I am tired of being constantly distracted by colleagues who don’t let me concentrate on my tasks. I used the Pomodoro technique to stay focused, however, the technique becomes useless if my colleagues are unaware I am in focus mode. I tried to find a tool to let everyone around me know that I’m concentrating and will be available to chat in 20 minutes. At the same time, I didn’t want to look like the person everyone should avoid. Unfortunately, I didn’t find such a tool.

So I decided to design a status bar that would replace a Pomodoro kitchen timer and, at the same time, show others that I am busy and when I will be available. It was essential to make the status bar usage as straightforward as possible. I need only one second to press the button to light up the BUSY status with a countdown. I plan to make the API and SDK fully open source so that anyone can build their own integrations with the device, such as plugins for time trackers.

It is hard to concentrate in an open space

I use the Pomodoro technique and work in short 25-minute sprints. I set a timer to focus on the current task, and then I take a 5-minute break. This simple technique works for me and helps me to be as efficient as possible.

For me, being in an open space has its drawbacks, such as difficulties with focusing on tasks. I was constantly distracted by questions and chats. Eventually, the whole concept behind the Pomodoro technique turned out to be useless for me.

I put a paper sign on the table that said “BUSY”. Many did not notice and ignored it, then I began to stick a large sheet of paper to the back of the monitor, and it worked better. But then, in addition to setting the kitchen timer, I had to hang a sheet with my status and, when the timer expired, remember to take it down.

Then I decided to make a glowing sign. The idea was that a large and bright text is activated and lit up by a button, while it does not have to be put up and removed like a piece of paper. And most importantly, you can activate it in a second, unlike attaching a sign to the monitor.

To be fair, conceptually similar lamps are already being sold. But all the desktop ones that I found light in all directions and are annoying. Also, these are some huge LED displays that need to be hung on the wall. If you know of any good options, please share them with us.

Stay tuned

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