Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about TricTrak

What is TricTrak and who is it for?

TricTrak is a unique, highly-customizable application designed to help individuals manage and reduce symptoms associated with trichotillomania, nail biting, skin picking, face touching, restless hands, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Using advanced face and hand tracking technology, TricTrak provides real-time awareness and progress tracking tools to help you build better habits and take control of compulsive behaviors.

How does TricTrak work?

TricTrak uses pre-trained machine learning models to detect and track specific hand and face movements in real-time. When the app detects patterns associated with target behaviors, it provides immediate feedback through customizable alerts, helping you to become more aware of these behaviors as they occur. This data is then translated into visual charts used to pinpoint problem areas, establish baseline frequencies, and set progress goals to reduce occurrences over time. This awareness is a crucial first step in managing compulsive habits and developing healthier coping strategies.

Which browsers support TricTrak? Can I use it on mobile?

TricTrak works in any modern web browser, including mobile devices! We support Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on both iOS and Android. The app is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes, though for optimal tracking performance, we recommend using the app on a desktop or laptop.

Does TricTrak still work if I switch tabs, minimize the browser, or use a different application?

Short answer - Yes! While modern browsers employ security features that disable most of the app's features when the application tab is not active, we've integrated a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode that allows for continous monitoring, even when navigating away from the app! Clicking the PiP Mode button below the video feed creates a small floating window that continues tracking and alerting even while working in other tabs, browsers, or applications. This facilitates uninterrupted monitoring while minimizing distractions and maximizing your available workspace.

What are your privacy and security measures?

Your privacy and data security are our top priority. We built this app with a singular mission: to help people break free from compulsive behaviors while developing lasting awareness and positive habits. We're here to support your journey, not harvest your data. We don't collect biometrics, train AI models, or share any information with third parties; we require only the information necessary to create an account and track your progress.

  • All tracking and processing happens locally on your device, not on our servers
  • Your video feed NEVER leaves your computer and is NEVER stored; it is only accessible to the user
  • We only store essential account information (email) and progress data
  • We use industry-standard encryption (AES-256) for all login and progress data storage
  • We employ a comprehensive security infrastructure as detailed in our Privacy Policy

In other words, we take your privacy seriously - seriously.

How can I optimize tracking performance?

There are a number of factors that can impact tracking accuracy:

  • Lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit from the front; avoid strong backlighting
  • Background: A plain, contrasting background improves tracking accuracy
  • Distance: Position yourself 2-5 feet from the camera for optimal tracking
  • Camera angle: Your face should be centered in the frame and clearly visible
  • Camera quality: Higher resolution cameras generally provide better tracking
  • Internet connection: While all tracking is local, a stable connection helps with data syncing

If you find that the app is having trouble detecting your face or hands, don't worry! Simple adjustments like changing the camera angle, increasing/decreasing your distance from the camera, or modifying the lighting typically solves any tracking issues.

What tracking modes are available?

We offer customizable tracking modes, allowing you to target specific regions or problem areas while ensuring that you aren't alerted with false triggers:

  • Beard - tracks the lower face, useful for those who find themselves pulling at their beard or mustache
  • Scalp - tracks the top of the head to monitor hair pulling
  • Eyes - tracks both eyes to monitor eyelash pulling
  • Eyebrows - tracks both eyebrows to monitor eyebrow pulling
  • Mouth - tracks the mouth area to monitor nail biting
  • Face for comprehensive monitoring of all common problem regions

You can also enable multiple tracking modes simultaneously, and region preferences can be set in your account settings so that they are automatically enabled upon logging in.

How do alerts work?

TricTrak offers customizable alerts to match your preferences:

  • Sound alerts (various options from gentle to more noticeable)
  • Visual alerts and feedback
  • Vibration alerts (on supported devices)
  • Positive affirmations and encouragement

All alerts can be adjusted or disabled based on your needs and environment. Alert preferences can also be updated and saved in your account settings.

How do you handle my progress data?

We only collect and store the minimum data necessary to help you track your progress:

  • Session durations and timestamps
  • Region and streak information
  • Alert frequency
  • Region and alert preferences

This data helps you monitor your improvement over time and identify patterns. All progress data is encrypted and stored securely in our database, never shared with third parties, and visible only to you.