Reducing the Use of Smart Devices Before Bedtime through design intervention

Due to the rapid proliferation of various smart devices in recent times, the usage of smart devices has been increasing rapidly. Particularly, the time spent using smart devices before bedtime constitutes a significant portion of overall smart device usage. Excessive use of smart devices before bedtime has negative effects on physical, mental, and social aspects. Therefore, in this study, we propose methods for bringing a behavior change based on behavioral theory, going beyond technology-based physical interventions, with the aim of reducing the usage time of smart devices before sleep. To achieve this, we designed two types of design-led interventions based on the feedback and feedforward concepts of behavioral theory and conducted a three-week long experiment. These proposed interventions were provided to the participants in each experimental group at a specific time (before going to bed). Based on the differences between the two groups, the study discussed the effectiveness of design-led interventions for instigating sustainable behavior change. This study holds significance as it offers practical guidance essential for the development of models and applications that may effectively utilise this particular design strategy.