Identifying the Problem

My personal experience with the Pomodoro Technique highlighted a significant challenge: the alarm is disruptive, and the phone's screen proves to be a distraction rather than an aid in maintaining focus. This observation sparked the need to explore alternative solutions that address these specific issues.
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Project Expectations
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The primary objective of this project is to design a physical device tailored for office environments that assists in time management without the common disruptions associated with conventional methods. The device aims to subtly integrate into the user's workflow, providing an intuitive and less intrusive means of enhancing productivity.

Rapid Prototyping
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In the initial phase, I conducted a comprehensive study of various productivity-enhancing methods, including the Pomodoro Technique, time-blocking, and the utilization of physical notes. This research informed the creation of multiple sketches, illustrating preliminary concepts that leverage these productivity strategies.
Utilizing simple, readily available materials, I swiftly constructed prototypes. These models served not only to visualize the form and function of the concepts but also facilitated early testing of their practical application and ergonomics.
Subsequently, I sought feedback from peers and potential users to evaluate the effectiveness and appeal of the initial models. Based on this input, I selected three concepts that demonstrated the greatest potential.

Three concepts were selected based on their potential to effectively address the identified issues. These ideas were further developed into detailed models, featuring precise geometry and simulated functions. This advancement was crucial for obtaining more accurate and meaningful feedback from users, as it allowed them to interact with close representations of the final product. These refined prototypes provided deeper insights into user preferences and functional efficacy, informing subsequent design iterations.

In this initial stage of prototyping, I focused on crafting an appearance model to closely mimic the product's intended real-life usage and aesthetic finish. Utilizing 3D printing, sanding, and spray painting to achieve the desired final appearance.

To simulate the functionality without integrating actual electronics at this stage, I used whiteboard stickers and dry-erase pens. This approach allowed users to interact with the prototype in a way that closely represents how the finished product would be used, providing valuable insights into its practicality and user interface.

Responding to the feedback received from the previous prototype, I implemented several targeted changes to enhance the product. Before finalizing these adjustments and progressing to the next prototype, I conducted a usability test to ensure the modifications met the preferences and needs of the majority of users.

For this testing phase, I employed laser-cutting and sanding techniques to create mock-ups that closely resemble the final product. These prototypes incorporated whiteboard stickers and dry-erase pens to effectively simulate the intended e-ink display and slide-to-erase functionality. I distributed 10 test models for a comprehensive one-week usability test, which provided invaluable feedback. This feedback not only affirmed the modifications but also steered my project in a more insightful and user-focused direction.

Following the successful usability test, I fully committed to the previously tested changes and developed the second appearance model. This prototype was enhanced with additional structures to more accurately emulate the final product's aesthetics and functionality, providing users with a tangible sense of its real-world application.

In parallel, I refined the prototype's CAD design, applying principles from Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA). This approach ensured that the prototype was not only optimized for user interaction but also streamlined for future production processes.