Brick: A Distraction-Free Phone Running Experience

Approaching my 40s, I’ve witnessed the ascent of smartphones. I’m not inclined to adopt a “back in my day” stance or embody the archetype of a grumpy old man resistant to the necessity and convenience these devices bring to the modern world. Instead, I advocate for a balanced approach—finding a middle ground that allows us to retain the advantages while shedding unnecessary distractions that impede activities like running, family time, or work. Sometimes that is easier said than done.

 

When viewed through the lens of running, achieving a distraction-free experience is a coveted aspect. While the simplistic advice often echoed on social media is to merely “leave your phone at home” during runs, such a solution oversimplifies the issue and neglects various factors.

Personally, as a white male, I’m cognizant of my privilege as a runner (and elsewhere). I can run in the dark, navigate downtown areas, traverse isolated trails, and, for the most part, not be burdened by concerns for my safety. Reflecting on my experiences, I actually can’t recall the last time I felt truly unsafe or confronted while running.

However, I acknowledge that this isn’t the reality for everyone, and it’s disheartening. For many, simply leaving the phone behind is not a viable option; it serves as a necessary lifeline, possibly a literal one. In this context, innovations like Brick hold the potential to offer the best of both worlds, providing the convenience of a smartphone free of unnecessary distractions, yet without compromising safety and accessibility for those who rely on it as an essential tool.

WHAT IS BRICK:

Brick, in essence, constitutes an integration of both hardware and software. This innovative device takes the form of a tangible, 3D-printed square that seamlessly connects to your smartphone via a dedicated app. The Brick software app then allows users to customize their phone’s behavior by creating specific scenarios. Through this customization, users can conveniently toggle apps on and off in alignment with their chosen settings.

HOW IT WORKS:

It’s really quite simple. Once you have the Brick app on your phone, a button will appear that allows you to trigger the tapping functionality of the Brick. Each tap of your phone to the hardware device will then allow you to Brick (lock) and unBrick (unlock) desired apps.

HOW I USE IT:

I have been keeping my Brick near my workout gear in the garage. The device is magnetic, so I have it stuck to the metal wall plate nearby. When I am dressed and ready to go, I simply tap my phone to the device and head out the door. When I run, certain apps on my phone are paramount for tracking and safety. For me, this is:

• Strava (duh)
• AllTrails (for when I have a planned route)
• Maps (for when I get lost)
• Music
• Messages
• Phone
• Camera

Conversely, apps related to social media or email are pretty much unnecessary during this time. I hate being in the middle of a run and being hit with a work email that has me stressed out. That’s why I was running in the first place! Then when I return home, a simple tap back on the device unbricks/unlocks all my other apps.

WHY IT WORKS:

Exploring the limitations of iPhone capabilities, I’ve found managing notifications to be somewhat cumbersome, especially the process of manually selecting and deselecting them. The added effort, along with the paradox of spending screen time to reduce distractions, can be counterintuitive. However, with Brick, this experience is streamlined. Once you’ve configured your preferences (unless you decide to make changes), a simple tap on the physical Brick sets your chosen settings in motion. This eliminates the need for constant reevaluation or second-guessing before heading out, providing a swift and distraction-free transition.

Furthermore, Brick’s locking mechanism ensures that once you’ve set your preferences and moved away from the hardware device, you’re committed to your decision. In contrast to instances where you might find yourself tempted to ignore usage limits on apps (for me it’s Instagram), Brick removes the possibility of doing so by physically distancing you from the device. I have a limit on the amount of time I spend on Instagram each day (or I would just make running reals and look at memes from yaboyscottjurek all day), and I can’t tell you the number of times I have clicked the “ignore limit” button when I reach my max.

This physical distancing not only minimizes the risk of succumbing to the impulse to override self-imposed limits, but also speaks to the broader theme of leveraging willpower in managing smartphone usage. Even the smallest deterrent can make a significant difference, and Brick’s design contributes to creating a more seamless and effective system for maintaining focus and self-discipline.

NOT JUST FOR RUNNING:

While my personal experience with Brick has primarily revolved around optimizing my running activities, it’s crucial to recognize its versatility. The device extends its utility to various settings, allowing users to configure distinct scenarios tailored to specific contexts such as work or family dinners.

The tactile interaction of tapping the phone to the Brick serves as a deliberate checkpoint, fostering resistance against the habitual unlocking of apps—a challenge that persists even with the constraints imposed by the iPhone’s app limit feature. In essence, Brick introduces a nuanced and user-friendly approach to managing smartphone usage across diverse scenarios.