Chai Wallpaper: A Mindfulness-Based Persuasive Intervention for Absent-Minded Smartphone Usage

Digital mindfulness applications and tools are increasingly developed to improve the wellbeing of technology users. In this study, we present Chai, an Android live wallpaper application designed to reduce absent-minded smartphone usage. The wallpaper is designed as a tree whose leaves undergo color change and fall off based on the frequency of smartphone use. We also present the result of an initial pilot study conducted using the application. The participants reported increased awareness of their smartphone use behavior and found the wallpaper and the other features of the application to be persuasive at varying degrees.