REMi - Interactive Break Assistant
Tymofiy Melnyk Inventor · Grade 11
TECHNOLOGY / SOFTWARE / APPS · 2026

REMi - Interactive Break Assistant.

REMi is an interactive desktop assistant that reminds students and computer users to take regular breaks through engaging, customizable notifications.

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The problem

Why Melnyk Tymofiy created the REMi - Interactive Break Assistant.

The idea for REMi came from noticing how easily students and people who work at computers can become absorbed in their tasks and forget to take regular breaks. Long hours in front of a screen can contribute to eye strain, poor posture, tiredness, stress, and reduced concentration. Although computers already offer reminder systems, many notifications are small, easy to overlook, or quickly dismissed.

REMi was created to make break reminders more noticeable, friendly, and engaging. Instead of behaving like a standard notification, REMi appears directly on the user’s screen as a customizable character companion. It encourages users to pause, rest their eyes, move around, and return to their work refreshed.

The project combines programming and creativity to address a simple but important everyday problem. The goal is not to stop people from being productive, but to help them build healthier study and work habits while using technology. REMi turns an easy-to-ignore reminder into an interactive experience that users are more likely to notice and respond to.

The invention

How the REMi - Interactive Break Assistant works.

REMi works as an interactive desktop companion that runs directly on the user’s computer. The user can customize the character, reminder schedule, notification sounds, and focus mode to fit their routine. While the user studies or works, REMi stays on the desktop and follows the selected focus period.When it is time for a break, REMi appears directly on the screen as a friendly character instead of a small notification that can easily be ignored. It gets the user’s attention and encourages them to pause, rest their eyes, and move around. REMi can also provide links to simple exercises and movement activities for the break.The character can be moved around the desktop using drag-and-drop, making the experience more interactive and personal. With customizable reminders, hourly movement prompts, and an engaging character, REMi turns ordinary notifications into a more noticeable and friendly way to build healthier study and work habits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VKSwZdJY0Q&t=1s

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