Focus Timer

Overview

The Focus Timer implements the proven Pomodoro Technique with a 25-minute session duration. It features a circular progress indicator, keyboard controls, and automatic completion notifications to help you maintain deep focus.

Key Features

• 25-Minute Sessions - Standard Pomodoro duration for optimal focus
• Visual Progress Ring - SVG-based circular progress indicator with smooth animations
• Keyboard Control - Single-key operation with Space bar
• Session States - Running, paused, and completed states with visual feedback
• Auto-Reset - Automatic reset after completion with celebration notification
• Accessibility - Screen reader support and ARIA live updates

Getting Started

Enabling the Focus Timer

1. Open Settings

   Press S or click the gear icon to open the settings panel

2. Navigate to Features

   Click on the "Features" tab in the settings panel

3. Enable Focus Timer

   Toggle the "Focus Timer" switch to enable the feature

4. Close Settings

   Press Escape or click outside the panel to close settings

Once enabled, the focus timer will appear as a circular progress ring with control buttons.

Using the Focus Timer

Starting a Session

There are two ways to start a focus session:

• Click Control - Click the play button (▶) in the timer controls
• Keyboard Navigation - Press Tab to focus the Start button, then Space to activate

When you start a session:

• The timer begins counting down from 25:00
• The progress ring fills gradually as time passes
• The start button becomes highlighted (active state)
• The timer ring shows a "running" visual state

Pausing a Session

To pause an active session:

• Click - Click the pause button (⏸) in the timer controls
• Keyboard - Press Tab to focus the Pause button, then Space to activate

When paused:

• The countdown stops but preserves remaining time
• The pause button becomes highlighted
• The timer ring shows a "paused" visual state
• You can resume by tabbing to Start and pressing Space

Resetting the Timer

To reset the timer to 25:00:

• Click the reset button (⏹) in the timer controls
• The timer returns to the initial 25:00 state
• All visual states are cleared

Visual Interface

Progress Ring

The circular progress indicator provides real-time visual feedback:

• Background Circle - Subtle outline showing the full timer duration
• Progress Circle - Fills clockwise as the session progresses
• Glow Effect - Animated glow that follows the progress
• State Colors - Different colors for running, paused, and completed states

Time Display

The central time display shows:

• MM:SS Format - Minutes and seconds remaining (e.g., "24:35")
• Live Updates - Updates every second during active sessions
• Focus Label - "Focus" text below the time for context
• Accessibility - Screen reader announcements for time updates

Session Completion

Automatic Completion

When a 25-minute session completes:

1. Timer Stops

   The countdown reaches 00:00 and stops automatically

2. Visual Celebration

   The progress ring shows a "completed" state with special styling

3. Success Notification

   A notification appears: "Focus Session Complete! Great job staying focused for 25 minutes"

4. Auto-Reset

   After 3 seconds, the timer automatically resets to 25:00 for the next session

Celebration Features

• Success Message - Positive reinforcement for completing the session
• 5-Second Display - Notification stays visible for 5 seconds
• Visual State - Special "completed" styling on the progress ring
• Smooth Transition - Elegant transition back to ready state

Keyboard Shortcuts

Timer Control Workflow

1. Press Tab to navigate to the Start button
2. Press Space to start the timer
3. Press Tab to move to Pause button when needed
4. Press Space to pause the timer
5. Press Shift+Tab to go back to Start button
6. Press Space to resume

Technical Implementation

Timer Mechanics

• Duration - 25 minutes (1,500 seconds) standard Pomodoro length
• Precision - 1-second intervals using setInterval
• State Management - Tracks running, paused, and remaining time
• Memory Efficient - Clears intervals when not in use

Visual Progress Calculation

The circular progress uses SVG stroke-dashoffset animation:

• Circle Radius - 70px for optimal visual balance
• Circumference - 439.82px (2 × π × 70)
• Progress Ratio - (elapsed time / total duration)
• Offset Calculation - circumference - (progress × circumference)

Productivity Tips

Effective Focus Sessions

• Single Task Focus - Work on one specific task during each session
• Eliminate Distractions - Close unnecessary tabs and notifications
• Prepare in Advance - Know what you'll work on before starting
• Take Breaks - Use the completion as a natural break point

Workflow Integration

• Morning Planning - Use T to add tasks, then Space to start timer
• Deep Work Blocks - Chain multiple sessions for extended focus periods
• Task Completion - Check off todo items during breaks between sessions
• Progress Tracking - Note how many sessions different tasks require

Troubleshooting

Timer Not Responding

• Ensure the new tab page has focus (click on it first)
• Check that the Focus Timer feature is enabled in settings
• Verify no input fields are focused when pressing Space
• Try clicking the timer controls instead of keyboard shortcuts

Visual Issues

• Refresh the page if the progress ring appears stuck
• Check browser zoom level (100% recommended for best visuals)
• Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled for smooth animations
• Try disabling other extensions that might interfere with CSS

Accessibility Features

• Screen Reader Support - Time updates announced via aria-live
• Keyboard Navigation - Full functionality without mouse
• High Contrast - Works with high contrast browser modes
• Focus Indicators - Clear visual focus states for controls
• Semantic HTML - Proper ARIA labels and roles

Next Steps

Now that you understand the Focus Timer, explore these related features:

• Todo List - Plan tasks for your focus sessions
• Daily Quotes - Get motivated before starting sessions
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Master all productivity shortcuts
• Advanced Settings - Customize timer behavior