README file from
GithubRoleSwitch - Obsidian Plugin
An Obsidian plugin that helps you consciously switch between different work roles—like developer, writer, researcher, or QA—with intentional transitions and session tracking.
Why I built this: I wear many hats throughout the day (developer, writer, researcher). This plugin helps me be intentional about which role I'm in and switch between them mindfully.
Demo
Mobile Demo
Features
Core Features
- Custom Work Roles: Define roles with unique colors and letter-based icons (A-Z)
- Intentional Transitions: Configurable transition delays with educational messages about context switching
- Session Locks: Minimum session duration prevents task-jumping and encourages deep focus
- Role Awareness: Visual cues (status bar, workspace borders, colored UI) remind you which role you're in
- Session Tracking: Track time spent in each role with real-time timers and historical data
- Analytics Dashboard: View daily, weekly, and monthly time statistics
User Interface
- Side Panel View: Quick access to all roles with real-time session tracking
- Role Dashboard: Comprehensive analytics and session management
- Smart Settings: Preset buttons + direct input fields for easy configuration
- Mobile Optimized: Fully responsive design for mobile devices
- Visual Feedback: Click animations and color-coded role indicators
Smart Features
- Periodic Reminders: Optional notifications to keep you aware of your current role
- Real-time Updates: Live countdown timers for session locks and durations
- Data Preservation: Historical data retained even when roles are deleted (appears as "Deleted Role")
- Transition Messages: Educational tips about context switching during role transitions
- Auto-save: Data saved periodically and when app is backgrounded (mobile-friendly)
Use Cases & Examples
Solo Developer Workflow
When you're wearing multiple hats on a project:
🔧 Developer Role: Writing code, implementing features
- Switch to Developer mode when coding
- Track time spent on implementation vs other activities
- Use role notes to capture technical decisions and code ideas
🔍 QA Role: Testing, bug hunting, quality assurance
- Switch to QA mode when testing your own code
- Approach your work with a different mindset - looking for issues rather than building
- Track testing time separately from development time
- Document bugs and edge cases in role-specific notes
📋 Planning Role: Architecture, project planning, requirements
- Switch to Planning mode for high-level thinking
- Step back from code details to see the bigger picture
- Track time spent on strategic thinking vs tactical work
Content Creator Workflow
For writers, bloggers, and content creators:
✍️ Writer Role: Creating first drafts, brainstorming content
- Focus purely on getting ideas down without judgment
- Track productive writing time vs editing time
- Capture creative ideas in role-specific notes
📝 Editor Role: Reviewing, refining, and polishing content
- Switch mindset from creative to critical
- Approach your own work objectively for better editing
- Track revision time to understand your editing patterns
📊 Reviewer Role: Final review, fact-checking, publishing prep
- Final quality check with fresh perspective
- Ensure consistency and accuracy before publication
- Document review checklists and publishing notes
Research & Analysis Work
For researchers, analysts, and knowledge workers:
🔍 Researcher Role: Gathering information, exploring topics
- Deep dive into sources and materials
- Track research time vs analysis time
- Collect and organize findings in role notes
🧠 Analyst Role: Processing information, drawing conclusions
- Switch from gathering to synthesizing mode
- Focus on patterns and insights rather than collection
- Document analytical frameworks and methodologies
📊 Evaluator Role: Reviewing findings, quality control
- Step back to assess research quality and completeness
- Challenge your own conclusions with fresh eyes
- Track validation and review activities separately
Quick Start
- Install: Enable "RoleSwitch" in Settings → Community plugins
- Setup: Go to Settings → RoleSwitch
- Create your work roles (e.g., "Developer", "Writer", "Researcher")
- Choose letter icons (A-Z), colors, and descriptions
- Configure transition duration and minimum session duration
- Access: Open the RoleSwitch side panel from the left sidebar
- Start: Click on any role to begin a session
- Switch: When locked, wait for the minimum duration or use the transition modal
- Track: View your analytics in the Dashboard button
Settings Guide
Session Settings
- Transition duration: Time to wait before switching roles (5-120 seconds)
- Presets: 5s, 10s, 30s or enter custom value
- Minimum session duration: Minimum time before allowing role switches (5-60 minutes)
- Presets: 5m, 15m, 30m or enter custom value
Display Settings
- Show status bar: Display current role in Obsidian status bar
- Show workspace border: Visual border in role's color
- Border opacity: Adjust border visibility (0.1-1.0)
- Presets: 0.3, 0.5, 0.8 or enter custom value
- Show periodic reminder: Enable role reminders
- Reminder interval: How often to show reminders (1-60 minutes)
- Presets: 5m, 15m, 30m or enter custom value
Documentation
- Features - Detailed feature overview
- Installation - Installation and setup guide
- Usage - Interface guide and usage patterns
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
- Development - Contributing and technical details
Key UI Elements
Side Panel
- Header: Shows plugin logo and title
- Roles Grid: Click any role to start/switch sessions
- Current Session: Real-time duration and lock status
- Quick Actions: Dashboard and End Session buttons
Transition Modal
When switching roles, you'll see:
- Countdown timer
- Educational message about context switching
- Cancel button if needed
Role Dashboard
- Analytics: Today, week, and month statistics
- Current Session: Live tracking with lock countdown
- Averages: Daily averages for week and month
Version Information
- Version: 0.1.1
- Minimum Obsidian: 1.6.0
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- License: MIT
Recent Updates
UI/UX Improvements
- Letter-based icons (A-Z) for simpler role identification
- Click highlight effects for better visual feedback
- Improved icon selection with color toggle
- End Session button always visible (disabled when locked)
- Logo integration in side panel and dashboard
Feature Enhancements
- Preset buttons + direct input for all settings
- Unit labels for better clarity (seconds, minutes, opacity)
- Transition messages with context switching education
- Periodic reminders with customizable intervals
- Real-time lock countdowns in multiple locations
Data & Stability
- Auto-save on app backgrounding (mobile-friendly)
- Historical data preserved when roles deleted
- Error handling for save operations
- Fixed mobile data persistence issues
Disabled Features
The following features are currently disabled in this version but remain in the codebase for future use:
- API & Synchronization Settings: Combined API server and device synchronization functionality (will be enabled in a future version)
Be intentional about your roles. Switch with purpose.