Why I Built a Physical App Blocker Instead of Another Productivity App
Detach started from a personal frustration. Like many people, I found myself unlocking my phone and opening social media without even thinking. I tried deleting apps, using screen time limits, and experimenting with different productivity techniques, but nothing seemed to last. The problem wasn't a lack of motivation—it was that modern phones make distractions too easy to access.
That realization led to a simple question: What if there was a small physical barrier between you and your most distracting apps? From that idea, Detach was born. By requiring a quick tap of an NFC card to unlock selected apps, Detach helps transform mindless habits into intentional choices. Our mission is not to eliminate technology, but to help people build a healthier relationship with it.
The physical NFC barrier is interesting because it changes the unlock moment from automatic to intentional.
If I were testing this, I’d measure two things separately: failed opens before the NFC tap, and sessions that still turn into long scrolling after a tap. If the second is high, the card is creating awareness but not enough enforcement, so onboarding should probably set stricter rules for the first 7 days.
Interesting approach.
What stands out to me is that most productivity tools try to improve behavior after someone has already opened the app. You're experimenting with changing the moment before the behavior happens.
I'd be curious whether users end up viewing Detach as a productivity tool or as a habit-change tool. Those sound similar, but people often buy them for very different reasons.
That's a great opinion, but as for Detach, it is a productivity tool because it helps you get rid of screen time, so you can use your time as much as you want for productivity and your business.
Fair enough.
What I'd find interesting is whether users describe the value the same way after a few weeks of using it.
That's usually where the most useful surprises show up.
Yes, I know, but have you checked the tool yet? because it has helped a lot of people.
I haven't, so I can't speak to the results directly.
I was more interested in how users describe the change afterward. Sometimes that's where products end up being different from what the founder originally expected.
What is mentioned on the product is exactly given in the product.