A minimalist timer that boosts productivity and enhances creative flow.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Production Progress & Pause Feature
almost 3 years ago
– Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 10:57:28 AM
Hi Kickstarters!
As you know from the last update, we've been waiting on a new batch of electronics samples. If they worked, we could move forward with production. If not, we'd need to troubleshoot as to why.
Unfortunately, the issue still persisted with these boards. But we did identify the cause and have implemented the fix in the specifications. Another round of test boards is currently being made and should take about 4 weeks like the last round. Once we have approved a fully functioning production sample and reserved factory time, I'll be able to block out the rest of the schedule on the calendar and estimate ship dates.
We also managed to implement the most requested feature- Pause! I'm super excited about being able to get this one in... and we managed to get it to trigger with both the button and laying it flat.
As a reminder, the surveys have not yet been sent. I'll be sending them out when your unit is close to shipping. This is so we'll have the most up-to-date information for you.
I'm doing my best to keep things moving while managing risk and trying to make the best possible product.
So thank you all for your support and patience as we finalize things for production. I hope hearing about the steps that go into it are interesting for you. And someday when you have a timer on your desk, it'll also represent your participation in this story of how it came to be.
Production Update: PCB Samples and Interaction Refinements
almost 3 years ago
– Mon, May 15, 2023 at 11:00:12 AM
Hi Kickstarters!
In the last update I shared how we needed to do an additional sample of the printed circuit board (PCB) before production. Well, based on testing that sample, we found another small change we needed to make and will need to do an additional round of samples before green-lighting production. The process of creating and testing these samples will take about 4 weeks. And if they work as expected, we'll be able to reserve a new time on the production line and provide a new estimate as to when the first units will ship.
Meanwhile, I'm forging ahead with the things I can control... such as finalizing the design for the instructions and refining the interactions of the device.
Instructions
I took more of a "quick start guide" approach to the instructions. There are diagrams to show the functions because, well, folks who use a visual timer may appreciate visual explanations, right? I like how it came together to show the simplicity of the main functions, while also highlighting a few subtle features that enhance its utility.
Interactions
I've also made some other improvements such as using green for the completion lights, allowing it to be used while plugged in, and adding some indicators to help you keep track of its level of charge.
This latest blog post goes into more detail about the refinements to these features and interactions...
As a reminder, the surveys have not yet been sent. I'll be sending them out when your unit is close to shipping. This is so we'll have the most up-to-date information for you.
I'm looking forward to the next samples so we can clear the way for mass production!
Pre-Production Validation
about 3 years ago
– Fri, Apr 07, 2023 at 01:48:01 PM
Hi Kickstarters!
As you've seen from my previous updates, we've made a lot of progress but also had some minor refinements to make in terms of getting some parts to fit together perfectly.
Since then, we've been successful at reworking the molds for the plastics and circuit board so they fit together really nicely! But we also had to make a small update to the circuitry so we need to revalidate it another round of samples.
I order to do our testing correctly, we're also going to ramp up production in batches as they pass inspections. So overall my best estimate is that the first ones will be ready in the May-June timeframe with additional ones following in June and July.
Here's a deeper dive into where we're at in the process and the next steps ahead...
While production preparations continue, I'm excited to share a couple of enhancements...
The first one is how we're displaying the charge status. Since we've got the ten rings of light, I figured, why not make use of them for this? So we're going to have them to convey the approximate percentage of charge.
The next improvement we made is to add a flip animation! I'm pretty excited about this one because it really reinforces the gestural feel. And it makes the lights behave like digital sand as intended.
Lastly, a pause function is still a possibility but we'll bite that off once the remaining essential pieces are completed and tested.
Housekeeping
As a reminder, the surveys have not yet been sent. I'll be sending them out when your unit is close to shipping. This is so we'll have the most up-to-date information for you.
As always, I'm deeply grateful for the support of each and every one of you along the way.
Production Update: Packaging
about 3 years ago
– Fri, Mar 17, 2023 at 02:36:19 PM
Hey Kickstarters! Just wanted to give you a quick behind the scenes look at how the packaging is looking.
For the other plastics and electronics, we're doing an additional round of samples for each in order to get them to fit together better.
The good news is that it seems likely that we’ll be able to approve this next round of samples. Once that's approved, I'll be able to map out the rest of the schedule more accurately and give you a better timeline estimate.
For a more in-depth look at the thinking that's going into the package design and some photos of a mock up...
As a reminder, the surveys have not yet been sent. I'll be sending them out when your unit is close to shipping. This is so we'll have the most up-to-date information for you.
Thanks again for your support and I'm looking forward to getting the product in your hands...
Production Update: Samples in hand!
about 3 years ago
– Thu, Feb 02, 2023 at 01:02:14 PM
Hey Kickstarters! We've been making a lot of progress on the timer and I wanted to loop you in on the developments...
Overall, the molds are complete and the first samples of both the plastics and electronics have been received. There are still refinements to be made, but this is the first time everything from the factory has been assembled... and it works!⏳
For a deep-dive on each element of the progress, you can check out the latest story I put together:
As a reminder, the surveys have not yet been sent. I'll be sending them out when your unit is close to shipping. This is so we'll have the most up-to-date information for you.
Thanks again for your support and I'm looking forward to getting the product in your hands...
