Estuary's Timer widget structures live-coding sets into named timed sections visible to the whole ensemble

The Timer widget (invoked as timer N in the view DSL) lets performers script a set’s time structure as a simple DSL: sectionA=120, sectionB=90, sectionC=60 — each label with a duration in seconds or BPM-cycles. All ensemble members see the same countdown/progress display. This practice originated in the Cybernetic Orchestra, where prescribed timed sections help synchronise collective improvisations. The widget has multiple visual modes (progress bar, sand-clock, numeric, circular, stack) and supports looping; the edit/display mode split means one performer can update the script without disrupting others’ view.

Examples

In the Timer edit interface, type: intro=60, dev=120, drop=90, outro=60 — then press ▶ and flip to display mode to see the shared countdown.

Assessment

Design a Timer program for a 10-minute live-coding set with at least 4 sections; justify your section durations based on typical live-coding performance arc.