Inspiration
A few years ago I realized my vision was getting worse. I started looking for a solution.
The first idea was to buy expensive glasses, but I didn’t have enough money. So I began reading research and articles and found out this is a very common problem for people who work at a computer.
I also found an app that reminds you to take breaks every 20 minutes — but the design and UX felt so bad that I stopped using it.
What it does
Blinky is a small cross-platform app that helps reduce eye strain using a simple habit: every X minutes (default: 20), it forces you to take a short break (default: 20 seconds).
This is based on the American Optometric Association’s 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Eye strain from screens is extremely common - 69% of computer-users have it (referred to National Institutes of Health), and even small breaks can help reduce discomfort and fatigue.
When the break starts, Blinky opens a full-screen rest window that can’t be closed during the countdown. Each break also shows a random “micro-task” like: • relax your eyes and look into the distance • blink a few times • stretch • do a couple of pushups • drink water
(You can change the timing in settings.)
How I built it
I had 2 days to build it.
My main language is Python, but I wanted this to work on macOS and Windows and still look like a “real” native app. After some research I chose Electron, because it lets you build a desktop app with: • HTML + CSS for UI • JavaScript for logic
The UI is built with pure HTML/CSS, focusing on a minimal Apple-like look.
Challenges I ran into
The biggest challenge was learning a new stack fast: Electron + desktop UX details (tray, windows behavior, settings, packaging). Also, making a “forced break” window without it feeling annoying took a lot of small UI/UX decisions.
What I learned
That frontend not mine) js is an interesting language that just an easy step that you will do constantly - can save your vision - without spending a lot of time
What's next for Blinky
• More scientifically backed eye exercises (not just random tips) • More customization (work mode, rest mode, schedule) • Smarter break messages with AI • Better onboarding + website so more people actually use it
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