Staying productive at work can be tricky, with emails, social networks and news websites among the distractions vying for your attention. Saent is aimed at helping users to remain focused by minimizing the potential for distraction and encourage a better working rhythm.
Saent comprises a physical controller and a software application that will initially be available on OS X and Windows, with Android and iOS versions also planned. The controller, which is essentially a large button with additional gestural functionality, measures 70 x 70 x 15 mm (2.8 x 2.8 x 0.6 in) and weighs 45 g (1.6 oz). It connects to the user's computer via Bluetooth Low Energy, and has a micro USB 2.0 port for data transmission, battery charging, and power supply.
Saent comprises a physical controller and a software application that will initially be available on OS X and Windows, with Android and iOS versions also planned. The controller, which is essentially a large button with additional gestural functionality, measures 70 x 70 x 15 mm (2.8 x 2.8 x 0.6 in) and weighs 45 g (1.6 oz). It connects to the user's computer via Bluetooth Low Energy, and has a micro USB 2.0 port for data transmission, battery charging, and power supply.
When pressed, Saent launches a work session via the accompanying app on the user's computer. Users can choose to work in 30, 50 or 90 minute blocks with breaks in between, with the app locking users into apps used for work and blocking out distractions such as social networking sites or app notifications.
In addition to providing a means of triggering a work session and providing a visual and physical cue for productivity, the Saent controller augments the user's workflow by allowing certain actions to be triggered via gestural controls. For example, users can set up the controller so that swiping right across it will open their calendar or double tapping it will mark a task as completed.
The Saent software provides insights into a user's work performance and makes suggestions as to how it can be optimized. The times that a user is most naturally productive and their optimal break lengths, for example, are indicated. Relevant productivity apps and tasks are also suggested.
Users are awarded points for each 10-minute block of work that is completed, with a rating out of 100 indicating overall performance. Productivity is also further encouraged by allowing users to compete with colleagues and friends.
An Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is ongoing for Saent. At the time of writing, a Saent device and a one-year subscription to the premium version of the app is available for a pledge of US$39. Assuming all goes to plan with the campaign and roll-out, shipping is estimated to start in November.
The eventual retail cost is expected to be between $49 and $69, with the premium version of the software expected to cost between $5 and $10 per month.
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