Frictology Solutions
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.
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.
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.