Screenshot: Charlie Gerard

Overgrown is a Chrome browser extension that plants seeds in neglected browser tabs, which slowly become overwhelmed by spreading foliage. Creator Charlie Gerard was inspired by a creative exercise around the word and decided to do something special.

I then wanted to apply this idea to the digital world, and the word "abandoned" made me think of my browser tabs… What if my tabs were slowly taken over by plants the longer I left them unread? What if I had to clear away these invasive plants to access my tabs again? A bit like trying to open a door that's been overgrown…

As soon as you leave a tab, its neglect clock starts. The longer it is neglected, the more plants encroach upon it. Eventually the page becomes unscrollable; you have to slash your way through the vines with your mouse. You can choose your weapon: machete, chainsaw or flamethrower.

Sadly, it's not available for Firefox.

Other interesting work by Charlie includes controlling Street Fighter with gestures.…