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Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

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Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#2
Cool idea. Amazingly they've found a way to put "in-app purchases" though.

This app could just be an image set as your lock screen background.

I've found a good way to discourage mindless phone staring is to set the display to monochrome (e.g. through colorblind emulation). The decreased visual stimulation seems to have an effect on me, at least until I want to see a photo or video in colour and go back to normal.

Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#6
Have you tried RescueTime? It's a similar app that prompts you to log your activities every time you unlock your phone.

It's surprising to see how much time can slip by unnoticed each day. Using it can really make you more mindful of how you're spending it.

Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#7
post #2

Cool idea. Amazingly they've found a way to put "in-app purchases" though. This app could just be an image set as your lock screen background. I've found a good way to discourage mindless phone staring is to set the display to monochrome (e.g. through colorblind emulation). The decreased visual stimulation seems to have an effect on me, at least until I want to see a photo or video in colour and go back to normal.

Allow me to clarify about "in-app purchases".

The "in-app purchases" are for small complementary features, like making the screen appear on a schedule, making it impossible to skip the screen, and adding a lock button to lock the screen. Those features aren't essential for the app to function.

> This app could just be an image set as your lock screen background.

Well, yes and no. In the app, you can interact with the prompts. There is a history of your itneraction. You can export it and then analyze it if needed.

> I've found a good way to discourage mindless phone staring is to set the display to monochrome (e.g. through colorblind emulation). The decreased visual stimulation seems to have an effect on me, at least until I want to see a photo or video in colour and go back to normal.

+1 here. I have always had this setting on closer to bedtime.

Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#8
Great app! Love the design and thoughts behind it. Few comments:

- isn't it possible to select multiple intentions? I've tried but when I turn on one, another one turns off. - for apps like these I'm really missing a more expensive lifetime subscription. I'm okay with paying some more upfront if I don't have to pay a periodical fee.

Anyway, really nice work!

Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#9
post #2

Cool idea. Amazingly they've found a way to put "in-app purchases" though. This app could just be an image set as your lock screen background. I've found a good way to discourage mindless phone staring is to set the display to monochrome (e.g. through colorblind emulation). The decreased visual stimulation seems to have an effect on me, at least until I want to see a photo or video in colour and go back to normal.

I do the same! It works pretty good for "visually addictive" apps... but not for HN for now

Re: Show HN: App that asks ‘why?’ every time you unlock your phone

#10
post #6

Have you tried RescueTime? It's a similar app that prompts you to log your activities every time you unlock your phone. It's surprising to see how much time can slip by unnoticed each day. Using it can really make you more mindful of how you're spending it.

> Have you tried RescueTime? It's a similar app that prompts you to log your activities every time you unlock your phone.

I didn't know they had such a feature. I'm going to check this out.

> It's surprising to see how much time can slip by unnoticed each day. Using it can really make you more mindful of how you're spending it.

Exactly. I have so many unnecessary phone pickups during the day. Without such apps that would slip unnoticed. Also, it's worth mentioning that when you notice those moments at least in my case it makes you feel guilty a bit that you picking it up unconsciously, but maybe that's my individual behaviour.

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