How I Built PomoFox

Ever thought a Pomodoro timer could be more than just a timer? I did, and here's what happened…

Two weeks ago, I wanted to create an interesting open-source project. Since I use the Pomodoro method daily, I thought, Why not build a Pomodoro Timer app and share it on GitHub?!

But then I looked around and saw that every Pomodoro app was the same—a dull screen, a timer in the middle, and... that's it. So, I thought, What if my app did something unexpected during each break?

Like...

• Telling you to go do 10 push-ups.
• Giving you a "Would You Rather?" question.
• Passive-aggressively roasting you with AI.
• Telling you a random fact that no one needs.
• Making the website melt like ice cream.
• Turning the whole page upside down.
• Giving you a random riddle.
• And if you’ve burned out working late into the night, Ana de Armas from Blade Runner 2049 appears in the background saying, "What a day… You look lonely, I can fix that." 😆

In short: irrelevant, fun chaos.

So, I got to work. I designed the app in a retro pixel-art style and named it PomoFox. Luckily, the domain https://www.pomofox.com/ was available. I made a cute little fox the mascot 🦊, added a Lofi music player, light/dark mode pixel art backgrounds, customizable timers, and a creative logo.

At some point, I realized the app had become less chaotic and more aesthetic. So I thought, Let’s bring back the chaos... with a game! 🎮

Since "Pomodoro" means tomato in Italian, and my app is called PomoFox (Pomo = 🍅, Fox = 🦊), I made a game where a fox runs through the forest, dodging sword-wielding tomatoes 🍅⚔️. (It just made sense, right?)

I had never made a game before, but that didn’t stop me—I learned how to do it and shipped it. You can play it here: https://game.pomofox.com

And because I love open-source, the code is up on GitHub: https://github.com/zibrahimov/fox-runner

I also shared it on ProductHunt and Reddit, and the feedback has been amazing 🚀. All of this was built in just two weeks.

Moving forward, I’ll continue adding creative features (and probably more quirky 2D games) whenever inspiration strikes. If you’ve got any fun, out-of-the-box ideas for PomoFox, I’d love to hear them in the comments! 🚀🦊

Let me know what you think!

If you're curious about how the Pomodoro Technique works, check out my blog on my personal experience with it!

My Experience with Pomodoro Technique