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Project Ideation
Project Ideation
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
I always had trouble staying focused at a task, ever since I was a kid, I've developed & discovered many techniques to help with this problem. There is one technique that always helped me stay on track.
The Pomodoro Technique.
However, I found it quite annoying and time inefficient to set up and keep track of timers, that sometimes It would backfire and waste more time.
This is the goal of this project, to solve a common productivity issue, maintaining focus and managing break intervals during study or work sessions. Many people like me struggle to stay consistent with time management methods like the Pomodoro Technique, which requires setting timers and switching contexts manually.
This device solves that problem, semi-automating the process using physical interaction: flipping a cube to switch modes (e.g., Work, Short Break, Long Break, Pause). This eliminates the need for phones or apps that can be distracting, and is very quick and easy.
I care about this because I personally face this problem. A dedicated, distraction-free timer could help me stay focused during long study or work sessions.
I was Inspired by TickTime Pomodoro Cube timer, as it has a very simple design, and is quite elegant in my opinion.
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
THE IDEA!
The project is a smart productivity cube that uses orientation detection to switch between different Pomodoro modes. Each face of the cube represents a different timer setting (e.g., 25-minute Work, 5-minute Break, 15-minute Long Break, Pause). When the user places a specific face upwards, the device starts the corresponding timer.
THE RESULT!
The result is a portable, focused productivity tool without the distractions of a phone. It combines motion-based interaction with audio/visual feedback for an engaging user experience.
HOW?!
Core Features:
Timer Screen: Displays countdown.
Buzzer: Plays audio cues when a timer finishes or when mode switches.
Gyrosensor: Detects which face is placed down.
Arduino: Processes orientation and manages timer logic.
RGB LED: Indicates current mode with color (e.g., red = work, green = break, yellow = pause).
Optional Enhancements:
Bluetooth module: Sends current status to a phone or PC app.
Custom 3D-printed cube shell: Houses components securely with clear labels for each mode.
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
Consisting of a cube-shaped body with six labeled faces, Designed in Fusion 360. Openings are included for the screen and USB power port, with internal mounts to hold all components.
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
The cube receives input from Gyrosensor to detect orientation and determine which face is upward, left, or right. The main user interaction is flipping the cube. An optional tactile button can be added for reset or pause functions.
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
The OLED display shows the countdown time, the RGB LED changes color based on the selected mode, and the buzzer sounds when the timer finishes or the mode changes.
Brain
An Arduino Nano will read Gyrosensor's data, process timer logic, and control the LCD display, RGB LED, and buzzer.
Power Management
9V Adaptor
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
The Pomodoro cube, demonstrating the OLED display and cube structure.
User rotating the body to change a mode.
The OLED screen reacting to the change in rotation to update timer
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
Welcome screen
25-Min timer starts when a face is placed upward.
Action: OLED display countdown starts.
Sensing: Gyrosensor inside senses that the cube is currently placed upward.
User Input: Placing the cube upright, clicking the push button to continue from welcome screen.
Complete User Features
Right & left side for break timers. (5 & 15 minutes)
Unique buzzer alerts for all modes.
LED color codes for all modes.
Action: OLED display countdown for both.
Unique buzzer alerts for all modes.
Specific RGB LED colors turn on for each respective mode.Sensing: Orientation detection through Gyrosensor at both sides
User Input: Flipping the cube on its right or left side.
Nice-to-have User Features
Pause functionality with the face upside down
Push button resets timer
Action: OLED display countdown pauses.
Timer resets if button is pressed.Sensing: Orientation detection through Gyrosensor at the top.
Sense push button press.User Input: Flipping the cube upside down.
User pushes the reset button.
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
HW-152 Terminal Adapter Shield
1
https://www.ram-e-shop.com/shop/nano-screw-arduino-nano-screw-shield-project-board-7649
9V Adaptor (with cable/connector)
1
Gyrosensor (MPU 6050)
4
https://www.ram-e-shop.com/shop/kit-imu-mpu6050-gy521-imu-6-dof-mpu-6050-gyroscope-accelerometer-sensor-module-7076
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
Design & Planning
Finalize circuit schematic + Fusion 360 cube design (with openings for OLED, USB, buttons)
Sept 8
Sept 9
Electronics Setup
Connect Arduino Nano, OLED, buzzer, RGB LED, limit switches on breadboard
Sept 10
Sept 11
Programming (Core Features)
Implement 25-min timer, OLED display, buzzer alert
Sept 12
Sept 13
Programming (Extra Features)
Add 5-min & 15-min break timers, RGB LED colors, rotation of OLED text
Sept 14
Sept 15
Prototype Testing
Test all features together on breadboard, adjust code (limit switches, timers, buzzer, LEDs)
Sept 16
Sept 16
Enclosure Fabrication
3D print cube body, prepare mounts & openings
Sept 17
Sept 18
Assembly
mount parts inside cube as planned.
Sept 19
Sept 20
Final Testing & Demo
Full system test, debug if needed, present working cube
Sept 21
Sept 21
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