Computers take up far more of our time than most of us are willing to admit, and perhaps also a lot more than we’re aware of. Apps and programs to help us manage our time more effectively or organise ourselves better have tried to improve our efficiency before with various degrees of success.

Recess, a new app from Baltimore design studio, Something Dangerous, takes a much more human approach to optimising our work process. Using a series of customisable notifications Recess offers playful hints and nudges to encourage users to either use their time more effectively, or in the case of severe workaholism, to take a break, get outside and have a rest.

A nice touch, that goes a step beyond other efficiency apps, is that Recess tracks the user's overall computer time and energy usage. It uses these stats to calculate an average 'computer time', which is then used to work out if the user is spending an excessive amount of time working (or not working), and if so, encourages other, more worthwhile activities.