Certaibly both scenarios wouldn't end up the same way for a lot of people. In one case I definitely have to walk over to the phone and use it to see if I missed anything of importance, in the other case if I don't see a notification light flashing (or don't see one for a missed call if I'm expecting a call) then I don't have to bother even walking up to the phone, let alone actually using it for any period of time. There's a difference.
The group of smartphone users that would benefit from the LED notification light the most are a small minority compared to the groups below which make up the majority.
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The Smartphone Addict: This person looks at their phone every chance they get even if there are no notifications. They are constantly checking Facebook, Instagram and other social apps for updates. A study was done on this group. The average user checks their phone once at least every 5 minutes. (this group would not need an LED notification light)
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The Set it Forget it: This person has had enough of technology for the day, comes home and turns off their phone or puts it away and doesn't look at it for the rest of the night. (this group could benefit from the LED notifications if they happen to actually glance at their phone when they pass by it).
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I'm Neo plug me in: This person is connected to the world and internet 24/7. Their smartphone is always within an arms reach, visual range or audio range. I am this person. I will not check my phone every 5 minutes but if/when that screen lights up I always catch it from the corner of my eye (even when its in my cup holder in my car when I'm driving). The LED notification light would not make my life any easier or better.
Everyone fits into one of these groups.
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Phone is laying on table, I walk pass phone and just glance at it while pulling bag out of the trash can. I go out for maybe 5 minutes to take out trash and quickly chat with someone. Come back in, walk pass phone, and notice the LED notification blinking. Check the phone and it's actually an important call I just missed, but of course I didn't hear it cause I was outside. I had absolutely no intention of checking my phone anytime soon if I didn't see the LED flashing.
Another day similar situation. Phone lying on armrest, and I'm lying on couch watching TV with my head next to opposite side armrest. I sit up for a quick second to turn the lamp light off and notice on the other side of the couch is the LED notification blinking. I check phone and it's a text that I have been waiting for all day about an order from UPS. It's a "pick up is ready" text, and good thing I caught it just an hour before they cut off the pick up line. Reason I didn't hear is cause I was at a meeting earlier and put the phone on silent. I had forgot to put sound back on and since the phone was lying on a soft armrest cushion, I didn't feel or hear it vibrate.
Every morning I wake up ....... Glance at phone, if no LED notification (except "fully charged" LED notify, then I'm not checking it right away. Waste of time, and time goes super fast when getting ready in the morning.
These are my real life LED notify stories. Stay tuned for actor dramatization.
If you read the post I did about different types of smartphone users and their habits you would see how people are different.
Taking out the trash scenario: I would bring my phone outside with me because you never know, I may miss a call.
UPS alert : If I was waiting for a UPS alert the phone would be within visual range. Heck, I'd probably pick it up a few times to double check anyway because I'm waiting for an important text.
Morning scenario- I wake up, I unplug the charger, I unlock my phone and glance through NC..nothing urgent but I see what I have to respond to, put it down and take a shower.
