Getting Started with Focus Timer

A single-purpose productivity timer inspired by Dieter Rams. Set a duration, start working.

Section: Getting Started with Focus Timer

What It Is

Focus Timer is a minimal, single-purpose timer for focused work sessions. Inspired by Dieter Rams’ principle of “less, but better” — it does one thing: count down.

No task lists, no stats, no gamification. Just a timer.

How to Use It

  1. Pick a duration — choose 15, 25, or 45 minutes
  2. The timer starts immediately — a green wedge shows remaining time, shrinking as you work
  3. When time is up, a gentle tone plays

That’s it. No configuration needed.

Pop Out Window

Click the pop-out button to open the timer in its own browser window. Resize it, tuck it in a corner of your screen. The main tab and pop-out window stay in sync — controls in either window update the other.

The browser tab title also counts down, so you can see remaining time at a glance even when the tab is in the background.

Light and Dark Mode

Toggle between light and dark themes. The timer remembers your preference between sessions.

Install as a Web App

Focus Timer works as a Progressive Web App (PWA). On supported browsers, you can install it to your dock or home screen for quick access without opening a browser tab.

On macOS Safari or Chrome, look for the install option in the browser’s address bar or menu.

The Design

The circular dial with a shrinking green wedge is deliberately simple — visible at a glance from across the room, without demanding attention. The interface avoids clutter so you can focus on the work, not the tool.