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Calm Technology: Finding Balance in the Digital Age

Oct 20, 2023 by Louigi Balao

3 min read

AB_Calm Technology_ Finding Balance in the Digital Age

Technology has become integral to our lives and incorporated into our daily routines. We use it for communication, quick glimpses of information for school or work, task management, and simple entertainment needs whenever we wind down from our stressful lives. It is great to have these devices focus on the menial tasks in our lives; however, the constant barrage of notifications, alerts, and demands that require our attention leaves us feeling overwhelmed.

Discover the essence of calm technology, where devices operate seamlessly without demanding undue attention.

In response to these additional challenges, the concept of calm technology has emerged, aiming to lead the development of future technology toward mindfulness and tranquility. But what exactly is it, and how does it benefit us? Find out more as we dive into this calming conversation.

Mark Weiser and John Brown coined the term “calm technology” not so long ago, around the 1990s. At its core, the main principles of calm technology revolve around its ability to communicate without needing to speak, create ambient awareness utilizing human senses, and communicate information without taking the user out of their environment. It is the type of tech to provide meaningful information and functionality without demanding excessive attention.

Its primary objective is to create an easy relationship between humans and technology, enabling them to have a balanced experience of real-life instances and technological use.

From Nationwide Official GIPHY

What are the current examples of comfort technology? They come in all shapes and forms, seamlessly integrated into our surroundings. Here are some instances of calm technology in action:

  • Lavatory signs: A simple display indicating whether a restroom is occupied or available.
  • Roomba Vaccum Cleaner: An excellent cleaning device that communicates its status through simple tones, indicating factors like battery level and cleaning progress.
  • Smart wearables - Especially applicable for wearables that can act as your wallet. This allows for quick and convenient transactions with a simple wrist motion, eliminating the need to fumble through bags or wallets.

Our smart home devices are forms of calm technology. It might be the simple, smart ambient light that changes accordingly to the outstanding smart rice cooker your mom is proud of. Calm technology encompasses a wide range of applications, from small wearables to large smart devices such as smart blinds. It focuses on a user-centered approach that places human needs and well-being at the forefront—it's like a little helper that lightens a load of your day so you can focus better.

From ddl Official GIPHY

As we navigate a world filled with constant digital stimuli, calm technology offers a refreshing alternative that encourages tranquility, meaningful engagement, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. By embracing calm technology principles, we can forge a path towards a more harmonious coexistence with our digital companions.

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