Final Project: Breaktime

More people are relying on their computers during work and school, which means more people are sitting. Also, we are more focused than ever on our computers that most people forget to take breaks when working long hours and we end up sitting in one position.

Some of the problems when working too long:

• Circulation when you sit in static postures where you are not moving circulation is blocked, blood flow to active muscles are impaired, oxygen is diminished which can impair muscle function
  
• Posture, slouching or sitting in non-ergonomic positions are common without adequate lumbar support, back and neck pain is sure to develop
  
• Repetitive stress injuries such as eyestrain and carpel tunnel can happen
  
• Burnout, people who continually work w/o a break might lead to physical and mental exhaustion
  
• Productivity, studies have shown that workers who take breaks are more productive during the day than people who don't.

It is recommended that we should take a break from the computer every hour. We felt that a device that reminds you to leave your seat would be the best solution. We thought of possibilites such as by force (shutting the computer down), game (a scoreboard to promote competition), and a reminder (a timer).

We sent out a survey to friends and family, ex co-workers and asked them:

• How long they spend on the computer?
• How often they take breaks?
• How do they use their time?

Chia-Wei assembling our first prototype.

Brought it to class for a demonstration and this is some of the feedback we received.

We did some observations on ourselves using this 50 minute work and 10 minute break limit.

Back to the drawing board.

Chia-Wei making the man out of clay.

Richie showing his arduino skillz.

This is the final product. We liked the balancing work and break metaphor.

Going on a Break from richie lau on Vimeo.