We didn’t use the “card templates” because our information didn’t fit well and looked messy, but all the information is provided here.
Test Card #1:
Test Name: Product Research
Assigned To: Yasser Jamal
Deadline: 02/05/2025
Hypothesis: We believe that users want to experience a sense of achievement as they work on reducing their social media use.
Test: To verify that, we will test different kinds of achievement/reward systems.
Note down what systems users prefer choosing, and how they feel about receiving that type of reward feedback. Also, assess how they feel about the other types of feedback.
Metric: We will measure what options were most selected, and how participants felt about each option.
Criteria: We are right if participants prefer option 3 or 2 the most. Depending on which option is more popular, that will guide us in deciding what form of reward is most desirable.
Learning Card Associated With Test #1:
Insight Name: Users prefer extreme interventions over moderate and minimal interventions
Date of Learning: 02/05/2025
Person Responsible: Yasser Jamal
- Hypothesis
- Users will prefer highly positive interventions over negative interventions.
- Observation
- After conducting a survey, most participants ranked negative interventions (such as forced log-off and negative messages) as more effective than streaks and positive and encouraging messages.
- Learning and insights
- Guilt is a stronger force than encouragement
- This suggests that loss aversion and immediate consequences may have a stronger psychological impact than rewards or motivation-based strategies.
- Positive interventions may still be valuable but may require additional reinforcement mechanisms (i.e. tangible rewards) to be perceived as equally effective.
- Decision and actions
- Design and implement stronger negative reinforcement interventions
- Personalize intervention strategies
- Test a hybrid approach with both positive and negative interventions
Notes from interviews/learnings for Test #1
- Users expressed frustration with current methods to reduce screen time usage. Due to different personal challenges, they stated that they find it easy to spend excessive time on social media, especially during periods of boredom, stress, and emotional overwhelm. These moments often trigger habitual scrolling as a coping mechanism to distract from negative emotions or to fill idle time without conscious awareness. Additionally, the lack of personalized interventions makes it difficult for users to stay motivated about reducing their screen time, as generic solutions fail to address their unique triggers, habits, and goals.
Test #2 Card
Market Research
Sera Camas
2/6/2025
STEP 1: Hypothesis
We believe that our user would rather be doing something else productive than being on social media.
STEP 2: Test
To verify that, we will interview people about their feelings regarding their current phone usage and have them rank a series of statements.
STEP 3: Metric
And measure their rankings on the statements.
STEP 4: Criteria
We are right if interviewees show concern/negative feelings towards theri current phone usage, and have the desire to change.
Test #2 Learning Card #1
Corporate Worker
Sera Camas
2/5/2025
STEP 1: Hypothesis
We believed that corporate workers feel guilty about their social media usage and wish they could redirect that time toward productive activities.
STEP 2: Observation
We observed that corporate workers mostly use social media to have some sort of exposure to social life since they’re mostly in the office only have exposure to their co-workers.
STEP 3: Learnings and Insights
From that we learned that they don’t suffer from self-control, but with the conditions at work that make social media an appealing escape.
STEP 4: Decisions and Actions
Therefore, we will look into how to balance social media during work and give other options to corporate workers when they feel overwhelmed
Test #2 Learning Card #2
Freelance Employee
2/5/25
Sera Camas
STEP 1: Hypothesis
We believed that freelance employees feel guilty about their social media usage and would prefer to spend that time on skill building.
STEP 2: Observation
We observed that they identified negative emotions related to social media. Social media was not helpful for being productive.
STEP 3: Learnings and Insights
From that we learned that they struggle with social media as a distraction and would benefit from self-regulation tools.
STEP 4: Decisions and Actions
Therefore, we will find solutions to minimize distractions, such as methods for accountability.
Test #2 Learning Card #3
Startup Worker
2/6/25
Sera Camas
STEP 1: Hypothesis
We believed that employees at a startup might have a more flexible schedule, so they might want to use their time more effectively rather than using social media every time they become free. (such as doing personal growth activities)
STEP 2: Observation
We observed that the startup employee had mixed feelings where they identified social media as a “distraction” but also saw it as a tool for networking. They are looking to spend more time on growth.
STEP 3: Learnings and Insights
From that we learned that startup employees see social media, especially Linkedin for networking and other apps to learn about industry trends.
