google launches tools for digital wellbeing including a 'paper phone’

google has launched a collection of tools that aim to help people find a better balance with technology. google has created five experimental apps that hope to improve user’s digital wellbeing, a concept promotes technology which assists the user to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

‘unclock clock’ helps users to better understand their tech by seeing how often they unlock their phone

images courtesy of google

each digital wellbeing experiment centers around a different behavior. for example, unlock clock displays the number of times you unlock your phone in a day. meanwhile, we flip helps families and friends disconnect from technology together by simultaneously flipping a big switch, setting their phones to ‘do not disturb’ mode.

‘post box’ minimizes distractions with schedules notifications

‘with phones becoming more crucial to every part of daily life, more people are taking steps to find their balance with technology,’ says google. ‘to help them do this, we’re making digital wellbeing a part of our products.’

google already has several features intended to support digital wellbeing. they include ‘wind down’ on android, which fades smartphone screens at a set bedtime, and ‘take a break’ reminder on youtube, which is triggered after a set amount of time of continuous streaming is reached.

‘we flip’ encourages spending quality time with friends and family by switching off from technology as a group

the collection also includes a printable ‘paper phone’ allowing users to enjoy a digital detox by letting them pick out all the information they need for that day, such as contact details and recipes, and printing it out as ‘paper apps.’ another experiment called ‘desert island’ helps users find focus by challenging them to go a day with only their essential apps.

‘paper phone’ is a printable phone which helps users take a break from the digital world

all five tools are available via the google play store and the code used in the creation of the tools is open-sourced, inviting others to make their own experiments. google has also created a ‘hack pack’ PDF for users to download, including an overview, user insights, information on apps, and idea templates.

‘desert island’ helps users find focus by going a day with only the essential apps

‘we hope these experiments inspire developers and designers to consider digital wellbeing in everything they design and make,‘ google explains. ‘offering small ways to help improve your digital wellbeing and find a balance that feels right for you.’