新井 恒陽 | Koyo Arai
ScrollMate
Feb 1, 2024
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Issues in the Information Environment We Aimed to Address and How the Concept Evolved

(1) Recognizing the importance of a critical perspective on technology
  • While working as an engineer in industry, I came to recognize the importance of considering not only technical aspects of system development but also ethics and the future shape of technology.
(2) Harm caused by unconscious smartphone use
  • The attention economy on social media contributes to an overabundance of content.
  • So-called "dark patterns" deceive users in pursuit of excessive corporate profit.

(3) Building a better relationship, rather than simply blocking use
  • Searching for "time-lock container" on Amazon returns many products intended to suppress smartphone use.
  • However, restricting smartphones as tools for legitimate research or communication is different from the goal of changing habits.
  • Instead of complete disconnection, we need ways to avoid unconscious use.

(4) How can we prevent ourselves from unintentionally over-consuming social media and web services?
  • According to a survey by Japan's MIC Institute for Information and Communications Policy, viewing video-sharing services is the most common internet activity, followed by social media use.
  • On social media timelines, people repeatedly scroll unconsciously to see the next recommended information.
-> In response to the harms of unconscious smartphone use, how can we build a better relationship on our own instead of simply cutting it off?

ScrollMate

Focusing on the tendency to "keep looking too long" at smartphone websites and SNS, this extended cover device explores healthier smartphone use. Rather than aiming to stop the behavior outright, it helps users understand the state they are in. By visualizing scrolling volume in various units while browsing, it draws out decisions such as "I'll stop once I reach this level," helping users discover a better relationship with their smartphones. Using an external interface also aims to create meanings distinct from ordinary phone operations.

Evaluation and Effects from User Testing

Attaching the device to an iPhone influences unconscious use.
"When I take out my phone around friends, everyone reacts."
"I feel like the device is somehow watching me."
"I was surprised by how much information I consume in just a few seconds."

Refinement Points

  • Increase the variety of information displayed
  • Currently, it only displays "scroll amount," "scroll speed," and "number of Instagram stories viewed."
  • We plan to expand the repertoire of displayed information, including time and app launch counts, and verify the effects through user testing.

Distinctive Features and Expected Impact of the Proposal

(1) Changing how people perceive smartphones through an attachable device
Today's web services widely use features such as infinite scroll and autoplay. For social media and web services that draw people into excessive viewing, the device provides opportunities for reflection through its display.
(2) A trigger to rethink one's relationship with smartphones without creating annoyance
By presenting information on an external display, it creates opportunities for awareness without switching screens. To improve this approach, the device needs to become smaller and offer a wider range of displayed information.