Digital distractions are everywhere for the past few years and many people find it difficult to truly concentrate or relax at their desks. Phaze, a concept device by Dame Seo, Minsu Kang, Yujeong Kim, Sumin Park, and Yejin Na, proposes a simple yet innovative solution to help users create clear boundaries between work and rest. Although Phaze remains a concept, its thoughtful design already stands out for anyone seeking a calmer, more productive workspace.
Phaze centers around a tactile, physical device that sits on your desk. Its main feature is a set of soft blue tags, each representing a different mode such as “work,” “meeting,” or “rest.” The device acts as a central hub, and by placing a tag into it, the user signals the system to automatically shift their digital and physical environment. For example, dropping in a “work” tag could launch productivity apps, silence unnecessary notifications, and even change your desk lighting to boost focus. Switching to a “rest” tag might pause alerts, lower the lights, and play calming sounds.
Designer Names: Dame Seo, Minsu Kang, Yujeong Kim, Sumin Park, and Yejin Na
The beauty of Phaze lies in its simplicity. Rather than navigating through menus or toggling settings on multiple apps, users make a single, physical gesture to change modes. This approach brings a sense of ritual and clarity to the workday, making it easier to transition between tasks and truly step away when it’s time to rest.
Visually, Phaze is designed to be inviting and unobtrusive. The frosted hub and pastel tags are soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye. With its gentle curves and subtle color palette, Phaze fits naturally into any modern workspace without adding clutter or noise. The device looks almost like a piece of art, but it is thoughtfully made to encourage better habits and healthier routines.
Phaze is also about reducing interruptions. The system is designed to filter notifications according to your chosen mode, allowing only the most important alerts to get through when you’re working. During rest periods, notifications can be softened or silenced entirely. This thoughtful notification design helps protect your focus and makes it easier to truly recharge.
While Phaze is still a concept for now, it offers a glimpse into the future of workspace tools. The idea of using tangible objects to control digital environments is gaining traction, especially as more people realize the toll that constant digital interruptions can take on productivity and wellbeing. Phaze’s approachable design and intuitive functionality show how physical devices can help us regain control over our digital lives.
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