I Built a Chrome Extension to Block Distracting Sites and Fix My Pomodoro Timer — Here's What I Learned

May 30, 2026 · 5:32 PM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 37 views

#productivity #extensions #chrome #technology #software

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

The author created a Chrome extension called Ashdeck to address productivity issues caused by distractions during task transitions. By replacing the new tab page with a Pomodoro timer and task list, the extension aims to eliminate the temptation to visit distracting sites. The author shares insights on user reactions and the importance of the new tab page in enhancing productivity.

Key facts

▪The author realized that the blank new tab page was a major distraction during task transitions.
▪Ashdeck replaces the new tab page with a Pomodoro timer, task list, and site blocker to improve focus.
▪User feedback has been polarized, with some embracing the extension while others reject the idea of changing their new tab page.

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Original publisher	DEV.to (Top)
Canonical URL	https://dev.to/promise_uzoechi/i-built-a-chrome-extension-because-i-couldnt-stop-opening-twitter-between-pomodoro-sessions-1gnj
Publication time	Sat, 30 May 2026 17:32:48 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-30T17:59:43.108Z
Last seen	2026-05-30T17:59:43.108Z
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Basis: Derived from the published RSS/Atom feed. Contact: [email protected]. Reviewed: 2026-07-24.

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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

try { if(localStorage) { let currentUser = localStorage.getItem('current_user'); if (currentUser) { currentUser = JSON.parse(currentUser); if (currentUser.id === 2859247) { document.getElementById('article-show-container').classList.add('current-user-is-article-author'); } } } } catch (e) { console.error(e); } Promise Uzoechi Posted on May 30 I Built a Chrome Extension to Block Distracting Sites and Fix My Pomodoro Timer — Here's What I Learned #productivity #extensions #opensource #showdev Let me be honest about something embarrassing. I've read Deep Work. I've read Atomic Habits. I had a colour-coded Notion workspace that would make a productivity influencer cry with joy. I used three different Pomodoro apps across three years. I had a site blocker installed.

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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at DEV.to (Top).

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