Category: ESP32

To do things properly, one must first think and write out whys and whats; the requirements.

Now, starting with the equirements from the user point of view.

To be an useful alarm clock, the device must:

1. Show time
2. Keep time accurately
3. Be able to wake up a person from sleep
4. The wake-up time must be adjustable
5. Operate continuously, always
6. Must Warn if continuous operation is threatened
7. Fit on a bedside table
8. Be robust
9. Have easily accessible controls
10. Have easy to use controls
11. Provide feedback of controls
12. Provide state information visually

All alarm clocks have these features more or less.

I have myself determined that the improvements to surpass the standard will be in the following, as these things have been bothering me in the standard products:

• 2. Time-keeping
• 9.-10. easy controls
• 12. information display

In addition, there should also be some added value functions to improve user experience, to make the product more attractive. I have thought of some, but let’s discuss more about that later.

As this is my small, own project I can select the specifications, which is of course exceptional.

In the life of every day commuting labor force member there is an important enabler device, that facilitates the timely entry to your dedicated place where you create added value to your employer and the Client Corporation.

The Alarm Clock.

It’s the bedside device that interrupts your sleep at a pretermined time, prompting to prepare for your daily commute.

I’m not happy with my alarm clock, and I haven’t quite found one with all the basic requirements. I find quite surprising that the market is not providing, what I’m looking for.

The alarm clock should be easy to look, manipulate and it should be reliable and mitigate human errors.

The display should for example show current time, next alarm time and if the next alarm is on or off. As far as I know, most of the modern alarm clock don’t show the alarm time without pressing a button. Also low quality, gummy, with short operating life buttons on the wrong side of the device housing are a problem.

The typical user interface of one-directional movement, scrolling and selection feels insufficient. Where are the rotating knobs that used to be in clocks?

One might also think of some additional features for the box bedside, like a radio or an intercom.

Ok, I have the option to bring my mobile phone to the bedroom, and set it to alarm. There are standard and other Clock apps. Problem solved? No, because I don’t want to keep my phone on or charging all night in bedroom. Bedroom is dedicated to sleep, I don’t want calls at night, and less 2.4 / 5 GHz electromagnetic noise while sleeping is probably a wise long term choice.

Another option would be Alexa Echo Spot. I somehow don’t like the idea of having a device from Amazon streaming audio all the time from my bedroom, and getting product suggestions in the morning for improved gut health and sleep.

I say also no to Apple products, I spend too much time with them at work already.

There is also the fun factor, building is fun! Much more than testing.