# By Design m

> removes thumbnails and plays videos in grayscale, so you watch only what matters, not what looks tempting

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/by-design](https://chrome-stats.com/d/by-design)

## Overview

- **ID:** `by-design`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** extension\_user
- **Category:** feeds-news-blogging,appearance,social-communication
- **Daily users:** 1
- **Version:** 7.0.1
- **Last updated:** 2026-02-07
- **First published:** 2025-05-12
- **Size:** 14 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-08
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/by-design/)

## Description

This extension is inspired by the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), which explains two ways our brain processes information: the central route (focused and deliberate) and the peripheral route (superficial and passive). YouTube exploits the peripheral route using flashy thumbnails and visual cues, leading users to consume content without intention or awareness. This add-on removes thumbnails and plays videos in grayscale to reduce visual distractions, helping you focus on substance over spectacle and avoid falling into endless recommendation loops.

## Rankings

- #102,868 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `storage`
- `activeTab`

### Content script matches

- `*.youtube.com`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Moderate risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Moderate risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Request access to the following domains: youtube.com
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/by-design)