Before taking CS247B, I was unaware of how influential tech can be in controlling our behaviors. While I understood that certain platforms are designed to steer us into a certain direction and keep us addicted to our phones, I thought that it was mostly a personal choice. The truth is it’s not entirely personal. By making design choices that exploit human psychology, tech companies can (and continue to) significantly shape user behavior and habits. I now think that it’s our responsibility to ensure our designs do not manipulate users or exploit their vulnerabilities. This class has reaffirmed the critical importance of ethical design practices in technology. It has also highlighted how easily design choices can influence user behavior, sometimes in ways that prioritize engagement or profit over user well-being.
I enjoyed the course readings and how applicable they were to our daily lives. The core concepts about forming and breaking habits such as friction, habit stacking and cue-routine-reward loops were particularly insightful. I’ve found myself applying these habit-forming techniques in my own life, using friction to discourage unhealthy habits and habit stacking to build positive routines. Regarding project assignments, I loved the designing aspect of the baseline and intervention studies. The most difficult parts of those assignments were coming up with questions that clearly aligned with the purpose of each study and recruiting participants outside of our immediate circles.
In terms of our project, we struggled to find the right balance between nudging social media users and blocking apps completely. We took a different approach than most social media usage apps by promoting intentional use and offering alternative activities. The Good Habit Jar encouraged forming positive habits and spending time meaningfully. From an ethical perspective, our project relied primarily on nudging rather than outright blocking or restriction. We focused on helping users become more aware of their usage patterns and make conscious choices about their time on social media. This approach aimed to empower users to build a healthier relationship with technology without imposing strict limitations.
In regards to our team, I think we struggled with team dynamics. Specifically, I think we found it challenging to align different working styles, manage conflicting ideas, and maintain clear communication (especially in the last part of the quarter). These challenges provided valuable insights into the complexities of collaborative work in tech. I learned that effective teamwork requires proactive effort, clear communication, and flexibility. Moving forward, I’ll prioritize establishing clear channels for sharing ideas and aligning goals early on. I also want to create an environment where diverse perspectives are actively integrated, not just heard. Despite our struggles, we worked through our differences to produce a project we’re proud of.
Lastly, as a designer and developer, I learned that I have an ethical duty to create technologies that respect user autonomy and well-being. This course reinforced that belief, and I’m committed to upholding these principles in my future work.
Ten years from now, I will remember the smart people I met because of this class and, of course, winning the Hunger Games simulation 🙂
