Description: A platform that pairs users with an accountability partner for a live, virtual coworking session (similar to GWG/GPGs, but at any time of the day and with a study partner from all over the world)
- Platform: built for desktop, but can used on mobile and tablet devices
- Cost: free for three 50-minute sessions per week, can pay $5/month for unlimited sessions
- Ease of use:
- easy to sign up for sessions; can sign up for sessions just a few minutes before start time, and can also schedule sessions in advance
- Tips for use:
- To maintain more of a regular schedule, you can sign up for sessions further in advance
- If you want to work with the same accountability partner again, you can share your personal Focusmate booking link
- option to sign up for a session co-working specifically within certain communities (e.g. PhD community)
- can also set partner preferences by gender
- When matched with a partner, you can check their profile. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you can cancel the session and snooze or block your partner
- If you meet someone you particularly enjoy working with, you can “favourite” them to make it easier to book future sessions together
- Other pros/cons:
- There is no mobile version, have to use the browser to use on phone (also virtual background feature not yet available on mobile)
- Sometimes your partner may not show up for the session, or arrive late, and there can be technical difficulties since your co-working partner might not have a stable connection
- Only three options for session length: 25, 50, or 75 minutes
- Link: https://www.focusmate.com
