the concept for the usage loop. I thought about incorporating the calendar, however it would complicate the simplicity and usability of the app so in the end I got rid of it.
I ended up building the app logic around a specific transition between Home and Past views. Instead of deleting completed tasks, the system moves them to a secondary state where they remain accessible. This creates a functional loop where users reset entire folders, such as a workout routine or a grocery list, with one action.
This simple loop allows for users to check what they had completed in the past while also keeping a cleaner list for current tasks.
I prioritized functional code over aesthetics in the initial builds. I spent the early development phase inside Xcode making the app work in its simplest form while learning SwiftUI fundamentals. I initially explored a warm, pastel color palette since I wanted the app to be a nice neutral place for users. This period was about the grit of the build, ensuring the code supported basic task entry and folder creation before applying a final visual layer.
but there was a problem solution
There was a problem, the logic for the core user loop was broken. Instead of individual tasks moving between views, the code forced entire folders to shift states, which destroyed the utility of the app.
Visually, the app also lacked professional direction. The original warm color scheme and inconsistent layout created a cluttered, unpolished interface that failed to look like a real tool and made it harder for the user. I decided to focus on how users would interact with the app and chose a more simple B&W color scheme that was easier on the eyes.
I rewrote the task-level code to ensure items moved independently while the folders remained anchored in both views. I stripped the color palette down to a high-contrast black and white system that emphasized easy use. This pivot simplified the UI and fixed the fundamental loop of Add, Complete, and Reset.
Screenshot of home page. A clean and visually open app that doesn’t distract the user from anything other than their tasks.
Past view of app. A clear visual indicator you are on the past screen is the dark red background. Since users don’t spend as much time on the w
Final wordmark in color, featuring Bourbon typeface and Wild Chips brand colors.
From a simple idea. to a app I use everyday.
By the end of the project, Wild Chips had developed into a complete and cohesive brand system. The final brand guidelines defined how the brand presents itself visually and verbally, and how it adapts across different applications. This project reinforced the importance of consistency and intention when building a brand from the ground up.
If you would like to explore the full brand guidelines, they are available below.
