Exploring Minimalism In Technology

“Technology is minimizing of human efforts and maximizing of human possibilities.” It has become an invisible companion, be it work, cooking, grocery shopping, travelling, or finances. It offers convenience, productivity, and multitasking. However, is this shift truly beneficial? This study seeks to understand whether technology enhances user experiences or overwhelms with choices. It explores whether technology fosters mindful engagement or contributes to digital fatigue. Ultimately, it hopes to illuminate the overall impact of technology on individual wellbeing.

“Minimalism is a practice of conscious consumption by choice without any constraints”. This study looks at technology through the lens of minimalism compelling the participants to question its impact on their lives, be it privacy, environment, lifestyle ailments, mindless consumption, addiction or wellbeing. This study used Probing Interviews for qualitative primary research, gathering insights into 3 key areas: Information, Behaviour, and Realisation, by highlighting relationships between technology and behaviours.

The participants felt that the probes were a miniature version of their lives. As technology has become cheaper, impulse buying and hoarding is common practice. While technology creates a lot of options, it also creates complexity. It was eye-opening that devices and technology were identified as causes of loss of wellbeing while hobbies, family bonding and experiences were identified as ways to gain wellbeing.

The participants expressed the desire for an ability to discern between the positive and negative impacts of technology and to recognize whether we are consuming technology or is technology consuming us. The research study moves forward to uncover strategies for creating more intentional and meaningful interactions with technology.