Bud-E Capstone
A design-research capstone for a browser extension that gamifies productivity through a virtual pet that grows when users stay focused on whitelisted websites and degrades when they navigate to distracting sites.
Bud-E Capstone
A design-research capstone for a browser extension that gamifies productivity through a virtual pet that grows when users stay focused on whitelisted websites and degrades when they navigate to distracting sites.
Bud-E
Gamifying Focus With a Growing Virtual Companion
About
Bud-E is a browser extension that gamifies productivity through a persistent virtual pet. Students configure whitelisted productive websites (documentation, educational platforms, coding environments) and the pet grows in real-time while they stay focused. Clicking away to distracting sites causes the pet to degrade visually. Unlike punitive blockers, Bud-E provides positive reinforcement through an emotionally-engaging character. Design research revealed that character growth resonates more than blocking/restriction. The system progresses through distinct visual stages, creating satisfying visual feedback for sustained focus while maintaining low anxiety.