Focus Flow is an app designed to promote healthier digital habits by reducing impulsive app usage and screen time. By leveraging principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), intuitive UI/UX design, and behavior modification techniques, Focus Flow encourages users to adopt better digital habits, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
The app allows users to select which apps they find distracting. Whenever they attempt to access these apps, Focus Flow displays a thoughtful prompt, encouraging them to reconsider their actions and make healthier choices.
This project is part of a digital well-being research initiative focused on identifying the most effective prompts to help users reduce screen time and rethink impulsive app usage.
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Custom Prompts: Display personalized prompts to encourage users to pause and reconsider opening distracting apps.
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Breathing Exercises: Interactive, guided breathing exercises help users manage impulsive app usage by encouraging mindful moments.
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Behavioral Nudges: The app uses gentle reminders and prompts to encourage users to take breaks from their screens and engage in healthier activities.
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Usage Tracking: Real-time analytics on screen time and app usage help users identify patterns and make informed decisions about their digital behavior.
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Customizable Goals: Users can set personalized goals for reducing screen time and improving overall digital well-being.
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Statistical Methods for Prompt Selection: We use statistical methods to determine which prompt to display next based on their effectiveness. The methods include:
- Weighted Random Selection (Stochastic Selection): Prompts are selected probabilistically based on their weight, which is calculated using success rates and adjusted for cooldowns. This ensures higher-performing prompts are more likely to be shown.
- Cooldown Period (Decay Function): A cooldown mechanism reduces the likelihood of showing the same prompt consecutively by applying an exponential decay function. This helps to avoid over-relying on top-performing prompts.
- Success Rate Calculation (Descriptive Statistics): Success rates for each prompt are calculated using proportions (successes / total trials) to assess their effectiveness in encouraging healthier app usage.
- Sorting and Ranking: Prompts are ranked based on their success rates, with higher-ranked prompts receiving higher weights and being prioritized for selection.
- Kotlin: The app is developed using Kotlin, ensuring smooth performance and modern Android development practices.
- Firebase: Firebase is used for authentication, real-time database storage, and analytics to track and manage user data securely.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Principles: The app applies HCI principles to design a seamless and user-friendly experience.
- UI/UX Design: Intuitive, minimalistic design elements enhance usability and promote healthy app interaction.
This project was developed by: