Wisconsin Graduates Sell Device That Blocks Phone Apps

Two computer science graduates in Germantown, Wisconsin, are selling a 3D-printed gray square that blocks smartphone applications when tapped [1, 2].

The device, known as "The Brick," represents a growing consumer trend toward "digital minimalism." As smartphones become more integrated into daily life, some users are paying for physical tools to deliberately limit their access to technology to regain focus.

According to reports, the device costs $59 ^[1]. It functions as a physical toggle for digital distractions. "Tap your phone against it, and the apps you’ve chosen become blocked until you tap it again," a report from Fast Company said ^[2].

The creators developed the product in late 2026 [1, 2]. By using 3D printing, the graduates were able to move from a conceptual stage to a sellable product that addresses the psychological struggle of phone addiction.

This movement comes as a reaction to the broader trajectory of the technology industry. For years, software and hardware developers focused on removing every possible friction point to keep users engaged with their screens. However, this frictionless experience has led to a surge in mindless scrolling and decreased productivity.

One analysis of the trend noted that "the industry spent decades engineering effort out of everything," a report via MSN said ^[2]. The Brick reverses this logic by adding a physical requirement, a manual tap, to the process of accessing distracting software.

By introducing this intentional complication, the device forces the user to make a conscious decision to enter a distracted state. This shift toward premium products that complicate usage suggests a market correction where users now value mental boundaries over seamless connectivity.