Meaning Making Erosion

How Technology’s Frictionless Path Flattens Our Depth—and How We Can Reclaim It Link zu Überschrift

1. A Fragile Balance Link zu Überschrift

Meaning doesn’t just pop into existence. It’s forged through the messy process of grappling with disparate experiences, emotions, and knowledge until they coalesce into a narrative that makes sense of the world—and our place in it. As Iain McGilchrist explains in The Master and His Emissary, this process relies on a delicate dance between the brain’s two hemispheres:

Learn more

Polarization

How Digital Divides Fuel Echo Chambers and Anxiety Link zu Überschrift

The New Shape of Division Link zu Überschrift

Polarization isn’t new. Humanity has always splintered over religion, politics, and class. But now, those rifts are turbocharged by digital networks and hyper-personalized algorithms—systems engineered to thrive on conflict. The slow creep of distrust has become a wildfire, roaring through social media feeds at a pace that makes thoughtful engagement feel quaint.

Learn more

Shallowfication

A Wake-Up Call Link zu Überschrift

Open your favorite app, scroll mindlessly for a bit, and bask in the glow of digital dopamine. Tap a button, and presto—dinner arrives like clockwork, no conversation required. Convenient? Sure. A problem? Definitely. The tech world worships at the altar of frictionlessness, selling the promise of an easier, faster life. But here’s the dirty secret: the smoother the ride, the more you lose your grip on meaning.

Learn more

Friction Dynamics Model

Introduction Link zu Überschrift

When designing digital experiences and artificial intelligence, we often encounter friction—moments when a user’s journey slows down or faces obstacles. Traditionally, the goal has been to eliminate friction to create seamless experiences. However, completely removing friction can unintentionally diminish human agency, fulfillment, and the richness of user engagement.

Think of how a hiker relies on just the right amount of friction between their boots and the trail. Too much friction can make each step laborious, while too little can cause slips and falls. Similarly, users need a balanced level of friction in their digital interactions to maintain control and engagement. The Friction Dynamics Model (FDM) offers a new perspective by viewing friction not merely as an obstacle to remove but as a contextual force that arises where user behavior meets digital environments.

Learn more

Fun Friction CX

Playful Resistance That Sparks Joy Link zu Überschrift

We at Frictology believe digital experiences have become obsessed with removing every obstacle. “One-click buys,” “instant likes,” and auto-playing feeds promise endless satisfaction at breakneck speeds. But let’s be honest—this relentless pursuit of frictionlessness often leaves users feeling hollow, creativity dulled, and engagement barely alive. Our antidote? A counterintuitive jolt of playful friction—deliberate, joy-inducing resistance that reawakens curiosity, personal agency, and meaning. At Frictology, we see friction not as a flaw but as a spark—a way to reignite depth and vibrancy in a world running on autopilot.

Learn more

Metacognitive Tools

Here’s why Frictology loves the idea of embracing metacognition (which is the awareness and regulation of one’s cognitive processes): It can catalyze more meaningful experiences. We believe that by introducing smart, adaptive friction, digital experience designers create richer environments where users can refine decisions, explore divergent ideas, and practice “humanity” in digital contexts and spaces. We believe that the single-track emphasis on efficiency is a long-term headwind both for uses and businesses. Instead, by embracing metacognitive firction, digital products can benefit from salience (being top of mind for customers), loyalty, and long-term value creation.

Learn more