When a small gadget promised big changes
Like many people, I found myself slipping into the same routine every day: wake up, check notifications, scroll endlessly, and wonder where the time went. The problem wasn’t just the time wasted online; it was how it affected focus, mood, and even social interactions. Then I heard about the Brick—a compact,€70 physical device designed to curb scrolling and recalibrate smartphone use. Skeptical but curious, I decided to test whether a hardware aid could finally reset my relationship with my phone.
What the Brick is and how it works
The Brick is a minimalist device that sits on the desk or next to your bed. Its core idea is simple: it provides a tactile, non-digital way to break the reflex to reach for the phone. By creating a dedicated activity space away from the screen, it forces you to reallocate time to other tasks—reading, journaling, or chatting with a friend in the real world. The €70 price point positions it as an affordable intervention for people who want a structured nudge rather than a drastic lifestyle overhaul.
First week: the initial adjustments
In the first seven days, I noticed two things: a reduction in compulsive checks and a surprising clarity in the morning. With the Brick nearby, I began to treat my phone more like a tool rather than a constant presence. I still used it for essential tasks—messages, a quick call, a map—yet the impulse to scroll between every app diminished. It wasn’t magic; it was an intentional friction that reminded me I could exist without constant digital input.
Measuring the impact on screen time
Let’s be honest: measuring real change is tricky. I tracked my screen time with a standard monitoring app and cross-checked it with my own notes about what I did with the time gained. Over three weeks, I saw a tangible drop in typical binge periods—late-night scrolling, aimless feeds, and Snap-streak anxiety. The Brick didn’t erase the urge to check the phone, but it shifted the balance toward more productive activities: a chapter from a book, a workout, or a slow cup of tea while listening to a podcast. The result? Not a dramatic ban on digital life, but a more intentional one.
The psychological shift: habits, not bans
One of the strongest selling points of the Brick is its low-pressure approach. Instead of imposing strict rules, it offers a gentle boundary. When you feel the old reflex rising, you pause. The pause becomes a habit, and over time, the habit becomes the default. This aligns with research on digital wellbeing: small, consistent friction can produce meaningful behavior changes without triggering rebellion or fatigue.
What changed in daily routines
With the Brick in my circle, morning routines transformed. Instead of doomscrolling, I started the day with a stretch, a glass of water, and a few pages of a physical book. Evenings shifted away from scrolling to real conversations, cooking a new recipe, or planning a weekend out. The device didn’t erase phone use, but it created a more deliberate boundary that made each digital interaction feel intentional rather than reflexive.
Who should consider the Brick?
The Brick is best suited for people who sense their phone is stealing time but aren’t ready for strict digital detoxes. If you’re someone who wants to reclaim evenings or protect your sleep from late-night scrolling, this €70 device offers a practical, human-centered approach. It’s also appealing for households that want a shared, low-friction tool to encourage healthier tech habits.
Final verdict: is the price worth the change?
For many, a small financial commitment translates into a meaningful lifestyle shift. The Brick isn’t a cure-all; it’s a tool that creates space for reflection and better decisions. After a month, I can say the device helped me reduce screen time in ways that felt sustainable and non-restrictive. It reminded me that change doesn’t have to be radical—just deliberate.
Practical tips if you try it
- Place the Brick where you typically reach for your phone and make sure there’s a clear station for non-digital activities nearby.
- Pair it with a simple evening routine: a short walk, a chapter, or a quick tidy-up before bed.
- Track not just screen time, but the quality of the time you regain—sleep, conversations, hobbies.
In a world of endless notifications, the Brick offers a pragmatic path back to focus. It’s not about abandoning your device; it’s about reclaiming your time and shaping how you use your phone in a healthier, more deliberate way.
