Hi there,
This is the twenty second edition of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team.
Today’s topic – Digital products and the long term impact they have had, and will have as we go forward. We hope you enjoy this new format.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
The impact of product design on long-term behaviour is both significant and extensive. Digital products, such as smartphones and apps, have a subtle yet profound impact on our daily habits and interactions far beyond their basic functionality.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
The influence of digital products on long-term behaviour change is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, some products have a positive impact, bringing about changes in habits and lifestyles.
On the other, there are products where the impact has been far from benign, leading to addictive behaviours and other negative consequences.
Some products to help you understand this behaviour change:
1. Duolingo: Facilitating language learning
Duolingo is a popular language-learning platform that offers a gamified approach to language acquisition, employing interactive lessons and quizzes to teach users a variety of languages. It is known for its user-friendly interface and accessibility, making language learning engaging and accessible to a wide audience.
2. Strava: Encourages physical activity through a social effect
Strava is a social fitness platform that allows users to track and share their outdoor activities, such as running and cycling, using GPS technology. It enables individuals to connect with fellow athletes, compare performance metrics, and engage in friendly competition within a community-oriented environment.
3. Noom: Promotes healthy lifestyle changes
Noom is a mobile health and wellness app that focuses on behavior change and weight management. It combines personalized coaching, educational content, and tracking tools to help users develop healthier habits and achieve their fitness and nutrition goals.
Read more about other products and the darker side of this habit forming on the full article.
📚 What we were reading this week
From “pretty crushed about it” to “the greatest piece of technology” here’s what the public seems to think so far.
Time’s article explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy, delving into OpenAI’s role and its implications for society.
In an atomically thin stack of semiconductors, a mechanism unseen in any natural substance causes electrons’ spins to align.
Last fortnight, Indian manufacturing reached a 4-month PMI high, as it completed a strong year of manufacturing resurgence across industries.
A write-up on how fixation with features might be holding you back and how making a few small tweaks to your process could make an entire world of difference.
Can the world’s art museums can survive without sponsorship from fossil fuel giants?
Gujarat is India’s highest salt-producing state. But shifting, unpredictable monsoons have disrupted the livelihoods of those who produce the mineral.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
And that’s the lot! Thanks for checking out what we had to share with you this week, we shall catch up with you next Wednesday. Incase you aren’t subscribed to the newsletter, you could subscribe here.
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