Product Development Journey

Building TidBit:
A Product Journey

A quick look at how I developed TidBit—from struggles with distraction to prototyping a calmer, smarter product.

The TidBit Product Journey

From Discovery to Validation: Key Phases in Building TidBit

Phase 1: Discovery

Spotting the Problem

My journey started with a simple observation: despite having incredibly powerful smartphones, I—and many people around me—often felt more distracted and overwhelmed than ever.

Through conversations with friends, family, and reflecting on our collective habits, a clear pattern emerged.

What I Discovered

  • I found myself (and people around me) checking phones constantly, often without thinking
  • We were overwhelmed by notifications, emails, and social media
  • We wanted essential info but disliked constant interruptions
  • People are looking for ways to make screens less tiring and more comfortable
Phase 2: Understanding Users

Who Is TidBit For?

Through informal interviews, online research, and self-reflection, I noticed a growing resentment toward smartphones and the culture around them.

Many people are now seeking ways to disconnect, with some even switching to 'dumbphones' or advocating for minimal tech.

The needs are changing, but the desire for essential information—without the baggage of modern smartphones—remains strong.

🫨

The Disenchanted

Feel overwhelmed or even resentful toward smartphones; want to reclaim attention and peace of mind

📞

Dumbphone Advocates

Actively switching to basic phones or minimal devices, but still need occasional access to key info

🕶️

Quiet Tech Seekers

Want technology that blends into life, not dominates it—prefer subtle, glanceable info over constant engagement

🧑🏼‍💻

Productivity Purists

Professionals and students who want to maximize focus and efficiency, seeking tools that cut distractions and support deep work

Phase 3: User Research

Insights from Real Users

YouTube became my window into real user behavior. I analyzed hundreds of productivity channels, tech reviews, and user testimonials to understand how people actually interact with their devices throughout the day.

📱

Phone Checking Patterns

Most checks are under 10 seconds - just quick info glances

🔔

Notification Overload

Users report feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications and alerts

⏰

Peak Usage Times

Morning routine and work breaks show highest checking frequency

😔

User Frustrations

"I just wanted to check the time and got distracted for 20 minutes"

Key Video Insights

  • Productivity YouTubers constantly mention "phone as distraction"
  • Digital wellness advocates highlight the need for less screen time
  • Digital wellness videos show users seeking alternatives
  • Tech reviewers praise e-ink devices for eye comfort

Influential Research Videos

Key videos that informed our understanding of user behavior and market needs

Key Insight: Users check phones unconsciously, breaking deep work cycles
Key Insight: Users check phones unconsciously, breaking deep work cycles
Key Insight: Users check phones unconsciously, breaking deep work cycles

The Paradox of Minimalist Phones

The Paradox: The biggest fans of minimalist phones are often tech enthusiasts who want less tech in their lives. This creates a contradiction: they crave simplicity but still need modern conveniences.
The Trade-off: While switching to a basic phone sounds appealing, most people find it impractical for daily life—essential tasks like payments, tickets, and messaging become difficult or impossible.
What Research Shows: Minimalist devices can reduce distractions and stress, but their limited features frustrate users. Most people want fewer distractions, not fewer capabilities.
Bottom Line: These devices suit a small niche. For most, the real need is a way to cut distractions while keeping the benefits of a modern smartphone.
Phase 4: The Solution

The "Aha!" Moment

Many minimalist phones use e-ink displays to reduce distractions and eye strain. But these devices aren't viable for most people—they lack essential features and daily conveniences.

I wanted to create something that combines the best of both worlds: the simplicity and peace of minimalist phones, but with the functionality of a modern smartphone.

The "aha!" moment came when I thought: what if your smartphone could have a "dumb phone" attached to it? By combining e-ink with MagSafe, I imagined a calm, glanceable accessory that delivers only the essentials—bringing the peace of minimalist phones to your existing device.

Core Design Principles

  • E-ink display for comfortable, glare-free viewing
  • MagSafe attachment for seamless integration
  • Essential information only — no endless scrolling
  • User-controlled widgets for personalization
  • Week-long battery life for true convenience
Phase 5: Design

Designing the Experience

The design process was all about balance: big enough to be useful, small enough to be unobtrusive. I tested different sizes, shapes, and information layouts until I found the sweet spot that felt natural and helpful.

Design Decisions

  • Optimal size for readability without bulk
  • Rounded corners to match iPhone design language
  • Focus on useful widgets: weather, calendar, reminders, and battery
  • Only essential info—no distractions or unnecessary notifications
Phase 6: Development

Bringing TidBit to Life (in Code)

Since TidBit is still a concept, this phase was all about prototyping and coding. I built interactive web mockups, simulated the e-ink display, and created a working app demo to test the user experience. This let me refine the idea and share it with others—even before any hardware existed.

Technical Highlights

  • Interactive web prototypes to simulate the TidBit experience
  • Widget logic coded in JavaScript for live demos
  • Simulated e-ink refresh and MagSafe attachment in the browser
  • Open-source code for feedback and iteration
Phase 7: Next Steps

Where TidBit Goes From Here

With a solid prototype and positive feedback, the next steps are all about refining the experience and preparing for broader testing. I'm focusing on improving reliability, expanding widget options, and exploring partnerships for hardware production.

How I Can Still Improve TidBit

  • Gather more feedback from a wider range of users
  • Polish the user interface for even greater clarity and simplicity
  • Add more customizable widgets based on user needs
  • Explore integration with more apps and services
  • Improve the technology stack for integration and reliability
  • Get feedback from seasoned developers to refine the prototype and architecture