Timer for whiteboards.
The design.
I was apart of the creating of a timer for Confluence whiteboards. Previously in Whiteboards, the sole method of time management involved repeatedly checking the clock, leading to frequent context switches that hindered the flow of collaborative sessions.
The design team: Eden.G and Daniel. S
Timer features mute, start, stop, quick add and minimise.
Once the timer reaches its last 10 seconds, the UI becomes colourful
To do this, I explored a semi-circular progress bar, mimicking the arc of a rainbow as time ticks away. When the countdown reaches its end, confetti is displayed, transforming the experience from a mundane wake-up call to an exciting New Year's Eve celebration.
Recognizing the significance of the alarm noise, we embarked on a creative exploration, considering various options like wind chimes, violins, and pianos. I drew inspiration from the sounds found in video game award ceremonies, allowing us to associate the timer with a sense of accomplishment and celebration. I personally crafted this unique sound using an online music creation tool.
When the timer has run out, confetti is displayed on the screen
I created the original designs for a timer. My goal was to incorporate both audio and visual elements to delight users. While timers often evoke thoughts of work and deadlines, my aim was to infuse an element of fun and enjoyment into the user experience.
The process.
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I conducted a thorough competitor analysis, examining common structures of online timers. We conducted a scoping meeting that involved collaboration across multiple disciplines to determine the most viable yet desirable timer solution for release
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I designed several iterations of the timer, developing a series of flows that highlighted the confetti delight and explained the core functionality. Additionally, I personally crafted the timer sound using an online music tool and integrated it into a video walkthrough of the timer using After Effects. After gaining alignment with the team, I passed the project on to Dan, who handled the edge cases and provided more details in the spec.
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During this phase of the project, Dan took the lead, as I was dedicated to another priority task. Nevertheless, I remained available to address any questions or concerns related to the designs I had previously delivered.
The impact.
The Timer feature has become one of the most popular aspects of Confluence Whiteboards, known for its delightful and playful qualities. We've received substantial feedback praising the timer noise and the playful confetti effects. The choice of these delight elements has acted as a driving force for design on Confluence whiteboards to continue to prioritise ‘playfully-ness’.