A simple, reliable, open-source system that celebrates progress instead of milestones.
Most awards, plaques, and trophies are fixed in time and only recognise the finish line. The Work-in-Progress Plaque is different. It’s changes and it reflects the ongoing story you’re writing day by day. It is both a reminder and a companion: numbers update, moments accumulate, and you see your journey unfold in real time!
Short build video + feature: https://youtu.be/2AOS1mtvHoI
- Distraction-Free: Purpose-centered design with text that feels printed on the surface; no notifications, no clutter
- Deeply Customisable: Change font, formatting, and displayed elements to suit your own style and goals
- Local Network/ Offline Operation: Runs entirely on your own network; no subscriptions, no external servers, no cloud dependency
- Reliable and Power Efficient Foundation: Built on the lightweight, robust ESP32 architecture. Boots instantly into function
- Plaque-esqeue: The design, per the video essay, can be disguised in a traditional plaque form; looks static, but quietly updates in the background
- Simple Web Portal: You can configure everything through a clean interface accessible
- API-Ready: Manage the updates programmatically from any source via the API (e.g. from Apple Shortcuts, scripts, apps, or third-party services)
- Open Source: Check the code, suggest improvements, create your own version, share it with the rest; it's all free and encouraged, so dig in!
Core Components:
- ESP32 board with integrated screen (or you can connect your own)
- USB-C cable for power + flashing
- Wi-Fi (assume you already have this)
Build Materials (optional if you want the "physical" plaque vibes from the video):
- Aluminium sheet (for CNC cutting)
- Acrylic sheet + one-way mirror film (borderless front)
- Hot glue/ CA glue
Affiliate links to grab components (if you want to use them):
| Component | Amazon US | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| 7in ESP32 IPS Display (no touch) | https://amzn.to/46mYIGx | https://amzn.to/4pjDfH9 |
| Acrylic Sheets | https://amzn.to/3I6urUr | https://amzn.to/47BdEmL |
| Reflective Film | https://amzn.to/4piQJmn | https://amzn.to/48aTa4n |
| Aluminium Sheet for milling | https://amzn.to/460wORN | https://amzn.to/46gFK4d |
- One sketch file (Arduino IDE compatible)
- One "style sheet" (includes information about the display and formatting side, like fonts, etc.)
- You will need to modify global variables (e.g. your WIFI credentials) before you flash it
- It Boots directly into the display code, and will show you the local IP address where you'll find the portal/ API
(if you flash it but nothing happens, the console will give you some hints about what went wrong - most likely a misconfiguration of the ESP32 + display setup in the IDE)
- To flash the firmware, you have to first hold BOOT and press RESTART
- Assign the board as Waveshare 7 in
- Modify Tools -> Flash to 16, Partition to 16 + 4, PSRAM must be Enabled (took me ages to figure this out)
- You may need to downgrade your LVGL library to the latest v8
- After you upload, you have to replug the board to test the code - merely clicking on RESTART won't put it in "run the code" mode
Otherwise, all should be plug-and-play. Details about the API are on the webportal itself. Hope you enjoy this!!
I've done my best to document everything accurately - however, there might be mistakes. If you see them, or opportunities to improve, please open an issue.
This is an open-source project given for free, with no warranties or guarantees. It assumes a level of proficiency with electronics, assemblies, engineering, etc. Do your own due diligence - it's your responsibility. Stay safe. Stay productive. Work with what you have. Make the world a better place.