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About FOTORO
Background
Do you have the fear of getting bored in life? Well, that is my biggest fear, because what is the purpose of survival when life feels meaningless? Life should be fun, exciting and joyous. Nevertheless, it is also a repetitive cycle, made up of habits and routines. Hence, it’s not uncommon to feel trapped, tired or even bored.
So how can we break the mundane to preserve a gratifying life? Upon research and surveys, the answer appears clear. One can find joy in life by enjoying the moment, whether that be alone or with others. However, that is easier said than done, especially in a reality that almost merges with the online world. As a result, we are constantly restless and unable to enjoy the present.
What is FOTORO?
THE PHOTO DIARY APP THAT GETS YOU OFF YOUR PHONE
‘Foto’ means photo, while ‘oro’ is hour in Italian. FOTORO, is a speculative, photo diary app that wishes to shift one’s perspective of the cyclical nature of life.
The main features of the app encourage users to appreciate the small enjoyments in everyday life, yet acknowledges our desire to constantly live through our phone. It critiques our constant addiction to accessible screens, while providing the best solution to better preserve a gratifying life, that is to put away technology and be present with one’s surroundings or people that matter.
Main Features
- Easily save moments
- Short prompts
- Highly personal
- Randomised daily upload limit
- App time out
- Anti-design (Badly designed) screens to change the upload limit
At times (randomly), a short prompt will appear to help facilitate self-documentation and observation of one’s surroundings. This will aid the user to be more present in the moment.
Unlike social media apps, Fotoro is fully detached from the online world. Users may not see other users’ moments, neither is there an ability to share. It is a highly personal app, where content curated is by and only for the user. Therefore, users are free from the burden of sharing and taking good pictures.
The main distinguishing feature of the app from social media and camera apps is the randomised daily upload limit. If reached, all non-essential apps, such as social media, games and camera apps, will be inaccessible for a period of time. A pop-up will appear to notify the users of the app time out.
When users exit the app, they will notice a cross over non-essential apps during the app time out. This implies that the apps are inaccessible. This will create a sense of irritation that forces one to get off their phone, or even a sense of realisation that one has been using their phone excessively. It’s important to note that this particular feature is highlighted to users in the compulsory on-boarding.
To change the upload limit, the user will have to navigate through infuriating and purposely, badly designed screens. In this manner, users are forced to feel frustrated. They are deterred from changing the upload limit.