Intent-Based Delay for Distracting Apps

Hi Niagara Launcher Team,

I’d like to suggest a feature aimed at improving intentional phone usage and reducing impulsive app opening.

Feature Idea: Intent-Based App Launch Delay (for selected apps)

The core idea is to add friction before opening distracting apps (like social media), encouraging more mindful usage.

Proposed behavior:

• User can mark certain apps as “distracting.”

• When opening one of these apps:

  A delay screen appears (e.g., 5–15 seconds)

• During this time, the user must:

  1. Select a session duration (e.g., 5 min, 10 min, 30 min)

  2. Optionally write a short intention (e.g., “Reply to messages”)

  3. Or cancel opening the app

• Once the selected time ends, the app is restricted again or the user is prompted to exit

Why this matters: Impulsive app usage is often automatic rather than intentional. Even a small delay can interrupt that loop and make usage more deliberate.

This idea is loosely inspired by the concept from Atomic Habits by James Clear—adding friction to bad habits to make them harder to perform—applied here in a practical way.

Why it fits Niagara: Niagara already emphasizes simplicity and intentional interaction. This feature aligns naturally with that philosophy while remaining optional and minimal in design.

Optional enhancements:

• Customizable delay duration

• Daily usage insights for selected apps

• Soft vs strict mode (skippable vs enforced delay)

Best regards,

Saksham