slo-scro

Stretching Our Subjective Time
UI/UX | Design Research | Visual Design
Brief

As people age, they may perceive time passing quicker than in their youth. However, this phenomenon may not apply to Gen Z, whose perception of time is unique compared to previous generations.

Tools
Figma
Illustrator
goal

This project aims to help us have more control over the passage of time by breaking mindless scrolling habits and changing our behaviors by improving our cognitive processing speed.

Role
Researcher
UI/UX Designer

Skip Research & view the final product

PROBLEM

Perception Of Time Shrunk As we Age

In childhood, we feel like time passes slowly. Because our cognitive skills are still developing. Many experiences we go through are novel, and our brain works harder to process new experiences into memory. Therefore, we pay less attention to the passage of time. On the other hand, as we age, we not only experience a more familiar routine, but our cognitive processing speed starts to decline. This results in having less frame rate to process information within a second.

RESEARCH INSIGHTS

Technology's Influence On GenZ's Time

In today's world, GenZ’s perception of time passes faster than the previous generations due to the influence of technology. 54% of GenZ mindless scroll for more than 4 hrs a day which is double the amount of screen time compared to all u.s. adults.

Mindmap1
Mindmap2
Mindmap3

Mindless Scroll Shortens Our Subjective Time

When we mindlessly scroll, this pleasurable seamless content on social media triggers our dopamine. Causing us to underestimate the passage of time.

Humans VS Flies
Frame Rate

I discovered that flies view the world in slow motion because they can detect frame rates up to 250, whereas humans are only capable of perceiving motion at around 60 frames per second (fps).

Strategies

1. Break THE Mindless Scrolling habit

A screen time management feature that allows users to set up screen time limits, helping them break their mindless scrolling habits.

2. Increase frame rate

To increase frame rate to improve cognitive processing speed through mental reaction training.

3. reward system

To create a reward system to give users a sense of accomplishment. It can also make users feel more engaged and motivated in completing certain tasks.

4. Increase MINDFULNESS

To encourage users to be aware of their scrolling behaviors, and be able to unhook from the seamless contents on social media.

SOLUTION

Userflow

Design System

Low Fidelity Prototype

key takeaways

User Testing

1. "Is there a reward system for users that spent less screen time, or punishment for long screen time?"

2. " Is it a solo game or I can play with friends?"

3. "How can I measure if I have gained more control over time after using the app?"

Final prototype

Screentime Management

Slo-scro includes a screen time management feature that allows users to set up screen time limits, helping them break their mindless scrolling habits. I gamified the app icons into the villains that users need to defeat. They are ranked from the most powerful to the least powerful based on your screen time.

Avatar Customization

Imagine you have set up a screen time for TikTok. A default TikTok avatar will appear on the screen. There are a variety of options for colors, hairstyles, eyes, mouth, and even weapons to make users feel more invested in the game’s narrative. 

Data Analysis

Users can view their reaction time, screen time, and subjective time. The app gathers data from the user's reaction time and screen time to calculate whether their subjective time has stretched or shrunk.

Reward System

Based on the user's subjective time data, mystery weapons will be unlocked if they perceive subjective time slower by 5%.

Randomized Reaction Training Games

Users will receive a 30-second randomized game that trains their reaction speed, which helps to increase the frame rate. Here, TikTok being the top enemy on the rank will come and attack you at a faster speed. When the game ends, the app will assign you a number of slo-scrolls based on your performance.