For less distracting technology, try a Calm Tech certified device

The distractions of modern technology seem inevitable. Articles, social media posts, and academic studies frequently decry the attention-grabbing nature of cell phones and laptops. Ironically, this issue is one that we often read about and discuss about the very devices that are said to be causing it.

Amber Case, speaker and author of Calm Technology, knows this all too well. “Many technologies use our primary attentional capacity rather than our peripheral attentional capacity, making it tiring or difficult to use,” says Case. A common example is the much maligned smartphone notifications, which bombard users with pop-ups trying to get their attention.

But observing the problem is only the first step. The next important thing is deciding how to solve it, and the Calm Tech Institute, the organization Case founded, has an idea.

From principles to certification

Case’s book, inspired by the work of Xerox PARC researchers Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown, outlines eight principles of Calm Technology. Examples include the idea that technology “should require minimal attention” while in use and “should function even if failures occur.” The book’s ideas attracted the attention of major technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, and Case gave talks at TED and the Thinking Digital Conference.

“But that wasn’t enough,” Case says. Although her idea generated a lot of interest, she realized that interest did not translate into concrete action. Companies designing new products weren’t sure what was right or wrong, and they weren’t sure how to put the ideals of sober technology into practice.

So Case decided on a new approach. She founded the Calm Tech Institute in May 2024 to develop and promote Calm Tech certifications. “Standards are a good way to reward that behavior,” Case says.

This certification includes 81 points across six categories: attention to detail, surroundings, durability, light, sound, and materials. Some certification specifications are very strict. Outlines minimum standards for user interface (UI) design, including consistent use of icons and font typography, requires all but the “most important” notifications to be turned off by default, and provides alternatives and compatibility. You will need a manual with a list of what is included. parts.

Calm Tech certified reMarkable Paper Pro eliminates distractions for a paper-like feel. reMarkable AS

Early adopters participate

The first few devices to earn Calm Tech certification were announced at or just before CES 2025.

This first batch included reMarkable Paper Pro, for example. Paper Pro, released on September 4, 2024, is similar to the iPad and has a color eInk display, but focuses on writing and organizing notes using the tablet’s included stylus. Masu. ReMarkable intentionally limits device functionality to maintain a distraction-free experience. Paper Pro lets you sync notes online, but it doesn’t have an app store, web browser, or widgets. It doesn’t even show the time.

Mats Herding Solberg, chief design officer at reMarkable, wasn’t aware of the Calm Tech certification when designing Paper Pro, but once he learned about it, he realized that the tablet’s distraction-free approach aligned with his requirements. I was satisfied with what was being done.

“We found that many of the principles closely aligned with the intent behind our design,” Solberg says. “These principles will guide us in developing technologies that are in harmony with humans.”

Another early adopter is Mui Labs, creator of the Mui Board. Mui Board is a smart home device that looks like finely finished decorative wood but lights up when you touch it to reveal a smart home interface. I spoke with Case at Mui Labs’ booth on the show floor at CES 2025. So the company announced that its latest version, the Mui Board Gen 2, has achieved Calm Tech certification.

Several other devices received certification in late 2024. These include the AirThings View Plus, an air quality monitor with a simple eInk display that I highlighted during the 2021 wildfire season. Daylight Computer is a portable PC with an eInk display and custom OS to reduce distractions. Unpluq is a physical dongle that can lock apps on Android and iOS devices until the dongle is near the device.

Calm Tech expected to expand in 2025

Although the first products have been certified, it is still early days for Calm Tech Institute. The 81-point specs for this certification have not yet been published (although Case provided a copy for me to review). Calm Tech Institute hopes to roll out this certification “soon,” Case said. The company is also conducting research into Calm technology, collaborating with neuroscientists to study the “cognitive needs for three-dimensionality and texture” in user interfaces.

“We want to impact the industry and reward the industry little by little,” Case says.

According to Solberg, ReMarkable seems to value this certification and is likely to obtain certification for future products as well. “We hope to continue to provide products that receive high praise from Calmtech Institute,” he says.