notes.husk.org/likes images.

The Timestamp is unassuming on the surface—an analog clock stamp that’s meant to be used to physically and very consciously mark the start and end times of each task, giving you a constant source of accomplishment throughout the day. But the power is in what’s invisible to the eye—when used to start a task, it shuts down all your modern sources of distraction: social networks, email, instant messaging, mobile phones, and even your computer, allowing you to finally work in much-needed peace. (via Timestamp | MFA Interaction Design)

This is charming. The stamp itself acts as a signpost (glowing red), to warn off those who might come seek the owner when she or he switches off instant messenger to focus. That strikes me as a thoughtful detail. You’d need to do some work with the culture of your workplace, to make it stick.

Otherwise, I envision this scenario:

Bob stamps his timepad, and his email, phone, and IM switch off. He starts to work.

Adam needs to ask Bob a question, and doesn’t see him online. So, he wanders over to Bob’s workstation. “Hey, Bob.”

“Busy.” (Bob waves at the timestamp, glowing red.)

“Yeah, but this’ll just take a second, see, this order came in, and…” Adam plows on, oblivious.

Bob sighs, his concentration shot. “Ok, yeah, let me just…” and five minutes later, he’s done. Adam wanders off.

Bob spends about ten to fifteen minutes re-focusing back on the task at hand.

Moments later, Carol calls from across the office:

“Hey, Bob? BOB. BOB!”

…and so on.

None of that should detract from this lovely student project. I just think it should come with a taser and baseball bat.