Introducing the D³ – Digital Detox Device

A little puck with big power.

Tired of mindless scrolling? The D³ is a small, 3D-printed puck that helps you physically block apps on your phone. When paired with a few clever tricks, it forces you to get up and move to unlock your apps — a gentle, analog slap to your digital habits.

Inspired by the idea behind The Brick, but designed to be nearly free (and kinda fun to build), the D³ gives you back control without costing a cent — other than a bit of plastic and a little time.

Right now, it’s iOS-only, but Android users might be able to get it working too with some tweaks.

What You’ll Need

• 1 NFC tag (these work well)  (or just use the NFC Tag from an old Bambu Spool)
• 1 small magnet (6x2mm is perfect)
• The ScreenZen app
• This iOS Shortcut (Linked Down Below)

Versions

There are 2 versions of this print.

1. Print in place with a pause. You print all in one and insert your NFC tag during a pause in the print. Clean, easy but can never be removed
2. A two part version. Prints in 2 parts and can be assembled and also disassembled.

Both versions come with anti slip feet that can be printed in TPU. These are optional but pretty nice.

Setup Instructions (for iOS)

1. Download the ScreenZen app.
2. In the app, go to the More tab and set up On-Demand Blocking. Choose which apps you want to lock.
3. Download and install the Shortcut (linked below).
4. Open the Shortcuts app → Automation tab → tap “+”.
5. Choose NFC as the trigger, scan your NFC tag, and link it to the downloaded Shortcut.
6. Print and assemble your D³ device.
7. Place your phone on the D³, walk away, and enjoy your screen-free time.

     (ScreenZen is also available for Android but since I don't have one I can't say how to make this kind of automation)

Shortcuts

This is the version I use. It has a dropdown to Block / unblock Apps. If you block Apps it automatically blocks them again after 5 minutes. The time to re-block Apps can be adjusted in the shortcut.

[https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/02c65dbc5200465687be8bc497c9bd29](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/02c65dbc5200465687be8bc497c9bd29)

• Version with Manual Dropdown Selection without automatic relocking: [https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/6d6a0486d23340eea9041a01ee68d8c7](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/6d6a0486d23340eea9041a01ee68d8c7) 
• Version tied to Focus State: [https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/bf6a998bc5fe46588f54ec1e720b391a](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/bf6a998bc5fe46588f54ec1e720b391a) 

Pro Tip

Include the Shortcuts app itself in your blocked list — otherwise, you might cheat your way out of the detox.

Want to see it in action?