Ignoring Notifications

[Mad Mac Maniac]

One of the common refrains I noticed through many of the Watch reviews was how distracting the watch can be. They mention frequently checking the watch, which not only is distracting but is just as rude as checking your phone.

When I saw, I initially rejected this notion because of a couple things 1) you don't have to check every notification and/or 2) reduce the number of notifications. But as I've thought more about it, I've started to notice some flaws in this thinking

1) "You don't have to check every notification"
Yes this is true. And this is what I frequently do with my iPhone, however, I think it's a bit different on the watch. On the iPhone you will immediately see the missed notification on the lock screen the next time you look at your phone, wether it be in a few minutes or just the next time you happen to check your phone. On the watch, the immediacy of the notification is different. If you don't check the notification immediately, it obviously won't show up later when you check your watch (nor would I want it to). Yes, luckily there is the notification center that you can access but that requires an extra step (for a device which is designed specifically for adding convenience). Also, unless you are specifically wishing to check the notification you may not remember to look at notification center. Something which just happens automatically on your iPhone. So the point is, these factors (combined with the ease of checking) might instinctually encourage you to check every notification.

2) "reduce the number of notifications"
Yes this is also true. But not only does this require additional effort to get the settings "just right," but this will only amplify your desire to "check EVERY notification" because now you believe that every tap is something important.

Perhaps this is a bit nit-picky, but it's just something I was considering. It validates the claims a bit and it definitely is a slight change into how we interact with notifactions. I think there will be a lot of small "changes" into how we interact with technology as a result of the watch (for better or worse). Have any of you given any thought to this?

 

[mattopotamus]

One of the common refrains I noticed through many of the Watch reviews was how distracting the watch can be. They mention frequently checking the watch, which not only is distracting but is just as rude as checking your phone.

When I saw, I initially rejected this notion because of a couple things 1) you don't have to check every notification and/or 2) reduce the number of notifications. But as I've thought more about it, I've started to notice some flaws in this thinking

1) "You don't have to check every notification"
Yes this is true. And this is what I frequently do with my iPhone, however, I think it's a bit different on the watch. On the iPhone you will immediately see the missed notification on the lock screen the next time you look at your phone, wether it be in a few minutes or just the next time you happen to check your phone. On the watch, the immediacy of the notification is different. If you don't check the notification immediately, it obviously won't show up later when you check your watch (nor would I want it to). Yes, luckily there is the notification center that you can access but that requires an extra step (for a device which is designed specifically for adding convenience). Also, unless you are specifically wishing to check the notification you may not remember to look at notification center. Something which just happens automatically on your iPhone. So the point is, these factors (combined with the ease of checking) might instinctually encourage you to check every notification.

2) "reduce the number of notifications"
Yes this is also true. But not only does this require additional effort to get the settings "just right," but this will only amplify your desire to "check EVERY notification" because now you believe that every tap is something important.

Perhaps this is a bit nit-picky, but it's just something I was considering. It validates the claims a bit and it definitely is a slight change into how we interact with notifactions. I think there will be a lot of small "changes" into how we interact with technology as a result of the watch (for better or worse). Have any of you given any thought to this?

too much effort to set up notifications? It literally is a menu and you change a switch. They are all or nothing settings. You get all the notifications for the app you chose or none of them.

If you look at your watch and do not deem it important, there is really not need to go back to it on the watch. I have a pebble now. If it is important, I pull my phone out. If not, I just dismiss it. With the apple watch if it is important, I will interact with it on the watch right away or just ignore it if not.

People who do not currently have smartwatches are over thinking it IMO. Once you have it and try it, you will decide what works best for you

 

[sammyman]

Along the same lines, I just watched the new video release by Apple about phone calls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zj5KisMVv8

I'm surprised that the way to silence a phone call is to cover the phone with your hand. I'm hoping that there is some kind of silence mode where we can ignore all notifications!?

 

[JohnApples]

Along the same lines, I just watched the new video release by Apple about phone calls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zj5KisMVv8

I'm surprised that the way to silence a phone call is to cover the phone with your hand. I'm hoping that there is some kind of silence mode where we can ignore all notifications!?

There is a "Do Not Disturb" option, just like on the iPhone. This will silence any and all notifications, unless you add certain exceptions.

 

[jmann]

You are completely correct. It will be interesting to see how each individual manages the compulsion to check the watch for each tap. It will also be interesting to gauge reactions from others with this new type of device. I wonder if it will end up being less bothersome/intrusive for those around you, or if it's going to continue to send a signal to others that you have "somewhere to be" or feel impatient.

I hope that as the software gets improved, the types of taptic feedback we'll get for each alert will allow us to easily recognize each type of notification without having to look at it.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

If you look at your watch and do not deem it important, there is really not need to go back to it on the watch. I have a pebble now. If it is important, I pull my phone out. If not, I just dismiss it. With the apple watch if it is important, I will interact with it on the watch right away or just ignore it if not.

I think the point is that if the Phone is in your pocket and you are in the middle of something (conversation, work, lunch, anything really) you are much more likely to "get to it later" rather than checking it immediately. With the watch, the benefit (convenience) is the exact "downfall" that makes us suseptible to frequently checking notifications. That could start to make you feel distracted and is probably more rude than most people would imagine (especially because you have to emphasize the "look" gesture to make the watch activate)

I'm surprised that the way to silence a phone call is to cover the phone with your hand. I'm hoping that there is some kind of silence mode where we can ignore all notifications!?

Side note: but I noticed on that video when a call is coming in there is an option to direct to iphone... doesn't it already direct to the iphone? I would hate to have to select that evey time I wanted to answer on my phone

 

[BillyTrimble]

I think the point is that if the Phone is in your pocket and you are in the middle of something (conversation, work, lunch, anything really) you are much more likely to "get to it later" rather than checking it immediately. With the watch, the benefit (convenience) is the exact "downfall" that makes us suseptible to frequently checking notifications. That could start to make you feel distracted and is probably more rude than most people would imagine (especially because you have to emphasize the "look" gesture to make the watch activate)

I see how you are thinking and I would very strongly suggest you do NOT get the watch. You will drive yourself crazy with it as it sounds like you have no self control or the desire to customize it. This watch is not for you.

 

[CC117]

Can you have notifications as vibrate only? Is the a silence setting for the watch?

 

[Bigserver1]

Can you have notifications as vibrate only? Is the a silence setting for the watch?

Yes, you can mute sounds and just have the haptic feedback as your notification.

 

[Patriot24]

My understanding is that the screen does not activate until you raise your wrist. So even when it taps you, you don't have to look at it and no one will see the screen come on.

 

[sananpx]

Rude Behavior

As you think about this post, here are my 2 cents:
In a meeting if you look at your watch you give an impression that you are not interested in listening what others are saying or are in hurry.

Phone is separate issue, but no one may notice you are wearing a smart watch or regular and could take as you are ignoring them.

Give a thought??

 

[T-Will]

I think eventually it will be culturally acceptable for people to be tapping their watch to respond to notifications, and it won't be seen and checking the time to see when the meeting will be over. But it will probably take a while to get to that point.