The VisTimer was developed to provide a gentle implementation of time imposed limits. It utilizes an animated shrinking pie chart to depict elapsed time. Visual thinkers, especially when they are children, have difficulty conceptualizing time. Being able to see the changing pie chart as time passes makes it easier to understand time and duration. It is easy to explain to a child that when the circle is completely gone, an activity is finished or a task must be completed. There is an Early Warning preference setting to indicate the timer is approaching completion. This provides a gentle reminder to prepare and set expectations. Even the color of the pie chart can be customized to a calming favorite color. Sometimes allowing a child to participate in selecting these preferences creates a sense of ownership and commitment. The VisTimer can also operate in Lock Mode, where all settings are locked after the timer is started. This imparts it with a higher sense of authority and detaches its consequences from you.
The low stress animated circle combined with restful colors and gentle sounds also make it ideal for timing relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga.