Week 01 — Project Concept + Direction
Date range: Jan 20 – Jan 26
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Time spent: ~5 hours
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Status: In progress
Focus: Setting up the project structure and defining core requirements for the MVP.
1) Summary
- ✅ Defined the goal: a distraction-free note-taking device
- ✅ Identified key features: e-ink display, small keyboard, minimal UI, no notifications
- ✅ Compared to existing tools and identified gaps
- ✅ Chose direction: hardware + software hybrid device
2) What I did
Planning
- Defined the goal — Created a distraction-free note-taking device concept focused on deep work and minimal UI.
- Identified key features — E-ink display for eye comfort, small keyboard, minimal UI with no notifications or distractions.
- Competitive analysis — Compared to existing tools: iPad, laptop, notebooks. Identified gaps in market.
Research
- Device direction — Decided on hardware + software hybrid approach combining custom electronics with thoughtful software design.
3) Decisions made
- Decision: Build a hardware device rather than software-only solution.
- Reason: Physical constraints force focus and intentionality. Unique experience impossible with existing hardware.
- Tradeoff: Much higher complexity, longer timeline, requires 3D printing and electronics.
4) Issues / blockers
- Blocker: Selecting the right screen size (10.3" vs 13.3").
- What I tried: mocking up UI on paper.
- Next attempt: cardboard mockups of physical dimensions.
5) Tasks completed
Done
- Setup project blog
- Define MVP features
Next
- Order Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
- 3D print test case
6) What’s next week
- Finalize screen component selection.
- Initial CAD mockups for the chassis.
- Hello World on the E-Ink display driver.