Tools for thought should blur the line between users, designers, and programmers

The Hypercard system democratized computing to everybody because it blurred the line between users and programmers. Suddenly anyone could design their own workflow and interfaces without needing to code—though knowing certainly broadened the possibilities. Teachers would create lessons in Hypercard, entrepreneurs would run businesses with it, and generally it broadened the possibility space for all users. And then it disappeared.

Tools for thought should give the user agency over their workflows, which are currently designed and implemented by teams of programmers. Each user is unique in their needs and requirements and thus there is no one software fits all solution. By giving users the tools they need to design their own workflows, you enable whole new emergent possibilities and opportunities and free up those who make programming their profession to work on more interesting problems than building yet another todo list or note taking app.