Finch is a mindfulness app that lets the user set goals. When the goals are completed, their customized finch gains energy and goes on adventures.
Potential Uses: While Finch is designed for personal use, I could see it being used for a whole class as a way to goal set. The class could have one Finch on a teacher account or each student could make a Finch and use it as a way to reach study goals. There is a Treehouse feature where you can send pre-selected powerups to other users you are friends with, so students could have a Finch study group, where all the students have each other on Finch and can set the same study goals together and encourage each other.
User Interface: The app is decorated with muted colors and soft rounded shapes, which gives the app a cozy, calming vibe. The goals you set are near the top of the screen, under your finch, so they grab your attention first. When your goals are completed, you see the finch walking on their adventure at the top of the screen, and the space for your goals is replaced with options for reflection and breathing exercises. While the app does have a social element where you can send encouragement to other finches you add, that feature is tucked away into the bar at the top of the screen. The focus of the app is centered around you as a user and your individual goals.
User Experience: The app is centered around productivity and you get energy for your finch as a little notification as you check off your goals, which helps you visualize how much you are getting done. Because it is a goal-setting app, it is not designed to hold your attention so you can get off the app and accomplish your goals. Once you check off a goal, there aren't any more prompts to continue clicking until you reach all your goals.
Digital Wellness: I personally use this app and I think it impacts my digital wellness positively. This app helps me visualize my goals and remind me to accomplish them, and also incentivizes me by giving me energy for my finch. Because the app's interface is calming and not designed to be used for long periods of time, it doesnt disregulate me when I use it. This app could be an easy tool for students to use personally without negative effects.
Accessibility: Finch is free for all users but does have a paid version you can buy, but not purchasing the paid version doesnt severly impact your experience. The app's interface is easy to read and has lots of visuals to guide your reading. Users can speak their goals instead of type if their vision is impaired. The app isn't available in other languages than English from what I can see.
Reflection: Being aware of digital design and wellness as a teacher is important if you are using technology in the classroom. The design of the resources you use can impact students regulation and productivity, which in turn influences your classroom community.