An anti-tech refresh on how we can boost productivity. PROBAR sits on the user's ear with the presence of a pen or pencil, and serves three main functions simultaneously.
Firstly, the device is an ever-subtle yet constant reminder to the user that they have chosen to be productive in that moment. Even though it isn't consciously noticed, the slight weight and materiality of the object will have a pavlovian effect on the user when worn.
Secondly, a "do not disturb" sign is implied, by indicating to others nearby that the user is intent on productivity.
And lastly, the design introduces a highly productive rhythm to the user's workflow. By twisting the knob at the end one full rotation, a thirty-minute timer will begin, with two soft bells sounding at intervals. The first comes after twenty-five minutes, indicating that it's time to take a break, and a second bell five minutes later, indicating the end of the break. This is known as the Pomodoro Technique, a research-backed method of segmenting work days into bite-size chunks with short breaks between.
Arriving at the final physical form of this product took some doing. Over four weeks, eleven total prototypes of various shapes and sizes were tested.
Bar
Ring
Hook
Ring
PROBAR's final form proved to be both the most comfortable and most stable for almost all test users.
Balance ended up being a huge factor with the stability of this device. the large volumes of the form provide space to add or subtract internal mass and perfect the weight distribution.
