Do phone notifications follow you everywhere? Do laptops suck you into a vortex of distractions? You’re not alone. Modern technology seems designed to capture our attention at all costs. But that’s changing: a new certification standard rewards devices that put tech detox first, paving the way for a quiet revolution in the world of technology.
Technology That Doesn't Want Our Attention
Il doomscrolling endless social media, notifications that flash like Christmas lights, devices that seem designed to keep us glued to the screen. Sound familiar? Amber Case, author of the book CalmTechnology (highly recommended), decided to tackle the problem at its root. His vision is simple but revolutionary: technology should require the least amount of attention possible during use.
This is not a battle against windmills. Big companies like Microsoft e Amazon have already shown interest (mild, if I have to be honest) in these ideas. Technology can be designed differently, so as not to turn into a vampire of our attention. The problem is that until now there has been no concrete standard to measure and certify this more respectful approach. How can we distinguish a truly “calm” device from one that simply makes beautiful promises?
The 81 points of tech detox
Il CalmTechInstitute, founded by Case in May 2024, has developed a certification based on 81 points divided into six categories: attention, periphery, durability, light, sound and materials.
We are not talking about vague guidelines: the requirements are surprisingly specific and rigorous. For example, all non-essential notifications must be turned off by default. The user interface must follow precise rules on text fonts and the use of icons. A manual with a list of compatible spare parts is even required. It is an approach that almost recalls strict organic certifications or the greenwashing: it is not enough to say that you are “natural”, you have to demonstrate it by following precise standards.
The first devices that respect the mind
Al CES 2025 the first certified devices have been presented, and they are definitely interesting. The reMarkable Paper Pro, for example, is a tablet with a color eInk display that looks like an iPad but has a completely different approach. No web browser, no app store, no widgets. It doesn't even display the time. It's designed exclusively for writing and organizing notes with the included stylus. A sort of digital sheet of paper that doesn't try to seduce you with a thousand features. One day I'll review it for you: I gave one to my wife last Christmas (lucky woman!) and I got myself the reMarkable 2 I gave her a few years ago (super lucky woman). Happy to have bought a product well in advance that has won a small battle: the one against the “vampires” of attention that plague technology.
The Mats Herding Solberg, director of design at reMarkable, has discovered the certification only after designing the device: but he found that the principles corresponded perfectly with their philosophy. Comforting harmony, isn't it?
The intelligent wood that does not disturb
Another fascinating example is the Mui Board Gen 2 di Mui Labs. Imagine a decorative piece of wood that lights up when you touch it to reveal a smart home interface. It’s technology that hides in the environment until it’s needed, rather than constantly demanding our attention with buttons, lights, and chimes.
Other certified devices include theAirThings View Plus, an air quality monitor with essential eInk display, the Daylight Computer, a laptop designed to reduce distractions, and Unpluq, a physical device that blocks Android and iOS apps until it is brought close to the phone. The list of Tech Detox “flagshippers” could be even longer, and this shows how the trend is growing.
Tech Detox, The Future of Conscious Technology
Il CalmTechInstitute is already looking further. It is collaborating with neuroscientists to study the “cognitive need for dimensionality and texture” in user interfaces. In short, they are trying to figure out how to make interaction with technology more natural and less stressful for our brain. The full certification is not yet publicly available, but the impact could be significant.
Just as energy stickers help us choose efficient appliances, this certification could guide us towards devices that respect our attention and mental well-being. And perhaps, one day, reading articles about the harms of technology will no longer be an ironic contradiction: because the devices we use will be designed to serve us, not to capture us.