Humidifier and wireless charger concept brings gentle approach to digital detox

I’m one of those people that can’t seem to be separated from their phones. Even as I try to lie in bed and relax, when I’m still not sleepy, I find myself reaching for my phone and then scrolling until past midnight. Obviously, it’s not the healthiest thing both physically and mentally. So I need to have an actual routine or even a physical tool to help me break from this habit and have a digital detox to help with sleeping habits and mental health.

“Breathe : on,” introduces a novel approach to digital well-being by offering a product concept centered on a natural and unobtrusive digital detox. Rather than imposing stringent limitations, it’s thoughtfully designed to facilitate a gentle disengagement from devices, making the process feel more like a welcome respite than a forced separation. It focuses on cultivating an environment that subtly encourages users to consciously choose to set their phones aside. This might involve creating calming physical spaces, leveraging gentle sensory cues, or integrating with mindful activities, all aimed at making the decision to disconnect feel intuitive and beneficial rather than a deprivation.

Designer: Hojun Lee

When a user places their smartphone on the device, it initiates a wireless charging process accompanied by a subtle vibration. Simultaneously, ambient lights and gentle steam begin to emanate, signaling that it’s time to unwind. This multi-sensory experience—engaging sight, touch, and hearing—promotes relaxation and helps the user transition away from the digital world. The device’s steam and lighting are synchronized with the 4-2-4 breathing technique: inhaling for four seconds, holding for two, and exhaling for four. This rhythm is visually represented by the rising and pausing of steam and the gradual brightening and dimming of light, encouraging users to align their breathing accordingly.

By facilitating a natural disengagement from smartphones, “Breathe : on” addresses the issue of screen-induced sleep disturbances. The calming ritual it offers aims to improve sleep quality and overall well-being without making users feel burdened by the act of disconnecting. By offering a soothing and engaging alternative to the lure of the smartphone screen, it transforms the act of putting the phone down from a chore into a calming ritual. For someone like me, constantly battling the urge to scroll into the late hours, this gentle guidance and sensory experience could be the key to reclaiming peaceful nights and fostering a healthier, more balanced life, one breath at a time.