Us humans were not designed to work behind a computer all day. In fact we were not designed to be in the office all day. We find it hard to concentrate, only drink coffee, and don’t relax sufficiently. Here’s number of programs that tries to coach you into more productive or healthy behavior. Call it persuasive technology (technology that intentionally changes attitudes or behaviors through persuasion and social influence), call it nudging, or call it design with intent, the idea is to get you do do what you want to do even though you can't always do that.

Writeroom
A word processor that only allows you to type basic text, but most importantly, it blocks out the screens all other programs, so you can be fully focused on writing what you need to write. As the makers put it themselves, Writeroom "helps you overcome the challenges of your digital life."

Freedom
With the introduction of internet into the office, at your desk you can access the world and the world can access you. You need to concentrate and do not want to be distracted by e-mails or be tempted to browse the web? Freedom blocks all your Internet connections for as long as you tell it to. And there’s no other way to regain access than to sit it out or restart your computer. Apparently Windows users are better at not-surfing the web, because the program is Mac-only. [via unpressable buttons]

Spa Watercoach
Drinking enough water is good for your health, or so they say. Around 1,5 to 2 liters per day is what you should strive for. However, with the coffee-centered culture at most offices that’s hard to maintain. The Spa watercoach enables you to keep track of how much water you drank, and it gives you gentle reminders if you forget to drink. And ok, it tells you to drink a glass of 'Spa' (which is a brand of mineral water), but I guess it will work with tap water as well. Sounds all too basic, but I have to admit: it works for me to get a small reminder now and again.

Workpace
This one I find debatable, but ok. The idea is that to prevent RSI (carpal tunnel syndrome) you should pause regularly when working on the computer and do some physical exercise during those pauses. Workpace signals you to take micropauses if you’re working too intensely (it measures keystrokes and mouseclicks) and once in a while pops up, blocks the screen and provides suggestions for some physical exercise. The problem I had with it: 1) when I am stressed out and working hard to finish something, the (forced) pauses made me even more stressed, and 2) those exercises made you look silly.

There's one thing though: maybe you should not use all these programs together. Imagine the Watercoach and Workpace trying to send you messages, while Writeroom is designed to keep blocking out all distractions...

More uselog posts about product impact:
> Product Impact: How Products Change User Behaviour
> Design Strategies for Sustainable User Behaviour
> User-friendly energy meter can improve sustainable behaviour
> Electric light: new technologies take some getting used to