my digital home
This project reimagines everyday technology as an intentional, gamified tool that helps users organize and focus on real-life goals instead of fueling distraction or isolation.
I wanted to design something that makes people feel more motivated to work to achieve their dreams, while maintaining social connections and managing daily life. I did a deep dive into 2000's tech, dumbphones, phone addiction, gamification, and Pokemon Go to reach my design conclusion.
58% of Gen Z is trying to reduce their social media usage. Smartphones are a catalyst; they encourage passive consumption, isolation, and addiction through endless apps and short-form content.
Many have opted for a dumbphone instead, which often doesn't last long. Dumbphones reduce screen time, but fail to replace motivation, structure, or social connection.
On the flip side, Pokémon Go successfully motivated outdoor activity and spontaneous in-person interaction through gamification. Care-based and habit-building games have proven that visual progress and responsibility drive long-term behavior change.
I deduced what's needed:
1. screen
2. tactile controls
3. keyboard
4. camera
5. portability
After testing foam prototypes for the physical form, I landed on the sliding prototype, because it:
✦ keeps the primary features handy when closed
✦ keeps the keyboard tucked away until you need it
✦ maximizes space for the screen and keyboard
✦ it's fun
I kept the controls to what people already recognize, which is why I chose a D-pad and a few simple buttons.
Since modern tech is mostly neutral colors, I chose a vibrant, metallic cerulean blue. this speaks to the colorful devices of the 2000's that inspired me.
For more comfortable typing, I made the screen as thin as possible.
For a convincing final model, I split my model for 3D printing so it would have a parting line—just like it would if it was injection molded.
build your digital life
Customize your home and character.
Use it like a phone.
Adopt pets, and assign each a custom goal of yours. By making progress towards your goal, your pet stays happy and levels up.
meet other players IRL
When you travel, you automatically pick up items. Collecting these items is an incentive to meet other players IRL for trading.
Approach nearby players to trade, or visit each other's homes to fulfill your pet's social needs.
Keep track of the people you've come across—you never know if someone could be a friend.
track goals & see how far you've come
You & your pets level up by traveling distance, going outside, being social, and most importantly..
Making progress to your goals. Your pets are there to remind you that you're putting in the work, which is paying off.
At the end of each day, you get to see what you've accomplished. Visual progress is the key to motivation and success.
