Energiebarometer — a calm, visual “how I’m doing” display for neurodivergent minds

Some days you can’t explain your internal state. You can feel it — but turning that into words, at the right moment, for the right people… that’s a different task entirely.

The Energiebarometer is a simple, always-visible display that lets you communicate your current “bandwidth” to the people around you — without having to start a conversation first. It’s designed with neurodivergent users in mind (autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, sensory-sensitive, burnout recovery, anxiety, chronic fatigue — and honestly, anyone who gets overwhelmed by constant social decoding).

What it does

Shows your current state as a clean vertical bar (from “low battery / needs space” to “good capacity / open for interaction”).

Adds an optional mood icon to give extra context (without needing words).

Supports 1–8 users on one device (perfect for families, shared flats, teams, therapy rooms).

Works both on the touchscreen and through a web interface (phone/PC), so you can update it in the way that costs you the least energy.

Why it’s different (and why it helps)

The point isn’t to “measure” you. The point is to reduce friction.

Your environment gets a clear, gentle signal (“I’m at 1/10 today — please keep it light.”)

You don’t have to repeatedly explain, justify, or negotiate your needs.

It prevents the classic “I seemed fine until I wasn’t” misunderstanding.

It supports routines and boundaries without being loud, clinical, or infantilizing.

Features (practical and actually useful)

Touch control: quick updates directly on the device.

Web control: update from your phone (same look and logic as the display).

Wi-Fi Client + Access Point mode: works in your existing Wi-Fi or as its own setup Wi-Fi.

Captive portal setup: connect to the device and configure it easily.

Hidden settings page (only at /settings) so the “public” page stays simple.

OTA updates (/ota) for easy firmware upgrades.

Display brightness controls: normal + dim level, plus adjustable dim delay.

Night mode (display off, web stays on): optionally switch the display off at night (e.g. 22:00–06:00).

Night wake: long-press to temporarily wake the display during “off” time.

Auto-reset: optionally reset states at a chosen time (globally) with per-user enable toggles.

Firmware version shown in settings (because shipping hardware without versioning is chaos).

Use cases

Family: “I can’t talk right now” without starting a conflict.

Shared home: avoid accidental overstimulation and misunderstandings.

Office/studio: communicate focus/overload levels without constant interruptions.

Therapy/coaching rooms: quick check-in visual for clients.

Personal self-care: a small ritual to notice your state before it escalates.

What you get

Web UI + on-device UI

Ready to use after Wi-Fi setup (Exact included accessories / enclosure options depend on listing configuration.)

A note on philosophy

The Energiebarometer is not a medical device. It doesn’t diagnose or “fix” anything. It simply gives you a friendly, low-effort interface between your inner state and the social world — so you can spend less energy translating yourself.

If you’ve ever wished for a “traffic light” for your brain that doesn’t feel like a traffic light… this is it.