Apple Orchard Study Timer
Date: June 2021
Duration: 2 weeks
Role: 3d modeller & Video editor
During my second year of university, I developed my own version of a study timer inspired by the “Forest” app—an Apple Orchard-themed video timer designed specifically for desktop use. I was drawn to the calming concept of tree growth as a visual metaphor for productivity, but wanted a solution that didn’t rely on external devices or app installations. So I created a video-based Pomodoro timer that visually represented the passage of focused work time through the gradual growth of an apple tree, followed by a gentle transition into a rest period.
The Story
During my second year of university, I decided to create a video version of the “Forest” app study timer.
“Forest” is a Pomodoro app that encourages the user to stay focused on the growth of a tree. The Pomodoro technique is a productivity method where you balance 25 minutes of focused, efficient work with a 5 minute relaxation time.
The forest app will show a Pomodoro timer, and a little growing tree bud, that slowly grows throughout the users’ study time. This incentives the user to continue to retain focus on their set task.
Prop creation and illustration
To create the simulated forest growing, 3D props were created in blender. The UV textures on the low poly shapes were hand drawn in Photoshop.
Prop Animation
The 3d props were animated in blender and were timed to 1 minute intervals for the final Pomodoro video.
Tree animation
The tree animation files were exported as png. files and placed against a colour background. The tree animation was also checked for timing synchronizations.
Stopwatch timer
A stopwatch timer was created in after effects to add as a dashboard feature for the final video.
