A neuroscience startup has introduced a drastic, physically taxing solution to the pervasive problem of smartphone addiction: a stainless steel phone case that weighs a staggering six pounds—heavier than a 16-inch MacBook Pro—designed to make using the device literally too tiring.

Matter Neuroscience has intentionally designed what is perhaps the heaviest and chunkiest phone case available, moving in the opposite direction of the current trend for light and sleek accessories. The case consists of two separate, screw-together pieces that are cumbersome, will not fit into a standard pocket, and are inspired by the iconic Black Diamond phone of the 1980s.

The company's core strategy is to use physical fatigue as a natural deterrent to overuse. "At 6 pounds, your hands and arms physically get tired while using it. That fatigue reminds you to put the phone down," the case's crowdfunding page explains, calling it a "physical feedback loop against overuse." The startup claims the inconvenience should limit a user's screentime by around half.

Removing the case is also designed to be a hassle. To detach the two metal pieces, a user needs an Allen wrench, a time-consuming step intended to discourage users from simply taking the case off.

The hefty solution comes with a high price tag. The six-pound stainless steel case is currently in the crowdfunding stage on Kickstarter, with a pre-order price starting at $210. A dedicated user can opt for the brass version, which is even heavier and costs a substantial $500. 

Matter Neuroscience is seeking to raise a $75,000 goal, though it has only managed to secure approximately $17,000 thus far. The story is from Oddity Central.