DeskThang

DeskThang

A USB-connected desk companion that helps maintain focus by bringing important notifications directly to your workspace, without the distractions of phones or chat apps.

The Problems

1. Notification Overload: Modern devices bombard us with notifications everywhere, making it difficult to maintain focus and separate work from personal life.
2. Authentication Friction: Tools like GitLab’s MFA, while necessary, create constant workflow interruptions.
3. IoT Security Concerns: Traditional IoT devices with WiFi chips introduce unnecessary security risks and complexity.

The Solution

DeskThang is a USB-connected device that:

• Features a 240x240 pixel circular LCD screen and programmable RGB LEDs
• Connects via USB-C with no wireless components
• Is completely scriptable through bash commands
• Provides visual feedback for:
  • CI/CD pipeline status
  • Payment notifications
  • System status indicators
  • Custom notifications
  • And more through simple scripting

Technical Stack

• Host Driver: Written in Zig for efficient USB communication
• Firmware: C code running on the RP2040 (Raspberry Pi Pico)
• Scripting: Python for easy customization and integration
• Hardware:
  • RP2040 microcontroller
  • 240x240 circular LCD display
  • RGB LEDs
  • USB-C connection

Design Philosophy

1. Location-Based Computing: Notifications appear only where they’re relevant - work notifications stay in the office.
2. Security First: No wireless connectivity means fewer attack vectors and security concerns.
3. Open Hardware: Complete documentation for firmware updates and hardware hacking included.
4. Ultimate Scriptability: Simple bash commands enable endless customization possibilities.

Command Interface

DeskThang provides a straightforward command-line interface:

# Basic Commands
deskthang ping              # Send ping command (expects pong response)
deskthang test <1-4>       # Run test pattern 1-4
deskthang led <RRGGBB>     # Set LED color (hex format)
deskthang image path/to.png # Display image (240x240 png)

These simple commands can be combined with other tools to create powerful automations. For example:

# Turn LED red on failed GitLab pipeline
gitlab-ci-notifier on:failed "deskthang led FF0000"

# Display team logo during standups
at 9:00 "deskthang image ~/team-logo.png"

Current Status

This project is actively under development, with focus on:

• Implementing reliable USB communication protocols
• Developing the state machine for robust data transfer
• Creating a user-friendly command interface
• Designing the final PCB

Follow the development blog for detailed insights into the challenges and progress of building DeskThang.