Buildable tools and devices: what they do, what you need, how to build or use them, and a worked example. The interactive ones open a tool.

Buildable Instrument

The Digital Banishing Switch

One action that closes the working: closes tabs, clears a cache, logs out and returns attention.

What it is

To make the close as deliberate as the opening.

At a glance

Inputs: A browser, a list of tabs or accounts used for the working, a closing line.
Outputs: A closed session, a cleared cache or storage key, and a log line with the time and the close.

How to do it

Name the working and the tabs or accounts it uses.
Write the closing line before you start the working.
At the close, run the switch: close, clear, log out.
Write the close line to the ledger with the date.
Do something ordinary for ten minutes.
Do not reopen the working until the next scheduled session.

What you need

A browser
A bookmarklet or extension
A ledger
A closing line

A worked example

The switch closes the 'Saturn application' window, clears `localStorage['saturn-working']`, logs 'closed 2026-11-07 22:14' and opens a blank page. The practitioner then leaves the desk.

Variations

Make the switch physical: a designated key, a card, a switch on the desk.
Use it at the end of every working, not only the big ones.
Give the switch a partner: a short opening gesture, so the close has a matching beginning.

Code sketch

This is a sketch, not a runnable program. It names the shape of the automation; the definitions are yours.

const close = () => {
  localStorage.removeItem('saturn-working');
  sessionStorage.clear();
  document.body.innerHTML = '<main><h1>Closed.</h1><p>Leave the desk.</p></main>';
  fetch('/api/log', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify({ event: 'close' }) });
};

Related entries

Correspondences

Workings

The Mars Firewall Ward

The Servitor Ledger

One of 110 entries in the Technomancy workshop. How a working is built Is it wrong somewhere?

Mentioned by 11

Every entry that names The Digital Banishing Switch, grouped by section.

⌬ Correspondences 3

Mars — firewall Instrument
The Tower — crash Instrument
Tuesday — Mars Instrument

✧ Practices 2

Dismissing a construct Instruments
Cyber banishing Instruments

⌘ Protocols 2

Dismiss a servitor Instruments
Digital banishing Instruments

⚙ Instruments 1

The Servitor Ledger Related

❖ Workings 1

The Mars Firewall Ward Instruments

▤ Glossary 1

Banishing Related

⌁ Currents 1

Cybermagic Instruments

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The entries either side of this one in the same section.

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