Quinn Labs · research project
WORTH
Can technology help people spend their time more intentionally?
Can we measure value, not just activity?
Project Worth explores how technology can help people make more conscious decisions about where they invest their most limited resources: time, attention, energy and money. Rather than encouraging endless consumption, it asks whether technology can gently support more meaningful choices.
Philosophy
Modern technology measures
- Clicks
- Views
- Watch time
- Screen time
- Engagement
Project Worth asks
Was it worth it?
Instead of “You spent 2 hours watching TV.”
- Did you learn something?
- Did you relax?
- Did you connect with someone?
- Did you solve a problem?
- Did you feel happier?
- Did you feel inspired?
Technology shouldn't judge. It should help people reflect.
The Worth framework
Every decision balances four resources.
Time
The only resource nobody can earn back.
Money
Easiest to measure, most often used as a proxy for the rest.
Energy
Two identical hours can cost very different amounts.
Attention
The resource most systems are designed to take.
Research areas
Example questions
Was this meeting worth it?
Should I watch this?
Should I travel?
Should I buy this?
Should I keep scrolling?
Should I charge now?
Should I plant today?
Should I recycle this?
Should I learn something new?
Quinn Labs connections
Every project ultimately helps people make better decisions.
One
A universal interface only helps if it helps you decide.
One Fleet
Better operational decisions, measured in real conditions.
VitaePlus
More informed decisions about a working life.
Project Manuscript
A more thoughtful creative practice.
WasteProof
Better decisions about what gets thrown away.
Project Ink
Thinking slowly before building quickly.
Future research
- Could operating systems optimise for meaning instead of engagement?
- Quality instead of quantity?
- Purpose instead of addiction?
Design rules
- No scores.
- No gamification.
- No streaks.
- No red warnings.
- Just thoughtful visualisations.
We believe technology shouldn't compete for attention. It should help people use it wisely.
Our Principles