Brick: Live More, Scroll Less (Phone App Blocker)
💡 The Idea
The Focus Brick is a physical barrier against digital noise. Inspired by the concept of building a wall against social media distractions, this 3D-printed desktop gadget helps you step away from the screen and reclaim your time. By merging a sleek mechanical design with smart tech, it serves as a tangible commitment to your real-life productivity and mindfulness.
Boost Me
🛠️ Required Hardware
To make this print fully functional, you will need to insert these standard components during assembly:
- NFC Tag: 1x Standard NTAG213 (or similar round NFC coin/sticker).
- Magnets: 4x Neodymium magnets (6mm diameter x 3mm thickness) for the quick-snap docking action.
📲 Software Setup (Works with Foqos!)
This model is designed as a perfect companion for Foqos, the popular open-source digital wellness and screen-time free blocking app for iOS. Here is how to configure it:
- Create Your Profile: Open Foqos and set up a blocking profile with the specific social media or distracting apps you want to lock down.
- Link the Brick: Go to the app's Blocking Strategy settings, select NFC then scroll down to physical unlocks and add your NFC tag.
- Scan to Program: Hold your phone over your printed Brick to link the embedded tag.
- Tap to Focus: Click start to start a foqos session and tap your phone to the Brick to instantly activate your digital wall and start your focus session!
*There is also an option through your iphone shortcuts to tap the nfc tag even from your home screen to instantly activate a session linked to the nfc tag.
To see the step by step guide to do that click here
🖨️ Print Settings & Tips
- Material: PLA works beautifully.
- Orientation: Print flat on the bed (looks incredible on a textured or carbon fiber plate like in my photos!).
- Hardware Insertion: The precise pause-at-height commands are already embedded directly into my provided Print Profile. Simply slice, send to your printer, and drop your magnets and NFC tag into place when the machine pauses!