Wearable Technology, Productivity and Information Overload: A Study & Concept Proposal

As a Research Intern at Ashesi University’s CaRINE Programme, I explored how wearable technology can transform the practice of journaling into a seamless, productivity-enhancing experience.

The project, called NOTE-IT, stemmed from a research gap: while journaling is proven to improve critical thinking and reduce information overload, cultivating the habit is difficult, and existing knowledge management tools often fail to capture the spontaneity of thought.

Through a literature review, I examined how information overload impairs productivity and how journaling mitigates cognitive strain. I then conducted a needs survey with faculty and students, uncovering strong interest in a wearable solution despite concerns around privacy and usability.

The result was NOTE-IT, a concept for a wearable device that enables instant, voice-based journaling. Thoughts are captured verbally, stored securely, and later organized through a companion mobile app.

Future extensions include:
<> GPT On-The-Go: Integrating LLMs to provide interactive, context-aware support in real time.
<> Salesforce Incarnate: Embedding CRM functionality into the wearable for on-the-go information capture and team collaboration.

Reflecting back, this project positioned me to think critically about how emerging technologies can bridge human limitations in cognition and productivity.