STEP 4: Decisions and Actions
Therefore, we will make sure to find a distinction between “productive” and “distracting”social media.
Test Card #3
Hypothesis:
We believe that offering users a high degree of customization in setting limitations and disruptive measures will encourage them to actively engage in reducing their screen time. Users will be more likely to adopt and experiment with screen time management if they have the flexibility to tailor interventions to their needs.
Test:
To verify this, we will simulate a Screen Time app experience where participants are presented with various disruptive measures, such as time limits, grayscale filters, delayed app openings, and custom reminders. Participants will be encouraged to select from pre-existing options or design their own limitations. We will observe their selections and ask them to describe:
- Why they chose specific interventions.
- How they envision these interventions helping them reduce screen time.
- Whether they would combine multiple methods for effectiveness.
Metrics:
We will measure:
- The number of interventions participants choose to implement.
- Whether they suggest or create their own methods.
- Their reasoning behind their selections and whether they anticipate these methods being effective.
Criteria:
Our hypothesis is supported if:
- Participants choose at least three different interventions.
- They show enthusiasm for customizing their own limitations.
- They express a belief that having multiple options makes the experience more effective and engaging.
Participant Selection:Participants for this study were selected based on self-reported struggles with doomscrolling and excessive screen time use.
Procedure:
- The participant will be shown an image depicting a smartphone screen with a social media feed and endless scrolling, representing excessive usage.
- One by one, participants will be shown visual representations of different interventions, each designed to disrupt excessive screen usage.
- After selecting their methods, participants will describe:
- How they expect to encounter these disruptions in their daily routine.
- How each method would help them resist excessive screen time.
- Any anticipated frustrations or ways they might bypass the intervention.
Interventions Included:
Screen Time Notifications – Pop-up nudges reminding users to take breaks after prolonged app usage.
Greyscale Filter – Turns the screen grayscale after extended use to make content less visually appealing.
App Lock After Time Limit – Completely locks selected apps after a set duration, requiring manual override.
Screen Time Usage Limit – Enforces a daily app usage cap, requiring manual extension or waiting for reset.
Usage Counter Display – Shows how many times the app has been opened that day to increase self-awareness.
Delayed App Opening – Introduces a short wait time before an app launches to discourage impulsive use.
Custom Reminder Messages – Allows users to set personalized prompts to encourage screen time reduction.
Shrink and Blur Effect – Gradually makes the app smaller and blurrier the longer it is used.
Mirror Cam Overlay – Displays a live camera feed of the user in the corner after excessive usage to increase self-awareness.
Friend Accountability Mode – Notifies a friend when screen time limits are exceeded, encouraging social accountability.
Learning Card :
Hypothesis: High user customization in screen time management features would drive engagement and adoption.
Observations: Users strongly preferred non-intrusive, personalized features over aggressive disruptions, with particular interest in app-specific controls and social accountability options when implemented as opt-in features.
Learning and Insights: Success in screen time management tools hinges on balancing effectiveness with user autonomy. While users want help managing screen time, they resist forced restrictions and prefer personalized, gentle interventions they can control.
Decisions and Actions: Focus development on the five most-accepted features, emphasizing customization and optional engagement levels. Structure the product to respect user choice while maintaining effectiveness through personalization and app-specific controls.
Insights:
Preferred Features:
- Screen Time Notifications – Well-received as gentle reminders
- App Usage Limits – Appreciated when app-specific
- Custom Reminder Messages – Valued for personalization to goals
- Friend Accountability – Seen as potentially effective through social pressure
- Delayed App Opening – Made the list despite mixed feelings
Features to Avoid:
- Greyscale Filter – Seen as too annoying and likely to be disabled
- Shrink and Blur Effect – Strongly disliked (“psychological terror”)
- Mirror Cam Overlay – Disliked but acknowledged as potentially effective
Main Insights:
- User Preference for Choice: The hypothesis was supported – users do value having multiple options for managing screen time
- Preference for Non-Intrusive Methods: Features that were too disruptive or aggressive (like shrink/blur, greyscale) were rejected
- Personalization is Key: Custom messages and app-specific limits were preferred over one-size-fits-all solutions
- Social Element: The accountability feature through friend notification showed promise
- Balance: Users want effective tools but not at the cost of severe disruption to their experience
