This smartphone lock physically prevents you from using your phone while studying or working

Designed to curb your screen addiction, disConnect is an absurdly clever timer-based phone lock that basically goes ‘facehugger’ on your smartphone’s screen, preventing you from using it. While I personally have enough self-restraint to not need such a device, the disConnect is arguably for serious phone addicts, Twitter junkies (you know who you are), and kids who should be studying instead of aimlessly scrolling on TikTok.

Designed originally as an entry into the Braun Prize, Joao Pereira sought to find a more fool-proof, analog way to keep you from using your smartphone. You could use app locks or app timers to keep your smartphone from being used, but disConnect is the only way. The disConnect is designed to block your smartphone’s touchscreen. You can still use the device, but you will only be able see four corners. Handy if you want to check the time or your battery. It’s useless if you plan to do anything other than checking the time and your battery.

Designer: Joao Pereira

The way disConnect works is pretty elementary. Strap your smartphone in and set a timer, and the disConnect keeps your phone locked in its fabric bands until the timer ends. You can use the disConnect with multiple phones. Stack as many as 4 smartphones together and secure the strap, and you’ve effectively got yourself the perfect dinner party or movie night without you or your friends being bummers and staring at their phones. Want to pre-emptively unlock your smartphone (in case you get an important call or text), simple – enter the unlock PIN and the disConnect comes apart, letting you use your phone normally again!