Open-source DIY busy sign

A focus signal people understand before they interrupt.

Build a small ESP32-C6 touchscreen desk status display for focus work, meetings and do-not-disturb moments — with local control, printable cases and firmware you can remix.

Early preview. No spam — just BOM, firmware notes, enclosure files and release updates.
No app lock-inLocal-firstDIY ESP32-C6
Open-source DIY busy sign showing FOCUS on a desk
Why it exists

Less dashboard. More social signal.

The useful part is not another screen. It is the shared agreement that a small object on your desk can say what headphones, Slack and calendar dots fail to say clearly.

01

Headphones are ambiguous.

They hint that you might be busy. They do not say whether you are focused, in a call, free or just listening.

02

Work apps are locked down.

Commercial busy lights often require desktop software — exactly what many corporate laptops block.

03

DIY hardware can feel premium.

The goal is a polished little desk object: useful, open and a little weird — not messy breadboard energy.

Several Open Busy Sign case and status variations
Status modes and printable case directions become the visual language of the project.
Open hardware

Small enough to build. Open enough to change.

The reference build stays intentionally simple: touchscreen board, diffuser frame, backplate, USB-C power and a printable shell.

Exploded view of open-source busy sign components and 3D printed caseprinted shelltouchscreenUSB-C power

Not a locked product. A reference object.

Get the BOM, firmware notes, enclosure files, status-screen ideas and integration notes for calendars, Home Assistant and local APIs.

BoardESP32-C6 touchscreen base
Case3D-printable, remixable shells
ControlLocal web UI, no app-store dependency
Prototype parts, board, USB-C cable and busy sign on a desk
Build it yourself

A weekend build plan, not another gadget store.

The first release is documentation-first: a clear path from raw ESP32-C6 touchscreen board to a working focus signal.

1Order the core hardware and print the case.
2Flash the firmware and configure local states.
3Remix the shell, modes and integrations.
Local control

A tiny web UI beats another installed app.

The MVP direction is local-first: change status, text, color and glow from a small web interface. That keeps the busy sign realistic for offices where installing yet another desktop app is the actual problem.

Local web UI shown next to the busy sign device
Early access

Want the build files?

Join the list for the first Open Busy Sign release: BOM, ESP32-C6 firmware notes, 3D-print files and behind-the-scenes build notes.