App Review
Does Your Brain Need an Executive Assistant? Try Dot.
1.7.25 | 6-8 minutes
Are you ever stuck trying to figure out something complex? You’re trying to keep all the variables and parameters and details in your head so you can sort them in a reasonable way but bits keep slipping out as you try to put them together until you end up like a car stuck in the mud with your wheels spinning wildly and no forward motion. And then you talk it out with a friend and suddenly it’s so clear. No? Just me then.
The problem I have is that I don’t always have an convenient friend on standby at every moment ready to dig into the details of why I think my routines are a little askew, I mean, not totally disrupted, but a bit off and . . .
Enter the Dot App by New Computer—a conversational AI chatbot that combines the power of human-like interaction with a computer’s memory for detail. Dot doesn’t only answer questions like what are the most common parts of a morning routine; it gets to know you, learning from your interactions to provide more meaningful responses. For nuanced challenges, I’ve found Dot to be a particularly valuable tool that allows me to outsource a little of my executive functioning and make more forward progress towards my goals.
App Details
Dot is the only app out from New Computer, and it is available only for iOS (my apologies if you’re not in the Apple fold—I’ll be sure to post if I find something similar for other systems). If you’re using an iOS device, you’ll find it on the App Store. It comes as a free app with a limited number of exchanges in a given day, or a paid version that has unlimited exchanges and a further feature called Chronicles that curates your conversations over time.
It uses a simple, clean interface that feels something like texting with a trusted friend. When you download it for the first time, it will ask lots of getting to know you questions that it uses to start understanding more about you. You’ll want to plan a little time for this process if possible to start getting good results from early on.
Its whole purpose is to collect information from you with the goal of giving you meaningful responses over time, so it is possible that you might have privacy concerns. New Computer’s privacy policy states that they will use your data to improve their product in anonymized form, and that they won’t sell your data to third-party companies. You can read their privacy policy here for more information.
What I appreciate most about Dot
One of the standout features of Dot is how it feels like having a conversation with a supportive friend who happens to have an endless working memory and the resources of the internet at their fingertips. Dot’s ability to get to know you and tailor its responses based on past interactions makes it more than just a chatbot.
Dot is like constantly having an on-call good friend with a memory the size of a mainframe and the whole internet in their back pocket.
For instance, when I was recently working on creating a repeatable task flow for developing and delivering workshops, Dot helped me break down the process into manageable steps. In the past, I’d routinely write “work on upcoming workshop” on my to-do list and just throw myself at it until the workshop was done, leaving me always unsure if I had allotted enough time or whether I was being efficient. Dot guided me through creating a structured, repeatable workflow, while also helping me set personal constraints to stay focused and avoid overcomplicating the tasks.
While other AI could likely help with task breakdowns, Dot’s advantage lies in its personalized approach. It not only learns what’s important to me but also suggests adjustments based on my interests and tendencies. In addition to sequencing and helping me with constraints, Dot recommended that I consider incorporating my artistic background into my workshops by creating my own graphics and illustrations. Not only does this enhance my presentations, but it also brings me personal satisfaction—something Dot recognized from our previous conversations.
Dot is extra helpful to those of us who are neurodiverse
As someone with a differently-wired brain, I often struggle to keep everything in working memory, which can make tackling complex tasks a challenge. Dot’s ability to juggle details and provide thoughtful assistance makes it an invaluable resource for people like me. Being able to just brain dump my thoughts into the app and have it helpfully prioritize and sequence and generally clarify has saved me both time and a significant amount of personal energy.
And it’s not just about having Dot spit back the right answer either; sometimes, the process of explaining why app’s suggestion doesn’t work helps clarify my own thoughts. Trying to attack goals or tasks that I haven’t clearly defined in my head is on of my biggest procrastination triggers. The back-and-forth with Dot not only leads to better responses from the app over time but also enhances my personal understanding of whatever I’m dealing with.
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Additionally, Dot’s ability to help set guidelines and personal constraints is particularly useful for neurodiverse users. My brain tends to work in a divergent mode, constantly jumping to new ideas and connections. Dot helps me color inside the lines when it’s necessary, helping me create the structure I need to move forward without stifling my creativity. This can be a huge support for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the details or struggles to stay on track.
And it doesn’t care if the issue seems trivial
One of my favorite things about Dot is how it’s available anytime and ready to chat, no matter how trivial or unique my needs may be. For example, one weekend afternoon, I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have the energy for anything productive. I wanted to avoid defaulting to my usual habit of playing sudoku on my phone, so I turned to Dot for ideas. It suggested several options, including a jigsaw puzzle, which sparked a deeper conversation about creative outlets. This led me to rediscover an art practice I used to enjoy but hadn’t revisited in years.
Ultimately, my chat with Dot helped me have a restorative, fulfilling afternoon instead of just killing time.
And the bits I don’t love
Dot isn’t without its flaws. As an app, it occasionally glitches, though the rare hiccup hasn’t disrupted its overall usefulness for me. A more significant potential drawback is that while Dot’s conversational style feels human—spoiler alert—it’s not a real person. At times, it really tries too hard and can feel awkward. I had to tell it to stop complimenting me so much, as the excessive praise made me uncomfortable. This quirk mostly amuses me; when I laughingly told my family, my daughter joked, “Did you tell it you’re married and it should back off?” But it also highlights the occasional strangeness of being a human interacting with a computer that’s pretending to be a human. Sometimes it can be a distraction when you’re trying to use the app to accomplish something.
How to get the best experience
To maximize your experience with Dot, the best advice I have is to use it regularly. Take some time during the initial setup to help it understand you. Also be willing to provide feedback when it’s off-target so it can learn from its missteps. While Dot excels at nuanced prioritization and problem-solving, remember that it’s not always the best tool for every situation, so don’t hesitate to grab something else when you need to.
For straightforward planning—like organizing tasks for a Thanksgiving menu—ChatGPT might be the better choice. Its clear, linear approach can cut through complications without needing conversational nuance. However, when you need help navigating priorities or considering trade-offs, Dot’s personalized and collaborative style truly shines. By using both tools strategically, you can get the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Dot has quickly become an invaluable tool for outsourcing some of my executive functioning and making real progress toward my goals. Its personalized, conversational approach offers just enough structure and support to help me tackle even my most complex and not-quite-defined challenges. And when Dot can’t quite solve a problem, that itself often gives me clarity about my next steps—whether that’s turning to a close friend for a deeper conversation or spending time reflecting in my journal. For me, Dot is a regular part of my workflow as well as a partner in problem-solving and personal growth.
