Every important state is made visible: the next deadline, who would be contacted, whether a check-in is synced, and what the user can do when they need help now.
3accountability modes
8 hrsupport-request window
2FAplus biometric app lock
01
Consent before monitoring
The app does not quietly imply coverage. A reachable trusted contact and the required setup steps come first.
02
Useful through a weak signal
Local-first status and a visible sync path keep the interface honest when the network is unreliable.
03
Private by default
Sensitive support, location, and relationship features are separated into deliberate, understandable choices.
01 · The brief
The challenge
Accountability software handles unusually sensitive moments. The experience had to be calm enough to use under stress, explicit about when monitoring begins, resilient through a weak connection, and careful not to promise protection it cannot guarantee. It also needed to support recovery, mental wellness, and personal safety without making those situations feel interchangeable.
02 · The response
The solution
I designed one private check-in system with three mode-specific voices: Sober, Okay, and Safe. React Native and Expo power the mobile experience; Firebase Authentication, Firestore, and Cloud Functions handle accounts, deadlines, and server-side alert work. Local caching queues a check-in when connectivity drops, while trusted-contact setup, sponsor requests, crisis resources, optional location sharing, and security controls remain clearly separated and consent-led.
Key Features
01
Modes and daily use
The calm, visible states a person interacts with every day.
Sober, Okay, and Safe modes with purpose-specific language, colors, and support roles
Check-in history, streak views, schedules, and custom intervals
Mode-aware crisis resources and an always-available ‘I’m struggling’ path
02
Reliable support
The systems that make deadlines, contacts, and weak connections dependable.
Trusted-contact onboarding must be complete before active monitoring begins
Offline check-in queue with visible sync state when connectivity returns
Server-side missed-check-in processing with push and SMS delivery paths
Sponsor or accountability-partner requests with an eight-hour response window
03
Privacy and control
Sensitive permissions and account protection remain deliberate choices.
Optional location sharing only when the user chooses it for a support request
Biometric app lock, two-factor authentication, and phone verification
01
Modes and daily use
The calm, visible states a person interacts with every day.
+
Sober, Okay, and Safe modes with purpose-specific language, colors, and support roles
Check-in history, streak views, schedules, and custom intervals
Mode-aware crisis resources and an always-available ‘I’m struggling’ path
02
Reliable support
The systems that make deadlines, contacts, and weak connections dependable.
+
Trusted-contact onboarding must be complete before active monitoring begins
Offline check-in queue with visible sync state when connectivity returns
Server-side missed-check-in processing with push and SMS delivery paths
Sponsor or accountability-partner requests with an eight-hour response window
03
Privacy and control
Sensitive permissions and account protection remain deliberate choices.
+
Optional location sharing only when the user chooses it for a support request
Biometric app lock, two-factor authentication, and phone verification
Interface overview
The product as a complete system
Core flows, states, and decisions—presented together.
01
02
03
04
01
Sober mode
A focused recovery check-in with a visible deadline, trusted-contact coverage, and immediate support access.
Are You SOS Sober mode check-in countdown and confirmation button
02
Okay mode
The same dependable check-in system, translated into gentler language for mental-wellness accountability.
Are You SOS Okay mode mental wellness check-in
03
Safe mode
Personal-safety wording, guardian support, and a clear confirmation action without exposing location by default.
Are You SOS Safe mode personal safety check-in
04
Premium+ tiers
The latest App Store review asset documents the live tier boundaries across modes, contacts, history, sponsor support, and shared check-ins.
Current Are You SOS Premium Plus feature comparison prepared for App Store review
Product status
Private beta is being prepared for its first iPhone release; the case study does not present it as publicly launched
One product now supports three distinct accountability contexts without flattening their language or support needs
A missed deadline is evaluated on the server, while temporary offline check-ins are queued locally and reconciled when service returns
Monitoring, location, sponsor relationships, and stronger account security are all designed as explicit user choices
How it was built
Selected build tools
React Native
Expo
Firebase
TypeScript
Cloud Functions
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