JoMO Box, Plug in to Unplug

Like so many of us, I've been struggling to find time for activities and hobbies. Too often I find myself scrolling endlessly towards the abyss at the bottom of my screen. After having listened to this wonderful podcast and article, when FoMO Meets JoMO, by WNYC's Note to Self, I decided to take the problem of distraction into my own hands.

FoMO is the Fear of missing out, Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website (from oxford dictionaries).

JoMO is the Joy of missing out, turning FoMO on it's head and making the experience into a positive one.

Some of you may be asking, why a box? I can turn off my phone whenever I want. By putting the box in the entrance of my flat is a nudge that reminds me that I have the option of leaving my phone behind and exchanging it for another item. This item could be a book, an e-reader or a token that reminds you of the activity you would like to do. Another advantage is it also serves as a charging station.

For more on nudges and how to include them in your designs check out this toolkit.

Material

• Mail box
• paint
• scrap wood
• sandpaper
• double sided tape

Tools

• drill
• jig saw
• paintbrush
• mallet
• hobby knife
• measuring tape

Sand your box so the paint will adhere well. I used a paintbrush and some paint I had laying around but I think the finish would be much better with spraypaint.

I found a couple of graphics that reminded related to the topic of JoMO.
Here are the links.

Unplug

I unplug to______.

-Print the graphics on card and cut out the black text using a hobby knife.

-Once you have your stencil, using double sided tape place your images.

-Trace the stencil using a pencil.

- Remove the stencil and paint.

Reflect on the items you will be putting in your box. If you are going to put an e-reader or another large device, be sure it will fit before designing your shelves.

-Measure the interior of your box.

-cut wood to length

-make a slotted joint

-fit your pieces together and test fit in the box.

-Drill a line of indentations using a bit wide enough for your device to fit in.

-Carve out the remaining wood with your carving knife.

-Fit and glue additional pieces of wood for added support onto the shelves.

Hang your JoMO box and step into the flow. Start to make time for the things you want to enjoy offline.

Why do you unplug? Let me know in the comments.

Also if you have any design improvements, as I'm planning a larger one for a classroom setting.