스마트폰 흑백 모드 사용자 경험의 현상학적 탐구: 디지털 웰빙에 대한 함의

초록

Background In the contemporary digital environment, color functions not merely as an aesthetic element but as a central mechanism of the attention economy, capturing user attention and shaping behavior. As a countermeasure, “grayscale mode,” which eliminates visual stimulation, has gained attention for its potential in promoting digital well-being. While prior studies have quantitatively demonstrated that grayscale mode reduces smartphone usage time, little is known about the qualitative changes in users’ micro-experiences and cognitive processes caused by the absence of color. Methods This study employed a qualitative research design to investigate the phenomenological impact of grayscale mode on user experience (UX) across different app contexts. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 high-involvement smartphone users aged 20–50. Target apps were categorized into three groups: finance, healthcare, and entertainment. Participants used representative apps in both color and grayscale modes and then described their cognitive and emotional changes. Results Findings reveal that the impact of grayscale mode varies according to app purpose. In finance and healthcare apps, where information accuracy is critical, color functions as an “information sign.” The absence of color increased cognitive load and significantly reduced usability. Conversely, in entertainment apps focused on immersion and hedonic consumption, color acts as a “reward mechanism.” In this context, grayscale mode reduced visual allure, producing a positive “digital nudge” effect by shortening unnecessary screen time. Conclusions This study suggests that color operates as a “double-edged sword” in digital UX. While grayscale mode can serve as an effective tool for mitigating digital overdependence, it is not a universally optimal solution. Flexible, context-sensitive color design strategies that consider app functions and usage contexts (information delivery vs. content consumption) are required.

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