As screen time continues to rise globally, "tech neck"—a condition caused by prolonged downward gazing at devices—has become a widespread issue, leading to neck strain, poor posture, and chronic pain. Existing solutions, such as posture reminders or ergonomic setups, often fail because they require active user participation or aren't practical for mobile use. A passive, wearable solution that physically prevents poor neck posture without disrupting device usage could fill this gap.

The Wearable Solution

One way to address tech neck could be a lightweight, adjustable collar that holds a smartphone at eye level, eliminating the need to bend the neck downward. The collar might include:

• A comfortable strap that fits securely around the neck.
• A phone attachment mechanism, such as a clamp or magnetic holder.
• Optional features like padding, a swivel for adjustable angles, or a counterweight for heavier devices.

Users could attach their phone to the collar, adjust the height and angle, and use their device hands-free while maintaining a neutral neck position. Unlike posture-correcting apps, this approach would require no active effort from the user.

Potential Users and Benefits

The primary beneficiaries could include:

• Heavy smartphone users, such as remote workers, gamers, or students.
• People with existing neck pain looking for relief.
• Health-conscious professionals seeking ergonomic improvements.

Users might be motivated by pain relief, better posture, and convenience, while manufacturers could benefit from growing demand for ergonomic solutions.

Execution and Testing

A simple prototype—such as a 3D-printed collar with an adjustable strap and universal phone holder—could be tested with a small group of users to refine comfort and functionality. Feedback might lead to improvements like better weight distribution or added padding. Once validated, the design could move to mass production, with marketing emphasizing its health benefits.

Compared to existing solutions like posture-correcting straps or stationary phone stands, this wearable collar could offer a unique combination of mobility, passive correction, and universal compatibility, making it a practical tool for combating tech neck.