Hold click on Hourglass to Flip
Engine State PORTRAIT
Consumption rate Standard
Total Replenishes 0
Calm Reader — attention_economy.md
01 / Introduction

Designing For Conscious Obstruction

Digital spaces are optimized for frictionless engagement. High-frequency algorithms supply endless content streams, minimizing mental gaps to prevent disconnection. The user loses self-governance, defaulting to passive processing patterns.

02 / Core Mechanics

The Gravity Drain & Rotation

To reverse this, we introduce the **Finite Friction Engine**. We map data access to a simulated physical container containing finite sand. Every block of scrolled content acts as a gravitational drag, emptying the sand.

Once empty, lockdown commences. The user cannot scroll further or request new items. The system forces a transition out of the stream. Restarting intake demands physical intervention—flipping the hourglass.

03 / Psychological Friction

Breaking the Autopilot Loop

By shifting replenishment from a frictionless scroll to an explicit, 180-degree rotation gesture, the user must make an intentional decision: "Am I choosing to spend more attention, or is it time to close the tab?"

04 / Calm Architecture

The 90° Focus Space

Additionally, tilting the viewport 90 degrees triggers **Focus Lock**. It freezes current layout state and blocks new notification queues, allowing peaceful digestion of active content without allowance depletion.

This workspace model operates on strict attention budgets. We believe software should help you stop consuming, not keep you hooked.

FOCUS SECURED
90° Viewport Rotation Active. Intake streams locked. Sand flow paused.
⌛
DESKTOP INTAKE DEPLETED
You have fully consumed the current attention budget. Reclaiming workspace control requires explicit manual replenishment. Hold button for 3 seconds.