Concept Project · Human-Machine Communication

Greybox — A Physical Focus System for Phone-Free Time

Greybox is a physical interaction prototype that helps users reduce smartphone distractions through timed restriction, sensory feedback and clear behavioral consequences. Designed for study sessions, family routines and intentional offline moments.

View on GitHub
Focus

Behavioral feedback through light, sound and physical interaction

Role

Concept, Interaction Design, Prototyping, Physical Computing

Built With

Arduino, RTC module, sensor system, LED ring, cardboard, wood

Greybox prototype for reducing smartphone distraction

Overview

Why this project matters

Smartphones are always within reach — especially during learning, work and shared time at home. Greybox explores how a physical product can create stronger commitment than a simple app blocker. Instead of only showing notifications or screen limits, the system uses object placement, time pressure, light signals and sound feedback to shape behavior in a more tangible way.

The project was developed as a human-machine communication prototype and investigates how a device can guide, interrupt and reinforce habits through simple but emotionally clear interactions.

Functions

Two modes, two different use cases

Timer Mode

The user places their smartphone on a platform with a sensor underneath and selects a duration between 5 and 180 minutes. Once the timer is confirmed, a green LED signal indicates that the focus session has started.

If the phone is removed before the session ends, the system reacts immediately with red flashing light and a short alarm. The interaction encourages the user to place the phone back onto the sensor. If they do, the system adds a 30-second penalty as a consequence.

When the timer is completed successfully, the LED ring changes into a soft pulsing green light and a subtle sound confirms that the session is over.

Reminder Mode

Greybox also includes a reminder function based on a real-time clock module. Instead of setting a duration, the user defines a specific time — for example 19:30.

Once that moment is reached, the system responds with an orange light signal and a tone, creating a clear but lightweight reminder in physical space.

This mode expands Greybox beyond restriction and positions it as a supportive everyday object for routines, time awareness and intentional device use.

Interaction

How the experience works

  1. Place the smartphone on the sensor platform
  2. Select either Timer Mode or Reminder Mode
  3. Set a duration or specific clock time
  4. Start the interaction and receive visual confirmation through the LED ring
  5. If interrupted, receive immediate feedback through red blinking light and alarm
  6. Return the device to continue the session with an added 30-second penalty
  7. Finish the session with a calm confirmation signal

Use Cases

Who Greybox is designed for

Students in focused learning phases

Greybox supports study sessions by creating physical distance from the phone and reinforcing concentration through a simple, understandable interaction ritual.

Families creating phone-free routines

The product can be used to collect a child’s smartphone during homework time, dinner or evening routines, turning abstract rules into a visible and structured system.

Shared accountability situations

Because the feedback is external and visible, Greybox can also work in shared settings where commitment matters — for example during group work, family time or collective offline moments.

Habit reduction and device awareness

Beyond productivity, Greybox can be interpreted as a prototype for behavioral change, helping users reduce compulsive checking patterns and build healthier routines around technology.

Prototype

Physical build and technical implementation

Greybox was developed as a functional prototype made from cardboard and wood, combining low-fidelity body construction with working electronics. The goal was to test interaction logic, feedback timing and user response rather than producing a final market-ready enclosure.

The system was built with Arduino and programmed as a physical computing prototype. It integrates a sensor platform for phone detection, an LED ring for state communication, sound feedback for critical events and a real-time clock module for the reminder mode.

Digital and physical fabrication methods were both part of the process, including prototyping, electronics integration and the use of a laser cutter for selected parts.

Status

Functional prototype

Materials

Cardboard, wood, electronic components

Technology

Arduino, RTC, sensor input, LED feedback, sound output

Design Intent

What Greybox explores

The project explores how products can communicate rules and consequences without relying on screens. Greybox turns behavioral control into a physical interaction: placing, removing, waiting and receiving feedback become part of the user experience.

This makes the concept relevant not only as a product idea, but also as an example of interaction design, embodied feedback and human-machine communication in a tangible form.

Visual Communication

Storyboard & Poster

Storyboard showing the Greybox interaction flow
Greybox project poster