Apple Watch and the Cost of Attention

Jim Dalrymple had John Gruber on his podcast this week.  It’s such fun to listen to stuff like that.

While discussing the  Watch, they stumbled onto a point I think deserves more attention.  The  Watch is often panned by critics as lacking a “killer feature” or “killer app.”  But what they miss is that it’s “killer feature” is notifications.

When you check notifications on your phone, you’re doing more than just checking them.  You’re engaging with them.  And then, since you’ve already opened your phone, you’ll find yourself diving into the other parts of it.  “Might as well read my timeline since that Twitter notification got me into the app.  Oh heck, since my phone is open, I’ll check email and maybe Facebook too.  That reminds me, I have a game move I can make.  I’m already on my phone- might as well before I put it back down."

On the watch, you’re often limited in what you can do.  You’ve been notified- and maybe you can respond simply or quickly- but you’re not drawn in by it’s nature.  The limited functions mean you keep your interaction essential.

If you’ve read “The Four-Hour Work Week” you have already heard about how much time email costs you.  It’s why Tim Ferriss recommends you only check it a few times a day.  Because the cost of changing tasks, then getting sucked into others, is a productivity killer.  The watch helps me avoid that time trap.

Since I got my watch, I’ve found myself being on my phone less.  The friends and family in my life notice.  I notice.  And to me, that’s killer.