Based on a proven time-slicing strategy, Tiltimer helps to keep track of time and switch regularly between work and short breaks. It does so in the periphery of attention, in order to not distract from the main goal: getting work done. The circular device lies on the table. It can rotate automatically based on time, and the user can turn it to set time himself. Data is with a planning web app to help users keep to the schedule.
In this short-timeframe project, I quickly translated a literature review into conclusions and visualizations that are relevant for the design. Especially planning, attention and tangible interaction theory caught my interest.When the functionality was decided upon, we made many paper prototypes to compare clarity and the aesthetics of interactions. Focusing on quantity helped us to go for the most appealing option rather than falling in love with our first ideas.To decide on the device’s form, I made variations on details to evaluate ergonomics and aesthetics. A simple, concave form with subtle affordances had our preference. While we decided not to make a final prototype with this look, I think it is important to always have an idea about the product’s final look.Building a working prototype that was autonomously moving and user-configurable was challenging. I made sure the stepper motor, the accelerometer and the Arduino board worked together to perform the intended behavior. By trial and error I have learned a huge lot about electronics.
