Independent lab

Tools for starting — without shame.

Common Gene Labs builds calm, supportive tools for people who struggle with starting, focus, and overwhelm. Not to fix you — just to be with you.

Calm design Human variability Built slowly, with care
Now building
With You

A gentle companion for moments of overwhelm, task paralysis, and getting started. Designed for ADHD brains — diagnosed or self-identified — and anyone who's ever struggled at the starting line.

Built by Common Gene Labs View product
Live on App Store
Tend

Turns discharge paperwork into a clear recovery schedule. Free for iPhone and Mac. Built for caregivers and patients managing recovery at home.

Beliefs

Starting is often the hardest part

We design for the moment before momentum — when your brain is loud and the first step feels impossible.

Difficulty isn't failure

We treat friction as information, not a moral verdict. Systems should adapt to people — not the other way around.

Calm beats optimization

We avoid pressure-based design. The goal is steadiness, clarity, and emotional safety.

What we make

Small, thoughtful tools that reduce friction without adding pressure. We build with care, curiosity, and respect for how people actually work.

In development

With You

A gentle companion for moments of overwhelm and task paralysis. Designed for ADHD brains and anyone who struggles at the starting line.

Live on App Store

Tend: Recovery Care

Turns discharge paperwork into a clear recovery schedule. Free for iPhone and Mac. Built for caregivers and patients managing recovery at home.

Design principles

  • Default to less
  • Explain why things exist
  • Design for hard days
  • Support variability, not ideals
  • Be a companion, not a coach

What you won't see

  • Hustle language
  • Shame loops
  • "Fix yourself" framing
  • Dark patterns or pressure metrics
  • Noise for the sake of engagement

Contact

Questions, collaboration, or early access — reach out directly.

hello@commongenelabs.com

We read everything and respond to most.