Software never had a soul
3 days ago
- #web nostalgia
- #software design
- #personal vs corporate
- The web originally had personal and unique spaces like personal sites, blogs, and forums that felt genuine and distinct, created by passionate individuals.
- Modern software and websites have been optimized for growth through A/B testing, design systems, and consistency, often removing quirks and warmth, resulting in efficient but soulless products.
- The narrative that the personal web is dead is challenged; it is thriving due to better tools, and personal websites remain distinct from corporate ones, offering unique and meaningful experiences.
- Criticism of overproduced media (like music or films) parallels debates about software, but efficiency in tools like IDEs is valued over whimsy, as different products serve different purposes.
- Technology advancements have made it easier and cheaper to build and share unique creations globally, emphasizing that passion and intent, not just tools, drive meaningful personal projects.