Exploring Context-aware Proactive Blocking for Distraction Management

Abstract

College students are exposed to smartphone distraction during study-related contexts (e.g., classrooms, self and group studies). This constant distraction may lower their academic performance. In this work, we built a simple context aware proactive blocking prototype to explore the patterns of focusing contexts, and to evaluate user experiences of proactive blocking for distraction management in study related contexts for college students. Our preliminary user study shows the positive effects of proactive blocking. We discuss several design implications for context-aware proactive blocking and semi-automated logging for distraction management.