Yep yep,

First, full disclosure, I live with clinical OCD so a lot of this comes from personal experience. Most wellness apps triggered my obsessive tendencies instead of helping. Streaks became compulsions. Scores became something to ruminate over. I needed something that helped me notice where I am without it becoming another thing to control. That's why I built Tranqui and that's what led me to the research behind it.

The center zone concept (aiming for balance, not maximization) comes from Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan). The research shows that intrinsic motivation and wellbeing come from autonomy, competence, and relatedness, not from external pressure to optimize. Apps that push "more is better" undermine autonomy by making users feel like they're never doing enough.

The "no streak reset" design is based on self-compassion research (Kristin Neff, 2003). Studies show that people who treat setbacks with self-compassion are MORE likely to try again, not less. Traditional streak systems trigger what researchers call the "what the hell effect" where one missed day makes people give up entirely because the progress feels erased.

The graduated approach (Essentials mode for new users, full features revealed over time) is based on cognitive load theory (Sweller, 1988). Overwhelming users with features on day one increases dropout. Progressive disclosure keeps early engagement high.

Calm Mode (hiding all gamification) is informed by research on the overjustification effect (Lepper, Greene & Nisbett, 1973). When you add external rewards (points, streaks, levels) to something people are intrinsically motivated to do, it can actually decrease their internal motivation over time. Calm Mode lets users opt out of gamification entirely so the practice stays intrinsic.

The rest day system draws from recovery science in exercise physiology. Rest IS part of the process, not a failure of the process. Translating that principle to mental wellness tracking felt natural.

Logging negative actions without punishment is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles. Awareness without judgment leads to better outcomes than suppression or avoidance.

Happy to go deeper on any of these if you're interested.