Dock Buddy

With the rapid development of AI and smartphones, phone addiction has become a significant challenge, especially for teenagers. Existing solutions, such as screen time limits or physical lock boxes, often rely on complete restriction. However, these methods disable essential functions like communication and information queries. Dock Buddy introduces a different approach, transforming the phone into a companion that guides users in managing their phone usage time.

The device consists of a movable smart dock and a virtual avatar, Docky. When the preset screen time is reached, the Dock Buddy app will lock the phone, and Docky's face will appear on the screen, prompting the user to place the phone into the dock. Two clamps gently secure the phone, restricting continuous scrolling while allowing necessary operations, such as phone calls and information search, via voice control. Internal motors drive Docky to look up, down, left, and right, while the screen displays dynamic expressions like happy, sad, mad, or sleepy. Interactive features, such as rock-paper-scissors, turn the device into an engaging character with emotional feedback.

The device features a rounded, lightweight, and energetic silhouette. By using the phone screen directly as Docky's face, the hardware and digital avatar blend seamlessly. This interaction reduces the sense of restriction, making the boundary feel like friendly guidance rather than forced control. Once the time limit ends, the clamps release, and Docky exits the screen, enabling the user to take over the phone.

During prototyping, PLA 3D printing was used to verify the structure, friction, and motor load while optimizing the movement mechanism. Future iterations will utilize lightweight, durable materials suitable for mass production, alongside a compact circuit board to minimize internal volume and material usage.