I think functionally the Focus Dial (I linked to it in my README as well) is the much better „product“ and keeps exactly that UX compared to what I built. I had to face the reality of my own limited knowledge and skillset to build something like that (and wanted to do my own thing), plus I really ended up liking that epaper display.

I must admit I've been guilty of reacting on the title and not your post. I opened it, saw some machine and immediately thought of the kitchen timer in the shape of a pomodoro I have on my desk here. Which is so dead simple, that's why I like it.

Now that I read your post and look at the photos, I think you definitely add something with the division of certain tasks! Besides, it's always cool to build something yourself, so please don't read my previous comment as a snark about reinventing the wheel or something. I just really appreciate the simple mechanical kitchen timer recommended for the pomodoro technique.

Absolutely no offense taken! I knew I was overengineering the hell out of this when I started it :)

It would help if the intro section mentioned the added features so the reader would understand why a custom device was necessary.