Sławomir Polarny

Tag: app development

  • We’re Planning to Create a Directory of Organizations That Support Digital Well‑Being

    The digital world is evolving faster than ever. More and more companies, organizations, and initiatives are beginning to recognize that technology should support people — not overwhelm them.
    This feels like the right moment to start noticing, documenting, and sharing these efforts.

    That’s why we’re planning to create a directory of organizations that support digital well‑being.

    Our goal is to gather examples of companies and projects that:

    • design technology in a human‑friendly way,
    • reduce informational noise,
    • respect the user’s attention,
    • prioritize cognitive ergonomics,
    • promote healthy digital habits.

    This won’t be a ranking or a list of “the best”.
    Instead, it will be a map of inspiration — a space where anyone can see that there are alternatives to technology designed solely to capture attention, time, and engagement.

    PBH was created from the same need: to build tools that work in the rhythm of the human mind, not against it.
    This directory will be a natural extension of that philosophy.

    We’ll share more details soon.

  • PBH Privacy Policy Now Published

    We’re happy to announce that PBH (Polar Bear Helps) has officially published its Privacy Policy, effective March 28, 2026.
    True to PBH’s philosophy — help without invading privacy — the app is designed to work without accounts, registration, or personal data collection.

    PBH is safe because:

    • It does not collect personal data
    • It does not use ads, analytics, or profiling
    • It does not transmit any data externally
    • It works fully offline — no internet required
    • It uses Accessibility Services only to display the filter
    • It does not read text, record the screen, or monitor other apps

    PBH stores only basic settings locally on your device — such as whether the filter is enabled and the last selected filter strength.
    This data is removed automatically when you uninstall the app or clear its data.

    Privacy Policy – Polar Bear Helps

  • Polar Bear Helps in 31 Languages

    Polar Bear Helps has reached an important milestone: the app is now available in 30 languages, making it accessible to users across many regions and cultural backgrounds. This broad localization strengthens the mission of supporting people who are sensitive to visual overstimulation and those who benefit from a calmer digital environment.

    Global Language Coverage

    The current version of PBH includes translations into the following languages:

    • Chinese (Simplified, China)
    • Czech
    • Danish
    • Dutch (Netherlands)
    • English
    • Finnish
    • French
    • German
    • Greek (Cyprus)
    • Greek (Greece)
    • Hindi
    • Hungarian
    • Icelandic
    • Indonesian
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Korean (South Korea)
    • Malay
    • Mongolian
    • Norwegian
    • Polish
    • Portuguese (Brazil)
    • Romanian
    • Russian
    • Spanish (Spain)
    • Swahili
    • Swedish
    • Turkish
    • Ukrainian
    • Vietnamese

    This set covers a large portion of the world’s population and includes both major global languages and important regional ones.

    What Comes Next

    The next development phase focuses on adding RTL (right‑to‑left) languages, which require additional interface adjustments. The first languages planned for implementation are:

    • Arabic
    • Hebrew
    • Persian (Farsi)
    • and other RTL languages

    These additions will significantly expand accessibility and open PBH to new regions.

    Community Input

    If you’d like to see PBH translated into more languages, you can leave your suggestions in the comments. Community feedback helps shape the next steps and ensures the app grows in the direction users need most.

    Which language do you think should be added next?

  • What Filter Strength Should You Choose?

    Polar Bear Helps is based on encouragement rather than pressure, which is why starting with a high filter strength is not recommended. A filter that is too strong may cause discomfort, because your eyes and brain need time to adjust to a new way of interacting with your phone.

    Why Filter Strength Matters

    The filter reduces the intensity of visual stimuli that may have been a source of quick rewards for a long time. When these stimuli suddenly disappear, the nervous system can react with tension, irritation, or a sense of emptiness. This is a natural part of changing habits, but too abrupt a shift can make the process harder.

    Recommended Starting Levels

    • 40% is a suggested starting point that works well for many people.
    • 20% is a gentler option if 40% feels too strong or uncomfortable.

    Changing habits takes time. A softer start helps your mind adapt more smoothly, and you can increase the filter strength later when you feel ready.

    Example from the Creator of Polar Bear Helps

    The creator of the project began with a 40% filter. After ten months of using Polar Bear Helps, the filter strength increased to 60%. This shows that the process is gradual and built on encouragement rather than forcing quick results.

    The Key Principle

    Encouragement works in the long term. Self‑punishment or setting overly strict demands can make change more difficult. A gentle, steady approach helps the new habit take root and makes the transition more sustainable.

  • A new direction in my work on digital well‑being

    As part of my ongoing work on how to support well‑being while using digital devices, I have published the Digital Bridge Manifesto. It introduces a new concept showing that technology can help us return to the physical world in a gentle, natural, and conflict‑free way.

    Digital Bridge proposes a smooth transition from digital activity to analog activity by preserving a shared theme, atmosphere, or sensory experience. Instead of a sudden cut‑off, it offers continuity — reducing stress and resistance while supporting creativity and emotional regulation.

    This approach has become a new element of Technology that cares — technology designed with care for the human being and for everyday functioning in a world that blends the digital with the real.

  • Testing phase

    Polar Bear Helps is now entering the testing phase.
    The core features are in place, and I’m currently focusing on polishing the experience, fixing the last issues, and making sure everything works smoothly before the public release.

    At the same time, I’m working on the new website, which will serve as a central place for my projects, updates, and future plans. It’s still under construction, but it’s already taking shape and will soon be ready to explore.

    More updates coming soon.

  • Welcome to the home of technology that cares

    Welcome to the official website of Polar Bear Helps — a project built in the spirit of technology that cares.

    The goal of this software is to reduce the visual intensity of modern interfaces and support people who struggle with colorful, dynamic screens. Polar Bear Helps applies a gentle color filter across the entire display, making smartphone use calmer, more comfortable, and less overwhelming for the senses.

    The app can also be a helpful tool for those who want to limit their phone usage or take the first step toward breaking habits that lead to excessive screen time. It won’t solve the problem on its own, but it can create a more neutral, less stimulating environment — and that alone often makes change easier.

    Here on the website, I’ll be sharing updates about the project, development insights, collaboration opportunities, and technical notes. I invite you to follow future posts and explore the software as it grows.