BalanceApp – Screen Time Management and Digital Well-Being

Overview BalanceApp is a mobile/web application designed to help users manage their screen time effectively and improve their digital well-being. It offers features such as usage tracking, goal setting, and personalized tips.

Features

• Real-time screen time tracking
• Customizable usage limits and notifications
• Analytics and trends visualization
• Digital well-being tips and recommendations
• User-friendly and responsive interface

Installation

1. Clone the repository: https://github.com/Charan545/BalanceApp.git

2. Navigate to the project directory: cd BalanceApp

3. Install dependencies: npm install

4. Run the app: npm start

           Project Report  
   

BalanceApp: Screen Time Management and Digital Well-Being

Introduction The BalanceApp project is a screen time management application designed to help users monitor and control their digital device usage. Developed using Java in Android Studio, BalanceApp offers an intuitive and user-friendly experience by tracking app usage, providing insights into daily screen time habits, and helping users achieve a balanced digital lifestyle. By focusing on screen time awareness, BalanceApp promotes a healthier approach to technology use, helping users find a balance between productivity, leisure, and digital wellness. Objective The objective of BalanceApp is to empower users with tools to monitor and reduce unnecessary screen time. The application provides features like app usage tracking, daily screen time goals, visual representations of screen time data, and personalized recommendations for reducing screen exposure. By giving users insights into their digital habits, BalanceApp encourages a balanced lifestyle that reduces digital fatigue and supports mental well-being. Technologies Used • Backend: Java (in Android Studio) • Frontend: XML for layouts, Android Views, and Widgets 2

• Database: SQLite (for storing user settings, goals, and usage data) • Additional Libraries: MPAndroidChart for data visualization, Android Room for local database management, Firebase for analytics.

Features and Functionalities

1. User Registration and Login • Registration: Users create an account to personalize their experience. • Login: Secure access to individual data and app usage history. • Authentication and Authorization: Ensures secure access to user-specific data.
2. Personalized Profile Setup • Users enter preferences for daily screen time limits and usage goals. This customization tailors the app’s notifications and daily reminders to fit individual user needs.
3. Screen Time Tracking • BalanceApp continuously monitors app usage and logs total screen time daily. • Users can view screen time details for each app, categorized by usage type (e.g., social, productivity).
4. Data Visualization with Charts • Using MPAndroidChart, the app visualizes screen time data, displaying usage trends over days, weeks, and months. 3

• Bar charts and line graphs help users understand their screen time patterns, making it easier to identify problematic habits.
5. Daily Screen Time Goal Setting • Users can set daily screen time limits, with notifications and reminders when approaching or exceeding these limits. • BalanceApp encourages users to stay within their set screen time goals, promoting mindful technology usage.

6. Performance Calendar • A built-in calendar allows users to track their screen time adherence and visualize consistency over time. • Users can view which days they met their goals and where they exceeded limits, promoting accountability and motivation.

7. Focus Mode • Focus Mode temporarily restricts access to selected distracting apps, helping users concentrate on tasks. • Users can schedule Focus Mode sessions for study, work, or other non-digital activities.

8. Usage Insights and Recommendations • Based on usage patterns, BalanceApp provides tips for reducing screen time, like app usage limits or taking regular breaks. • Suggestions are based on personalized trends and user goals, offering actionable steps for digital well-being.

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Application Workflow

1. User Registration/Login: Users create an account or log in to access personalized screen time data.
2. Profile Setup: Users set preferences for screen time goals and usage tracking.
3. Screen Time Monitoring: BalanceApp tracks app usage, displaying detailed insights for each app.
4. Goal Setting and Reminders: Users set daily screen time goals, with notifications to alert them of excessive usage.
5. Performance Tracking: The performance calendar shows daily and weekly adherence to screen time goals.
6. Focus Mode Activation: Users activate Focus Mode to limit distractions during specified times.
7. Usage Insights and Recommendations: The app provides insights based on usage trends, helping users adjust digital habits.

Implementation Details • Backend: Java is used for implementing core functionalities, including tracking app usage and managing user goals. Android's Room library handles local data storage, enhancing data integrity and retrieval. • Frontend: XML layouts and Android Views create a user friendly interface. MPAndroidChart is used for visualizing data, while RecyclerView displays app usage details efficiently. 5

• Database Management: SQLite is used to store user goals, screen time logs, and app settings. Android Room ORM provides an abstraction over SQLite, making data operations simpler and more efficient.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Real-Time App Usage Tracking: Tracking screen time in real-time without draining battery life was challenging. This was optimized using Android’s UsageStatsManager, which periodically collects app usage data, minimizing resource consumption.
2. Data Visualization: Presenting screen time trends visually required integrating the MPAndroidChart library and managing large datasets efficiently. MPAndroidChart’s caching and animation capabilities helped in creating responsive, visually appealing charts.
3. User Data Security: Protecting user data and preferences is crucial for user trust. Secure storage practices, such as using Android’s encrypted storage options, were implemented to safeguard user privacy.

Future Scope

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Expanding BalanceApp to iOS would increase accessibility for users with multiple devices.

2. Advanced Analytics and Insights: Integrating machine learning could provide users with predictive insights, such as projecting weekly usage patterns based on past data. 6

3. Gamification of Screen Time Goals: Adding achievements and rewards for meeting screen time goals could motivate users to engage more actively with the app.

Conclusion The BalanceApp project effectively addresses the challenges of managing screen time and promoting digital well-being. With features like goal setting, usage tracking, performance calendars, and data visualization, BalanceApp empowers users to adopt healthier digital habits. This project showcases the potential of mobile technology in supporting balanced lifestyle choices and sets the foundation for future advancements in the field of digital wellness.