In the world of productivity tools, the Pomodoro Technique has long been a popular method for time management. While any timer can serve this purpose, tech enthusiasts often seek more elegant solutions. A recent DIY project featuring an ESP32 microcontroller and an e-paper display has sparked discussions about the balance between functionality, design, and the irony of over-engineering productivity tools.
The Project: Engineering a Better Timer
The project showcases an ESP32-based Pomodoro timer with a 4.2-inch e-paper display and rotary dial input. Unlike typical digital timers, this device features a non-backlit display that's deliberately visible only in well-lit environments—a design choice that discourages working in the dark. The creator explains that this was their second foray back into microcontroller projects, combining electronics engineering with software development skills to build something physical and functional.
What sets this timer apart from simpler alternatives is its thoughtful UI design and multiple specialized modes for different tasks. Rather than just offering a generic 25-minute timer, the device provides different presets and even collects usage statistics. Community members particularly appreciated these features, with one commenter noting, Lasering in on the three different use cases (rather than just one generic 25min focus time) and also providing statistics are both cool additions.
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| A digital Pomodoro timer featuring activity presets like "Emails," "Coding," and "Focus" This design highlights its thoughtful user interface |
The Irony of Productivity Tools
The community discussion highlighted an amusing paradox: building complex productivity tools can itself become a form of procrastination. Several commenters pointed out that the Pomodoro Technique was named after a simple kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (pomodoro in Italian), and that any basic timer would suffice for implementing the technique.
If you find yourself programming an eInk display and a microchip in order to improve your procrastination, it is time to stop working on the project, get a physical timer, and work on the thing.
The creator acknowledged this irony, admitting they were overengineering the hell out of this from the start. This self-awareness resonated with many in the tech community who recognize their own tendency to dive deep into tool-building rather than using those tools for their intended purpose.
Hardware Choices and Design Considerations
The e-paper display choice proved particularly interesting to the community. Many appreciated the non-intrusive nature of e-ink compared to backlit screens, making it less distracting in a home or office environment. The display's 5.3-second partial refresh capability was a key feature, avoiding the distracting black-and-white flashes common in some e-paper displays.
Several commenters shared their own experiences with e-paper displays, lamenting their still-high cost while acknowledging their unique aesthetic and functional benefits. Others suggested alternative approaches to the physical design, such as placing the knob on top to prevent the device from sliding during use, or using translucent filament to create interesting light effects with the LED indicator.
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| The digital timer displaying a countdown and interactive elements, emphasizing the design considerations in its creation |
Community Alternatives and Extensions
The discussion thread revealed a vibrant ecosystem of DIY productivity tools. Some users shared their own implementations, including a simpler M5Stack-based Pomodoro timer. Others suggested software alternatives like Solanum, a GPL-licensed GUI Pomodoro app for Linux. The LVGL library was recommended as a simpler way to create embedded UIs for similar projects.
For those seeking a more minimalist approach, several commenters advocated for purpose-built physical timers or even using watches that are already on most people's wrists. This spectrum of solutions—from simple kitchen timers to sophisticated custom hardware—highlights how personal productivity tools can be.
The project demonstrates that while a simple timer might be the most efficient solution for implementing the Pomodoro Technique, there's undeniable value in the learning experience and satisfaction that comes from building something custom. As one commenter put it, A fun hack need not be constrained by meeting a real market need. It can just be fun.
Reference: pomodoro
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| A screenshot of the GitHub repository for the Pomodoro project, illustrating the collaborative nature of DIY productivity tool development |