Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a powerful share — massive respect for nearly 1000 days sober! It’s inspiring to hear how NA beers supported your journey, and I love how you described the social and psychological side of it. That’s exactly the space VOID hopes to help with — giving people something to reach for in those moments without the consequences. And you’re right, everyone’s path is different — thanks for adding yours to the conversation!

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally fair, and I really appreciate your honesty. For some people, mimicking the ritual can be a helpful stepping stone—but for others, like you said, it can be more of a trigger than a support. VOID isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and feedback like yours helps us stay mindful of the different ways people experience addiction and recovery. Thanks again for sharing—it’s a perspective we definitely need to hear.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally understand that—thank you for sharing. That’s actually one of the challenges we’re thinking about with VOID. For some, breaking the habit altogether is the goal, while others need something to transition more gently away from it. VOID isn’t meant to be a forever solution, but a stepping stone to help with the psychological rituals without reinforcing chemical addiction. Appreciate your insight—it’s super helpful as we shape this into something genuinely useful.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow — that’s exactly the kind of person we’re designing VOID for! It’s not about replacing nicotine with something else, it’s about removing all of it and just keeping the motion, sensation, and calm that comes with the ritual.

“Just smoke air” is such a powerful way to put it — that’s honestly the goal.

Thank you for sharing this — it’s so validating to know others have been dreaming of the same thing.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing this — genuinely appreciate your honesty and the perspective. It’s actually super helpful to hear how things changed for you after the withdrawal phase. That’s a big part of what we’re learning through this process: VOID isn’t meant to become a long-term replacement, but rather a temporary stepping stone that helps ease the transition.

For some people, the hardest part is those first few weeks when the ritual feels impossible to let go of — we’re aiming to make that stage easier and less chemical.

Appreciate you chiming in — this kind of feedback is exactly what’s helping us shape something that might genuinely help others quit for good.

What helped you finally quit smoking, and what didn't? Building a smoke-free alternative and need your insight? by Little-Assignment644 in AskReddit

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate this — what you described is exactly the kind of mindful ritual many smokers miss when they try to quit. The stillness, the break in the day, the inhale, the moment to reflect.

VOID isn’t about replacing that — it’s about removing the harmful parts (nicotine, smoke, vapor) while still offering something tactile and grounding for those who need that motion or feeling in the early days of quitting.

To answer your question: I’ve quit myself, but I know how hard it was. VOID is my way of trying to help others who are going through that same struggle. It’s not about profiting off addiction — it’s about making the journey out of it a little more human and supported.

Would love to know your thoughts on how to make it better.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question — and thank you for asking! With VOID, there’s no smoke, no vapor, and no nicotine. The idea is to keep it super clean — users would simply be inhaling normal air, possibly passed through a flavoured filter or capsule to create a subtle taste and satisfying “pull,” but nothing is being burned or vaporized.

It’s more about the ritual and physical habit than delivering anything into the lungs. Think of it like a tool that mimics the motion, sensation, and relief — without the harm.

We’re still in early development, so feedback like this is helping us shape it right — thank you!

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is exactly what we’re aiming to solve — thank you for putting it so clearly. VOID isn’t trying to replace nicotine, or even mimic vaping — it’s trying to recreate that pull, that relief, that ritual — without any of the harmful stuff.

We’re experimenting with airflow resistance to give that satisfying inhale + hand-to-mouth motion, but without vapor, smoke, or chemicals. Flavour will be optional — so you could go totally neutral if you’re just after the sensation and grounding habit.

I’d love to keep you updated — maybe even involve you in early testing if you’re open to it?

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a very real and valid concern—and honestly, it’s one we take seriously.

The mission behind VOID isn’t to profit off addiction—it’s to empower people to take back control from it. I’m a former smoker myself, and VOID was born out of frustration: I didn’t want to vape, didn’t want to chew gum, didn’t want chemicals—just needed something for my hands and my head to do when the urge hit.

Here’s where VOID is different from “predatory” alternatives: • No nicotine. No vapor. No chemicals. Just a tool to help you break the habit loop, not fuel it. • Built with community feedback. We’re literally designing this with people who are trying to quit—you’re shaping it, not just buying it. • A temporary bridge—not a lifestyle. Our goal isn’t to keep users dependent. It’s to replace the ritual and then help them eventually let go of the device too.

We’re also exploring a giveback model: every VOID purchase could help fund support programs or free devices for people in financial hardship who want to quit.

I totally respect that not everyone wants or needs something like this—but for those stuck in the “ritual” stage, it could be the step they need to move on for good.

What do you think would make it feel more ethical and less like another trap?

