Yondr Creates “Phone Free Zones”
If you’ve attended a concert or public event lately, you’ve noticed how often everyone, probably even you, takes out their phones for a photo or video. Why can’t we all just appreciate the moment without feeling the need to capture it to share the experience later? Not too long ago we weren’t all attached to our phones and could feel comfortable going out for the night without needing the constant contact. What happened? Most of us are torn by this modern dilemma. Enter Yondr.
What is it? Yondr is creating spaces where we are unable to use our phones to encourage us to ‘be here now’. They’re liberating us from the pressure to check our phones constantly- thank you!
How does it work?
For example, you walk into a concert and the front area with merchandise and food for sale is a ‘phone access zone’. Once you get into the actual theater or music space, you’re required to place your phone into a lockable Yondr pouch that will lock upon entering this ‘phone-free zone’. If you need to receive or make a call, text, email etc. you can go back out to the ‘phone access zone’ and the pouch will unlock.
Where is this being used? Concert venues are choosing to use Yondr so that concert goers actually enjoy the music and the experience with their phones to distract them or the people around them. Many performers are applauding Yondr for this idea. I know what you’re thinking, but what if I want to take a photo while I am at the concert? If the concert you’re going to is at a place that uses Yondr, you are required to put your phone in the Yondr pouch. In addition to concert halls, many schools, movie theaters and restaurants are trying out Yondr.
Crane’s thoughts: We think that at certain places this makes a lot of sense. Schools, both primary schools and colleges would benefit from having ‘phone free zones’ or times when phones are not to be used. Of course they would have to unlock often enough for family members to get in touch with their student. At restaurants and movie theaters, we would just hope that people have enough courteousness to put their phones away without having to lock them up.
What does this mean about society? Can we really not unplug even when we’re watching our favorite band or sharing a meal with family and friends? We think the design is brilliant and simple, easy for venues to implement. We wonder what this means for how we interact with each other as technology continues to advance. What are your thoughts about Yondr?