Nudge - Productivity Tool For ADHD
Nudge is a retro-inspired physical device system that helps you start tasks and stay grounded throughout your day. Instead of relying on distracting apps, Nudge gives you a simple, tangible way to plan your day, carry your intentions, and follow through calmly and intentionally.
Team: Vanica Chhay, Elizabeth Mann, Rhys Williams
Who is it for? Nudge is designed for Gen Z and young adults who struggle with focus, attention regulation, or executive function. It supports people who benefit from external structure to help them start and complete tasks.
Who is it for? Nudge is designed for Gen Z and young adults who struggle with focus, attention regulation, or executive function. It supports people who benefit from external structure to help them start and complete tasks.
It is also for those who are drawn to intentional, tactile systems. People who want to step away from screen-based tools and reconnect with physical interaction in their daily routines.
Nudge helps build a healthier relationship with technology. It reduces dependency on all-in-one devices and limits digital distraction.
Instead of apps and notifications, it offers simple tools like task planning, timers, and breathing exercises. There is no noise from a smartphone or smartwatch.
At its core, Nudge is about mindful technology use. It brings back physical, nostalgic interfaces and supports a more intentional digital footprint. It encourages starting small, staying grounded, and moving through the day with clarity.
Process: Our team formed around a shared interest in creating a physical gadget that supports people in a positive way. We were all interested in our generation’s addiction to phones and endless scrolling. We had many conversations about how difficult these challenges can be, especially for people with ADHD, where completing basic tasks can feel overwhelming.
Process: Our team formed around a shared interest in creating a physical gadget that supports people in a positive way. We were all interested in our generation’s addiction to phones and endless scrolling. We had many conversations about how difficult these challenges can be, especially for people with ADHD, where completing basic tasks can feel overwhelming.
We wanted to build something people would actually use. We realized that to address this problem, we could not rely on apps or existing devices that already contribute to distraction. We initially explored making a smart watch that tracked vitals and tasks to help people.
After expert feedback, we focused on the most important part of our concept: task completion. We reduced the idea down to a few core features.
We developed the watch using an ESP32 and 3D-printed casings. The UI was built in Squareline and the interactions were coded and tested.
We conducted user testing and iterated on the look and feel of the watch. We also added physical buttons to emphasize tactile interaction and reduce reliance on touchscreens.
As the device became too large to function comfortably as a watch, we returned to the drawing board.
We decided a retro-inspired device, similar to a Tamagotchi, better fit our goal and audience, and was more practical for daily use.
We then developed the docking station with this retro design direction in mind, aiming to create something that feels natural to keep on a desk.
We continued testing, integrating feedback, and refining the system. Our final step was customizing the device and polishing the interaction design.