Many experts say that for every 60 minutes that you work, you should take 5-10 minutes out of your day and have a quick break. Now, there is an interesting app that markets itself as a productivity-boosting game, perfect for playing during short breaks. It’s called Color Shake, and it may be just the thing to refresh your brain during mini-breaks, or help you clear your mind when switching from one task to the next.

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

Color Shake was developed by Injoit. The app aims to clear your head, as well as help users to develop faster reaction times and stronger attention spans. To play, you must follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to complete a certain number of actions within a timed period, and those actions must be done simultaneously. For example, you might be asked to tilt the device to the left or right, while also tapping one of the various colored icons on the screen.

Pros

• Simple concept with an equally simple, easy-to-follow design
• Fun soundtrack (that you can easily silence if need be for an office setting)
• Responsive controls
• Two different game modes: time mode and survival mode
• Boosts your attention to detail and your reaction time with repeated, regular use

Cons

• Claims to be a “psychological self-help tool,” your mileage may vary
• May cause more stress than relaxation in certain players
• Soundtrack is a bit distracting, wish there were different music options that were more soothing
• Doesn’t re-orient when you turn the device around
• Online scoreboards are planned, but not yet available

Discussion

Color Shake is a really cool concept. While you focus on simple commands like “turn the device right and tap the blue icon,” you are both relaxing and refreshing your brain. The commands are given in Direction/Color format, so you’ll see commands like R/B or L/R. According to the developers, “The game keeps your consciousness occupied while activating the unconscious mind which comes up with ideas and solutions you needed.”

I can imagine using this app to relax my brain after a few hours of continuous work, or as a tool to help my brain “unclench” when I’m stuck on a creative project that I can’t find a solution for.

I think some people (particularly Type A people) may struggle with the idea of Color Shake. If you’re easily stressed out, the simple-yet-mentally-challenging gameplay might actually stress you out more than taking a regular break. But if you love playing games at work, now you have a game that you can actually explain away as a legitimate productivity tool when your boss catches you.

Conclusion and download link

Color Shake is a cool idea, and there isn’t a person working today who would turn down the chance to play a game that they can justify to their boss as a productivity tool. Whether Color Shake will work for you likely depends on your personality type. If you’ve been working hard on the same project for hours and hours, why not take a break with Color Shake and see if it helps to refocus and recalibrate your overworked brain?

Price: Free

Version reviewed: 2.2

Requires iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, iOS version 4.0 or later

Download size: 9.4 MB

Color Shake on Apple App Store