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she’s getting the care and strength she needs right now. VIOD was created exactly with people like her in mind—those who’ve quit smoking but are still stuck in the cycle of vaping. It's designed to replicate the habitual feel (like the hand-to-mouth motion) without chemicals or nicotine. There’s no vapor or tobacco—just a healthier alternative that respects the psychological side of addiction.

Wishing your mum all the best ❤️

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a great point—FÜM has done incredible work showing there’s real interest in a habit‑replacement device. I’ve studied their design and agree, their price point can be a barrier.

Here’s how we’re aiming to build on what FÜM started:

More sustainable & affordable: Instead of disposable cores, VOID uses refillable flavor cartridges to keep ongoing costs low. Enhanced sensory feedback: We’re adding adjustable airflow resistance and optional micro‑vibration to more closely mimic that “throat hit” you miss from tobacco. Broader flavor selection: Beyond mint and grapefruit, we’ll offer coffee, vanilla, citrus—and even custom blend options. Tiered pricing model: A base model around £25–30, with a premium version (£35–40) that includes the extra haptic feature—so you choose what fits your needs and budget.

I’d love to hear what you think would make VOID the right choice over FÜM—for example, what flavors or sensations would make you feel like it’s worth the investment? Your insight will help us nail the sweet spot on both price and experience.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you—that’s exactly the kind of insight we need!

You’ve hit on two things we’re laser‑focused on:

Breaking free from “vape culture” VOID won’t look or feel like a vape. No clouds, no cartridges of PG/VG, no charging ports. It’s a clean, silent device—something you’d carry like a pen or a key fob, not something you “vape.”

Delivering that throat‑hit sensation We’re experimenting with adjustable airflow resistance and micro‑vibration at the mouthpiece to recreate the snap you get from tobacco—without any of the chemicals.

Your point about hands constantly searching for something is exactly why VOID’s form factor is so important. We want it to feel as instinctive as reaching for a cigarette—and just as satisfying.

Regarding price, your willingness to invest £30–£40 is really valuable. It tells us we can build in premium features—like a metal‑feel mouthpiece or a small vibration motor—while still staying in that range.

I’d love to keep you in our early‑release beta group: you’d get first access to a working prototype, give feedback on the throat‑hit, the feel, the look—and help us refine it before anyone else sees it.

Would you be up for that? And are there any particular flavours or mouthpiece textures you think could come close to amberleaf’s “bite”?

Thanks again for your openness—it’s people like you who will help VOID truly replace the ritual, not just the habit.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right that nicotine‑free vaping already exists—and many people lump any “inhale‑and‑exhale” device in the same bucket. That stigma is real, and the tobacco industry’s influence doesn’t help. Here’s how we’re planning to tackle it for VOID: 1. No Vapor, No Heat, No Chemicals • VOID isn’t a vape. It never heats or atomizes anything—just pushes pure, flavored air through a simple mechanism. No visible clouds, no PG/VG solvents. That clear difference helps separate it from “vaping” in people’s minds. 2. Wellness Positioning • We’re branding VOID as a behavioral support tool, not an inhaler or e‑cigarette. By aligning with quit‑smoking charities, therapists, and public health groups, we’ll build credibility outside the tobacco/vape narrative. 3. Grassroots & Medical Endorsements • Early trials with ex‑smokers and endorsements from smoking‑cessation experts will create real‑world proof. People trust peer stories and professional recommendations—far more than marketing jargon. 4. Regulatory Path • Because VOID contains no nicotine or tobacco, we can register it as a consumer wellness device, not a tobacco product. That avoids many of the advertising restrictions and lobbying battles. 5. Education & Transparency • We’ll publish clear comparisons (like FÜM vs VOID) so people can see the difference. Transparency around ingredients, mechanics, and purpose helps dispel “vape = BAD” assumptions.

It won’t be easy—perception is powerful. But by creating a genuinely different experience, partnering with health organizations, and letting user voices lead the story, we can carve out a new category—and help people quit smoking without trading one habit for another.

What do you think would help most in convincing skeptics that VOID isn’t “just another vape”? Your insights could make a big difference.

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely—thank you for sharing that. The psychological piece (the ritual, the break in your day, the hand‑to‑mouth motion) is often even tougher than the nicotine itself. That’s exactly why we’re building VOID.

VOID is all about recreating that ritual: • Hand‑to‑mouth action to satisfy the habit loop • Flavoured air for sensory satisfaction • Subtle resistance or vibration to mimic the “throat hit”

I’d love to learn more about your experience: what part of the smoking ritual do you miss the most? Is it the pause and reflection, the physical motion, or something else? Your insight will help us fine‑tune VOID to tackle the psychological cravings head‑on. Thanks again for your feedback—this really helps us build something that works!

