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Show HN: Physical Pomodoro Timer with ESP32 and e-paper screen

(github.com)
315 points rukenshia | 4 comments | 29 Mar 25 10:42 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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rambambram ◴[29 Mar 25 13:12 UTC] No.43515263[source]▶
The whole idea of pomodoro comes from a physical kitchen timer in the shape of... you guessed it, a pomodoro.

The best UX for the pomodoro technique can be found in this physical kitchen timer, if you'd ask me.

replies(1): >>43515299 #
1. rukenshia ◴[29 Mar 25 13:17 UTC] No.43515299[source]▶
I think functionally the Focus Dial (I linked to it in my README as well) is the much better „product“ and keeps exactly that UX compared to what I built. I had to face the reality of my own limited knowledge and skillset to build something like that (and wanted to do my own thing), plus I really ended up liking that epaper display.
replies(2): >>43515619 #>>43518948 #
2. rambambram ◴[29 Mar 25 14:02 UTC] No.43515619[source]▶
I must admit I've been guilty of reacting on the title and not your post. I opened it, saw some machine and immediately thought of the kitchen timer in the shape of a pomodoro I have on my desk here. Which is so dead simple, that's why I like it.

Now that I read your post and look at the photos, I think you definitely add something with the division of certain tasks! Besides, it's always cool to build something yourself, so please don't read my previous comment as a snark about reinventing the wheel or something. I just really appreciate the simple mechanical kitchen timer recommended for the pomodoro technique.

replies(1): >>43515765 #
3. rukenshia ◴[29 Mar 25 14:19 UTC] No.43515765[source]▶
Absolutely no offense taken! I knew I was overengineering the hell out of this when I started it :)
4. pimlottc ◴[29 Mar 25 21:37 UTC] No.43518948[source]▶
It would help if the intro section mentioned the added features so the reader would understand why a custom device was necessary.