Solo
10-weeks
Winter 2025
As of 2024 people can only pay attention to one screen for an average of 47 seconds.
Our attention spans are shrinking as we continue to battle increasing digital distractions. How can we fight back?
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/11/health/short-attention-span-wellness/index.html
What are these distractions and how can we account for them?
Where do people prefer to work?*Information from survey w/ 26 responses
- Ava, 21
- Kenny, 23
[SURVEY INSIGHTS]
So what is the Pomodoro Method?
The Pomodoro Method is a time management technique that breaks work into 25-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks (often five minutes) to boost concentration and reduce fatigue. The technique gets it’s name from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro means "tomato" in Italian).
The Pomodoro Method is a time management technique that breaks work into 25-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks (often five minutes) to boost concentration and reduce fatigue. The technique gets it’s name from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro means "tomato" in Italian).
[THE PROBLEM]
Digital distractions—especially from smartphones—make sustained focus difficult. Many people use the Pomodoro method to structure their work, but most timers exist as mobile apps on their phones. This proximity undermines the goal of deep focus, revealing an opportunity for a more physical and charming solution.
[DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES]
Adjustable
It should be fully flexible— with a range of motion to fit all workspaces.
Removes Distractions
Shouldn’t have to rely on the user to eliminate distractions, the product should support the user.
Shouldn’t have to rely on the user to eliminate distractions, the product should support the user.
Accountablity
Accountability is necessary for sustaining focus— it should keep the user accountable and on track.
[DESIGN CRITERIA]
01 Smart
02 Modern
03 Intuitive
[PROCESS—SKETCHES]
.
[PROCESS—FORM EXPLORATION]
[PROCESS—FORM REFINEMENT]
WHAT IS IT?
Hierlūm is a task lamp powered by your phone— the light only stays on if your phone stays put. Once the phone is in the dock, notifications are silenced and the Hierlūm app opens. If you take your phone off before a break, the lamp shuts off, and the app logs the time until it’s returned.
WHY?
Staying focused is increasingly difficult—
around 50% of people have issues concentrating. Between constant notifications and distracting environments, staying on task can feel impossible. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method help with time management, but they
don’t actively keep you focused.
PORTABLE
The portable element can be taken on the go— enabling users to continue building focus habits within the Hierlūm system. It also contains an induction charger, keeping your phone charged and encouraging use. Pogo pins charge the puck when nested in the base.
FLEXIBLE
The lamp’s base features intuitive buttons for adjusting brightness and color temperature, allowing users to tailor lighting to their needs. The tray accommodates various phone sizes, encouraging users to place and leave their phone in the tray when in a focus session.
LIGHT CUES
Heirlūm uses cool light for focus and warm light for breaks, offering subtle visual cues that guide mode transitions without disruptive alerts. Cool light mimicks natural daylight, which helps improve alertness and sustained cocentration.
Heirlūm uses cool light for focus and warm light for breaks, offering subtle visual cues that guide mode transitions without disruptive alerts. Cool light mimicks natural daylight, which helps improve alertness and sustained cocentration.