Public preview
Zero Red Badges
Disable all red count badges on app icons — they are engineered to trigger OCD reflex.
Goal
End the "rule of red numbers" over decisions to open apps.
Steps
-
1
iPhone: Settings > Notifications > each app > disable "Badges".
Expected Outcome
Immediate
You open apps with real intent ("I want to message Ahmed") not reflex.
Evidence base
School: Persuasive Tech / Behavioral Design
Founders: BJ Fogg · Tristan Harris (2009)
BJ Fogg's Stanford Persuasive Tech Lab 2009 studied how visual cues (badges, red, numbers) trigger automatic behavior.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Zero Red Badges" take?
This exercise takes about 8 minutes, practiced solo in a Action format.
When will I notice the effect of "Zero Red Badges"?
You open apps with real intent ("I want to message Ahmed") not reflex. In the short term: "Zombie unlock" (unlocking with no reason) drops 60-80%.
Is "Zero Red Badges" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Persuasive Tech / Behavioral Design (BJ Fogg, Tristan Harris (2009)). BJ Fogg's Stanford Persuasive Tech Lab 2009 studied how visual cues (badges, red, numbers) trigger automatic behavior.
Is "Zero Red Badges" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
Subscribe for full access
Subscribe to Plus for full access to this practice and the whole catalogue, or try first — free, no sign-in, no commitment.
7 complete practices (one per domain) are free forever, no sign-in.