Design-Based Research Capstone

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 - Productivity Gamification Through Virtual Pet
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Research & Testing Phase
Project Leads Aadi Bhat, Pranav Santhosh, Nolan Hightower

Bud-E

Gamifying Focus With a Growing Virtual Companion

✓ Persistent virtual pet widget visible on all pages
✓ Real-time growth when on whitelisted productive sites
✓ Real-time degradation when navigating to distracting sites
✓ Visual evolution through distinct stages (seed → sprout → plant → flower → tree)
✓ Customizable website whitelist and blacklist
✓ Local storage of pet progress and settings
✓ Growth statistics and session tracking
✓ Positive reinforcement without guilt or anxiety
Manifest V3 Browser Extension Content Script for Widget Injection Background Service Worker for Tab Monitoring Chrome Storage API for Persistence CSS Animations for Growth/Degradation Transitions Cross-browser compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) Figma for Prototyping User Interview Research (n=8-10)

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.

Impact

Positive, game-like approach to productivity without punishment
Visual accountability and intrinsic motivation through progress systems
30%+ increase in time spent on whitelisted sites
60%+ daily active usage rate after 2 weeks
40%+ user retention at 30 days
Low anxiety/stress around the mechanic
Users understand progress without checking stats
Emotional attachment to bud-e through design
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