Something that has been popping up a lot for me lately is digital minimalism. It’s something of any oxymoron to me but intriguing enough to put some thought into it.
What is digital minimalism?
From what I have gathered so far it seems to be a trend of taking something like your smartphone and replacing it with multiple devices that are a mix of analog and older tech to reduce distraction. Many of the devices have simpler e-ink displays and many are just older tech like iPod Classics or Game Boy emulators. Not sure how those are minimalist but maybe I’m not ready yet.
There are a few non-negotiable things I need from my tech.
I need to be able to manage my banking and paying for things at retailers. I have found happiness in not pulling out a wallet or credit card and instead using my phone to pay. If I had a minimalist wish it would be that paying with your device all used the same process so no matter the device it worked everywhere. Places that only do Samsung or Google or Apple and not others are so 80’s. No one likes cash, checks are practically banned. so can we stop making it so hard to pay? The other part of this is my general banking. I deposit checks, move money, pay bills, and even apply for loans on my phone. Not being able to do this anywhere I am at anytime would be a major blow to my workflow.
A few things I would like to have.
Not just on one brand but all phones should have the option to use a stylus or pencil or whatever name you want. Steve Jobs was wrong on this one. Like the return of DSLR’s we want a stylus, and sometimes a physical keyboard. Blackberry needs to bring back their keyboard as a phone accessory. I might be able to text again. I want an e-ink display that is easier on the eyes, and extends battery life. Not everyone wants to consume video on their phone all the time. It’s more of a tool and less entertainment for me.
At the moment the movement isn’t for me.
I don’t mind being simpler and less device dependent but I have a hard time understanding how more devices to still do the same things is minimal. If you have thoughts please share them with me and tell me how you have embraced minimalism in your life.