There’s something quietly thrilling about getting to know a new device. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop or smartwatch, the giddy feeling of the unboxing and the feeling of anticipation the first time you power it on can be genuinely exciting.
If it’s a platform you’re unfamiliar with or a new kind of device entirely, however, it can also feel a little daunting. You can watch as many YouTube videos as you like but the truth is that becoming confident with your tech takes more than just reading the manualand watching a few “how to” clips.
With that in mind, here are a few creative ways to get comfortable with your new device and make it feel like an extension of your being rather than a complicated puzzle to solve.
1. Personalise Your Device for Familiarity
One of the quickest ways to build comfort with a new device is to make it feel like your own. Start by choosing a wallpaper that makes you smile, then arrange your apps in a way that feels intuitive. You might group them by type, frequency of use or even colour. Switch on dark mode if that’s easier on your eyes or increase the font size to make reading less of a strain.
Foldable phones, which are becoming more common in the UK, offer even more personalisation options. You can tailor layouts for when the phone is folded or fully open, giving you a flexible user experience that adapts to your habits. A few minutes spent customising can turn a cold new screen into a familiar space.
2. Learn by Doing Mini Challenges
Practice builds confidence, and one of the most effective ways to learn is through small, daily challenges. For example, set yourself a goal to organise your apps by theme, or try using your voice assistant to set a reminder or play music. These bite-sized tasks reduce the fear factor and encourage exploration. You could also test out the taptophone feature, increasingly used by small UK businesses for quick payments, or download a creative app like a drawing tool or a simple coding platform such as micro:bit.
3. Integrate Games, Media and Smart Features
Turning your device into a source of entertainment is a brilliant way to build familiarity. Play some casual games or explore apps that incorporate smart features like voice control, AI tools or home automation. You might even try out exciting game formats like megaways, which offer dynamic and varied gameplay to keep things interesting.
These interactions help you understand what your device is capable of without making it feel like a chore. AI-powered apps and tools are becoming more accessible on mobile devices, and experimenting with them can make your day-to-day tasks more efficient and enjoyable.Take It One Step at a Time
Every swipe, tap and tweak will bring you closer to making the device feel like a part of you, which is important, as you could be using this device for the best part of a decade if you look after it. The key is to engage with it in a way that’s enjoyable, not overwhelming. With a few personal touches, playful challenges and a bit of curiosity, your new device will go from unfamiliar gadget to trusted sidekick in no time.
