Pattern
Notifications decide when an app may interrupt. Badges should show only the items that still require a deliberate response.
Practice
Remove badges from apps where the count can't be acted on or routinely grows without limit. Keep them only where the number still means something useful.
Start small
Turn off the badge for the app showing your largest meaningless unread count.
Watch out
Avoid replacing a noisy badge with another reminder system that creates the same ambient pressure.
Related practices
Concepts
- phone dumbification
- Your phone keeps a few clear jobs and fewer alerts, so it works like a simple tool.