Design & build guide
Projects
LumaDesk — light-aware focus companion
I’m exploring how a simple LCD hello world can become a useful desk companion: a focus timer, responsive controls, and a reminder when the light around me changes.
I want a first microcontroller project that does something useful on my desk. LumaDesk starts with “Hello, Ori!” on a 16×2 LCD, then connects a focus timer, two buttons, an RGB indicator, and a photoresistor.
My design uses 25-minute focus sessions and 5-minute breaks. I can pause and resume a session, choose a lighting reference, and see when the sensor reading falls below that reference. The idea is to make the state of the system easy to understand at a glance.
In the full guide, I explain the wiring, the timer state machine, and the light thresholds. The browser simulation lets you explore the behavior, and the download contains the Arduino sketches and test worksheet.
The problem
I want to connect physical inputs, software state, and visible feedback in a useful desk device. A countdown and a relative-light reminder give each part a clear purpose.
My contribution
My project focus is explaining how the inputs, timer state, and outputs fit together. This notebook includes the design, wiring map, AI-assisted source, simulator, and a worksheet for my measurements and design changes.
Tools & approach
I start with the board and LCD, then add debounced buttons, a calibrated LDR voltage divider, and a millis-based timer. I use averaging and two separate light thresholds to keep the indicator stable near a boundary.
Results & reflection
The guide includes Mega 2560 compilation and software logic checks. I use the hardware worksheet to record timing, sensor readings, calibration persistence, a fault and fix, and the next improvement. The browser demo uses simulated inputs.