Productivity
Pomodoro Timer and Simplified Interface for focused work sessions.
What’s in This Section
Productivity tools help you maintain focus and manage your work time. These features are especially helpful for users who struggle with time awareness, procrastination, or getting overwhelmed by complex interfaces.
Features: Pomodoro Timer, Simplified Interface
Pomodoro Timer
What It Does
A time management tool based on the Pomodoro Technique. Work in focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. Helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.
How to Enable
- Click the AssisT icon
- Expand Productivity section
- Toggle Pomodoro Timer ON
How It Works
- Click Start to begin a focus session
- Work until the timer completes (notification sounds)
- Take a short break (timer automatically starts)
- Repeat — after 4 cycles, take a longer break
Default Intervals
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Focus session | 25 minutes |
| Short break | 5 minutes |
| Long break | 15 minutes |
| Sessions until long break | 4 |
Timer Display
The timer can appear:
- In the extension popup
- As a floating widget on the page
- As a badge on the extension icon
Notifications
- Audio alert when session ends
- Browser notification (if enabled)
- Visual indicator changes color
Settings
- Focus duration — 15 to 60 minutes
- Short break — 3 to 15 minutes
- Long break — 10 to 30 minutes
- Sessions until long break — 2 to 6
- Auto-start breaks — Automatically begin break timer
- Auto-start focus — Automatically begin next focus session
- Sound volume — Notification sound level
- Show on page — Display floating timer
Want more control? See Pomodoro Timer Deep Dive.
Simplified Interface
What It Does
Reduces visual complexity of websites by hiding or simplifying UI elements. Removes distractions like social media feeds, recommendation panels, and visual clutter.
How to Enable
- Click the AssisT icon
- Expand Productivity section
- Toggle Simplified Interface ON
- Choose intensity level
Intensity Levels
| Level | What It Hides |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (Light) | Ads, promotional banners, pop-ups |
| Level 2 (Medium) | + Sidebars, recommended content, social widgets |
| Level 3 (Heavy) | + Comments, navigation menus, most non-essential elements |
What Gets Simplified
Always hidden (all levels):
- Advertisements
- Pop-up notifications
- Cookie banners
- Newsletter sign-ups
Level 2 adds:
- Sidebar content
- “Related articles” sections
- Social media share buttons
- Recommendation widgets
Level 3 adds:
- Comment sections
- Secondary navigation
- Footer content
- Most non-article elements
Per-Site Settings
You can set different levels for different sites:
- News sites → Level 3 for focused reading
- Work tools → Level 1 to keep functionality
- Social media → Level 2 to reduce distractions
Tips
- Start with Level 1 and increase if needed
- Level 3 may hide important navigation on some sites
- Toggle off temporarily if you can’t find something
For Educators & Parents
Why Productivity Matters
For students with ADHD:
- Pomodoro provides external time structure
- Simplified Interface reduces visual distractions
- Regular breaks prevent hyperfocus burnout
- Clear work/break boundaries aid transitions
For students with executive function difficulties:
- Timer eliminates need to track time mentally
- Notifications prompt next steps
- Visual progress shows accomplishment
- Structured routine builds good habits
For students who get overwhelmed:
- Simplified Interface removes visual noise
- Focused work periods feel manageable
- Breaks provide regular recovery time
Classroom Tips
- Start with 15-20 minute sessions for younger students
- Use Pomodoro for homework — builds independent time management
- Enable Simplified Interface during tests — reduces distraction
- Customize break activities — stretching, water, quick walk
Pomodoro for Different Ages
| Age Group | Recommended Focus | Break |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 10-15 min | 3-5 min |
| Middle School | 15-25 min | 5 min |
| High School | 25-30 min | 5-10 min |
| College | 25-50 min | 5-15 min |
Building the Habit
- Week 1: Try 2-3 Pomodoro sessions per day
- Week 2: Increase to 4-5 sessions
- Week 3: Adjust timings based on what works
- Ongoing: Use consistently during study time
Privacy Note
Pomodoro Timer works entirely locally. No session data, timing, or productivity metrics are collected or transmitted.
Learn More
- Pomodoro Timer Deep Dive — All settings and advanced features
- User Profiles — ADHD Focus profile includes Pomodoro
- Visual Comfort — Reduce visual distractions further