Inspiration
We all got some benefits from remote work during and after Covid time, but at the same time, we realised that when working from home, it is even more difficult to measure - _ how much you actually have worked. _ We have been to the same place - getting tired when just started a working day, feeling bored and helpless about it, losing motivation - these are signs of burnout that takes place when there is no proper rest while working.
Some apps can track how much time you spent doing certain things, also the ones that can control your screen time for social media - so why not combine them together and add some features that can monitor your mental health and wellbeing?
Our lifetime experience inspired us and the workshops by Microsoft and Digital Heath Interventions, both of which were connected to resilience, work-life balance and mindfulness. Therefore, our goal was to make a prototype of the app "Caring" to help ourselves overcome some challenges connected with remote work and help others focus on work while "Caring" takes care of them.
What it does
The current version of the app is a Chrome / Vs Code extension that tracks a person's mood, gives motivational quotes and suggests breathing exercises. All of the listed functions are presented with a timer, so a person can relax while doing some tasks. This is just a basic version of a big app that could collect user's activity data and be a helpful tool to overcome stress and build resilience.
How we built it
We decided to make this platform a client-server where extensions are clients connected to one server. Server gathers and process user statistic, making decisions when it's is time for a user to have a brake, take a few deep breaths or stretch their legs. When it's time, the server sends notifications to linked extensions.
Challenges we ran into
We developed the service in the software stack that is... that was quite unfamiliar to us. But we managed to create the service and make it work! And we developed our skills as well.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Extension->Server->Extension architecture allows our platform to keep tracking users' activity wherever they work: browser, IDE or even mobile (in future). The platform detects user's activity in all linked workplaces (where extensions are installed).
What we learned
Time management could make this project even better. Anyway, throughout all these informative workshops we learned not only current trends in global problems but also reflect on them and be a part of the team that works on the solutions to them.
What's next for "Caring" - self-awareness app & mental health app
Right now this is just an extension for Chrome, but it is supposed to be an app for computers and phones that can make stress a thing of the past because people would have rest and practice mindfulness as a part of their work routine.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.