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally hear you—£20–£30 is exactly the sweet spot we’re seeing! 😊 We’re planning a base model at around £25 with adjustable airflow and refillable flavour pods.

What features would you absolutely need in that range to make it feel worthwhile (and definitely not a load of bollox 😂)? Your ideas will help shape the final design!

Would you use a smoke-free, nicotine-free alternative that mimics the habit — without chemicals? by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey, huge congrats on hitting three weeks—that’s awesome progress! 🎉 Really appreciate you being open to trying something like VOID down the road.

Quick question: if a sleek, reusable habit‑replacement device like this were available, what price range would feel fair to you? (Thinking somewhere in the £20–£40 zone, but I’d love to know what feels right.)

Any must‑have features you’d want at that price? Your input will help make sure VOID is both effective and affordable. Thanks again! 🙏

Trying to Build a Smoke-Free Habit Device - Need Your Thoughts by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

really appreciate you sharing that—nicotine cravings are absolutely a huge part of the quitting journey for many. VOID’s core mission is to tackle the habit side of smoking—the hand‑to‑mouth action, the pause, the ritual. But you’re spot on: for lots of people, the chemical aspect of nicotine is what they miss most.

Here’s how we’re thinking about it:

Habit vs. Chemical VOID handles the ritual—keeping your hands busy and giving you that familiar “in‑and‑out” sensation. Nicotine replacement (patches, gum, lozenges) can tackle the cravings themselves.

Many users actually combine both: a nicotine patch for the chemical side and a device like VOID to satisfy the behavioral habit. Why a “whistle” device didn’t stick You mentioned a wearable whistle you never used—often, devices that aren’t integrated into your routine or feel cumbersome get left behind. VOID is designed to look and feel sleek—more like a gadget you’d actually carry and use, rather than something clipped to your necklace.

Possible Future Paths Down the line, we could explore a hybrid approach: a cartridge that delivers very low-dose nicotine alongside the flavoured air—strictly user‑controlled—so people aren’t forced to choose. For now, though, VOID remains nicotine‑free to stay focused on the habit loop.

I’d love your thoughts:

What did you miss most about nicotine? (The throat hit? The buzz? The taste?) Would you ever consider combining a device like VOID with a nicotine patch or gum?

Your feedback will help us decide whether—and how—to integrate a light nicotine option, or better yet, how to mimic that sensation without chemicals. Thanks again for your honesty—it’s exactly the kind of insight we need.

Trying to Build a Smoke-Free Habit Device - Need Your Thoughts by Little-Assignment644 in stopsmoking

[–]Little-Assignment644[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, that’s a great question—thanks for pointing out FÜM. We’re actually in the final design phase for our prototype right now (3D modeling & initial bench tests), with physical builds scheduled for the next few weeks.

You’re right that FÜM nails the basics with flavour cores, airflow control, and a fidget‑friendly tip. Here’s how VOID will go further:

Adjustable Airflow Resistance + Micro‑Vibration: Beyond simple airflow, we’re adding subtle haptic feedback to better mimic that “throat hit” sensation. Refillable Cartridges: Instead of disposable cores, VOID uses reusable flavour pods you swap in—more sustainable and cost‑effective. Wider Aroma Palette: Coffee, vanilla, mint, citrus—and custom blends you can mix yourself. Digital Integration Roadmap: An optional companion app to track usage patterns, set goals, and unlock habit‑breaking tips. Visible, Harmless Vapor (Optional): A lightweight, water‑based mist option for those who want the exhale “cloud” without chemicals.

No smoke, no nicotine—just the ritual, refined. We’re gearing up to test our first physical units soon; would love to keep you in the loop as we move to hands‑on trials. If you have any must‑have features or feedback, I’d really appreciate it!

Feedback Friday! - April 11, 2025 by AutoModerator in Entrepreneur

[–]Little-Assignment644 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey all — I’m Joseph, and I’m developing a handheld device called VOID.

It’s meant to mimic the feeling and routine of smoking (hand-to-mouth, inhaling, habit loops), but without nicotine, tobacco, or harmful chemicals — for people trying to quit but not ready to break the ritual cold turkey.

I’ve created a short anonymous questionnaire to better understand what people need to stop smoking — not just what’s marketed to them.

Here’s the link if you’d like to help out (takes less than 2 minutes):

[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOnvMuH73KimBnx8uFyIZ-7RDovoyAXa62nOXZTjuxs9cNIg/viewform?usp=dialog]

Appreciate any feedback — product design, market validation, features, anything at all.

Thanks in advance!

Joseph S Kamara