Desk Break Reminder
Browser extension for mindful stretch breaks.
Desk Break Reminder is my final case study project for HCID 540. The project's goal is to help desk workers build sustainable stretch-break habits directly from their browser, without adding friction to their workday.
Problem
People who work at a desk for long stretches often skip breaks entirely — not because they don't want to, but because nothing in their workflow reminds them to, and existing break/focus apps feel clinical or easy to ignore.
Outcome
Delivered a full case study spanning competitive analysis, lo-fi and hi-fi wireframes with design specifications, and a final interactive prototype.
Role
Product Designer
Timeline
April ‘25 - May ‘25
Context
HCID 540: Design Tools & Processes
Competitive Analysis
Learning from existing break and focus apps.
Looked at ScreenZen, Focus Keeper, Forest, and FocusPomo to see how each handled reminders and behavior tracking.
Lo-Fi Wireframes
Structuring the design solution.
Grayscale wireframes to lock in structure and flow.
Deliver
Finalizing the design & prototype.
Style Guide
The visual identity uses a warm palette of yellow, peach, cream, and soft lavender and mint accents to keep the experience feeling gentle rather than urgent. A simple four-level type scale keeps hierarchy clear without adding visual noise, and small geometric mascots appear throughout to give each reminder a sense of warmth instead of feeling like an alarm.
Final Design
Reminder Customization
Reminder
Prototype
Accessible on desktop.