This app created by a Pinoy Gen Z graphic artist lets you have fun as you improve your productivity
Ever heard of the Gen Z slang “locked in”?
The term means being focused, and Gen Zs usually apply it to whatever needs their full attention like work and academics. While it could be through serious and straightforward techniques such as writing on a planner and disconnecting from the internet while accomplishing tasks, there are some who gravitate towards productivity apps to organize and complete their to-dos. Raethan Christian Supatan, a computer science student at University of the Philippines Cebu, created an app that makes things easier for the latter.
Primarily designed for students, Folderly lets its users effectively fulfill their to-do lists, organize their files, and stick to their weekly schedule. It’s big on the value of organizing, which makes sense for its name.
Supatan used to struggle with keeping deliverables in order. "Before Folderly, when it came to organizing my tasks and to-dos, I just used the Notes app on my phone. I’m grateful for the block representatives in my class who took the time to send us an overview of our assignments since it definitely helped me stay on track of my academic responsibilities," he told PhilSTAR L!fe. "Like most people who want to be more productive, I also tried other apps that offer a lot of features, but I ended up overwhelmed and confused while doing simple tasks like organizing files or creating to-do lists. The learning curve felt steep, and I eventually gave up on them because it was hard to figure out how to use them effectively."
The Gen Z graphic designer then decided to just make an app that would answer the needs of individuals like him who are looking to improve their productivity. After some initial tests, he posted the concept on TikTok, highlighting the key features he had in mind. “I wanted to gauge interest before fully committing to the development and see how my viewers would react,” he recalled. “To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive! Many commenters appreciated the simplicity and creativity of the app idea.”
He collaborated with his high school friend to develop the app further, and then submitted it as an entry to Apple's Swift Student Challenge in 2023, where he emerged as one of the 350 winners. With this feat, he earned the support he needed for it to be published on the App Store the following year.
The success of Folderly
Although Folderly’s functions are universal, its biggest charm lies in personalization. The user journey begins with creating a virtual ID card, where you can add your basic information and picture, and even export for sharing on social media. For an extra oomph, you can also add widgets—including one that resembles the classic iPod—making sure you’re aware of your tasks while you're on your phone.
While in development, Supatan wanted to make sure that the “interface wouldn’t be too formal like most productivity apps these days.”
His graphic design style is heavily apparent in the app. “I incorporated fun and engaging elements such as a colorful pastel palette, bold outlines, Y2K aesthetics, and a cartoonish yet clean design,” he said, adding that he believes that such could somehow “help reduce the stress users may feel when managing their to-dos and reading materials.”
“But above all, I prioritized ease of use and navigation, ensuring the app feels intuitive and approachable, with minimal learning required to get started,” he added.
For the young artist, bringing Folderly to life meant overcoming self-doubt. “I often questioned if the app would ever be good,” he opened up. “There were days when fixing a single bug took days, and I kept postponing the release, wondering whether users would be satisfied. I worried about potential issues: What if users encountered a problem I couldn’t fix?”
Eventually, he realized that no app is perfect, and that’s okay. “I just thought that there’s always room for improvement. Problems can be solved over time, even if not immediately,” he shared. “What kept me going was the incredible support of my friends, family, and the patient users who were excited for the release. Their encouragement motivated me to gain the confidence I needed to finish the iOS version. Once it was out, I didn't feel alone anymore.”
Now, the digital organizer app has recorded over 250,000 users. It even became the top app in the productivity category and overall in the App Store last year.
But beyond these numbers, Supatan said the community became vital for Folderly’s growth. Whether it’s on TikTok or X, students—even from countries like Thailand and Indonesia—have been integrating Folderly into their study sessions. “One message that really stood out to me was when users shared how excited they were to go to school, organize their files, and be more productive students overall,” he shared. “It’s incredible to think my app could have that kind of impact. I’m truly grateful for it, and it motivates me even more to keep improving the app so that users don't only complete their tasks more efficiently but also find enjoyment in the process.”
Folderly launched its Android version in January this year. Supatan shared more in the pipeline: a Pomodoro timer, a comprehensive calendar, an album section inside course folders for organizing essential photos, and Folderly+, a one-time in-app purchase that will make way for more customization, among others. “Features are often dependent on the demands of the users since we strive to address the majority of their problems,” he said.
Dreaming of making your own app someday? Supatan has this advice: “When creating an app, you’re not just solving a personal problem—you’re solving it for others, too. Always listen to user feedback, take time to understand their struggles, and empathize with their needs.”
“Be open to suggestions but only implement those that align with your vision. Before adding a feature, I always consult my users to see if they would find it useful and if the user interface is intuitive. Based on their feedback, I make the necessary adjustments,” he added. “Think of it as collaborating with your users—people today seem to be very vocal about what they want, so take advantage of that.”
According to Supatan, it's important to keep the user experience at the heart of your design. “Focus on simplicity and make sure your app is easy to navigate, especially for people who are already juggling a lot,” he suggested. “Start with a clear vision but be flexible and adjust your ideas based on what users actually need.”
“Lastly, don’t be afraid to start small,” he added. “Even if your app isn’t perfect initially, you can always improve it over time.”