Project Desk Monitor

Fall 2024

To create a device that helps reduce time on your phone while also provding an engaging way to stay productive

Problem Space:

The phone has become a product that has now become a necessity to modern life. Although it can be a useful tool, it can also be a deteriment to many, as social media, streaming services, short form content can be distracting and overstimulating when trying to be productive. It can especially debilitating for certain people who lack control and self-discipline, causing an unhealthy attachement and extreme sense of dependency.

Photos of real people’s phone screen time (including mine :)

Observations:

When asking others how they study, many responded by saying they also tend to use their phone to help study, often some form of stimuation to study(music, background video,etc).

This allows studying to be productive and engaging, but can easily lead to a misstep into distractions.

Takeaway: Those who are overly addicted to their phone find it hard to create a seperation between using it as a tool or a form of

entertainment

Existing Solutions:

Many modern smartphones come with built in features such as do not disturb or silent mode.

However, with lack of self discipline, and with the habit of checking notifications ingrained in someone, it can be extremely easy to turn off these features. Making it less effective for certain individuals

Taking inspiration from existing products, I wanted to create a product that would live on a desk.

User interface of device

I wanted to have some form of background stimulus that many are used to when studying. This shows a sequential flow of how the device would track how long you are off your phone and the incentives it has to keep you using it.