The conceptual 'disConnect' smartphone lock has been designed by Joao Pereira as a physical productivity tool for students and professionals alike to keep them on task and away from their phone.
The device works in a rather elementary manner by being positioned over the smartphone with its straps and set via the built-in timer. The design renders the smartphone completely unusable until the timer is up, but can also be unlocked by simply entering a PIN code for sporadic access if an important call or email comes through.
The conceptual 'disConnect' smartphone lock works with up to four phones at once, which would make it great for families or groups of friends to use to keep them off their devices when together.
Usage-Curbing Smartphone Locks
The 'disConnect' Smartphone Lock by Joao Pereira is Timer-Based
Trend Themes
1. Timer-based Usage-curbing Tools - Prototype usage-curbing tools like the 'disConnect' lock show potential for developing practical and effective ways of curbing phone addiction and promoting productivity.
2. Shared Productivity Tools - Tools that can be used by groups of friends or families, like the 'disConnect' lock, could offer new opportunities for social productivity services and co-working apps.
3. Physical Productivity Tools - As digital device usage continues to grow, there is a possibility for developing more physical tools like the 'disConnect' lock to help people stay focused and increase productivity.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry could leverage these lock-in tools by partnering with app developers to incorporate similar functions within mobile operating systems.
2. Productivity Tools and Services - There is potential for companies in the productivity tools and services industries to develop similar usage-curbing tools that are targeted towards different demographics or use cases, such as children or remote workers.
3. Education - Schools and universities could also explore the use of similar usage-curbing tools like the 'disConnect' lock to help students stay focused during class and reduce distractions during study hours.