November 20th, 2024

Ensō: design constraints of a focussed writing tool

Ensō software emphasizes a minimalist, user-friendly design prioritizing privacy and personalization while avoiding cognitive overload. Future updates will simplify the interface, enhancing accessibility and visual appeal.

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Ensō: design constraints of a focussed writing tool

Ensō Design Constraints outlines the guiding principles for the development of the Ensō software, emphasizing a user-friendly and minimalist approach. The design philosophy advocates for a "kind software" experience, where users can begin writing with a single click on the app icon. Privacy is prioritized, with default settings that do not assume user consent for data collection. The user experience (UX) should be unobtrusive, with updates aimed at simplifying the interface rather than adding complexity. The design encourages personalization while avoiding features that could lead to cognitive overload or decision fatigue. The software is intended to be accessible and visually appealing, resembling a toy-like experience to enhance engagement. The document also hints at a roadmap for future developments in 2024.

- Ensō software prioritizes a minimalist and user-friendly design.

- Privacy is a key focus, with default settings that protect user data.

- The design encourages personalization while avoiding cognitive overload.

- Future updates aim to simplify the interface rather than complicate it.

- The software is intended to be accessible and visually appealing.

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By @luqtas - 13 days
you can always install Emäcs and put this at your init.el file;

(menu-bar-mode -1)

(scroll-bar-mode -1)

(tool-bar-mode -1)

pronto, a solid decades old platform that is privacy oriented (whatever that means on text editors); runs flawlessly on Android too, has an easy sync with Syncthing (just add (global-auto-revert-mode) for real-time synchronization) to your computer/server; ALL shortcuts are customizable so you can set Copy/Paste/Cut to whatever is most ergonomic and crazy stuff like accessing your ibuffer with i-search mode for an easy navigation at your files that's keyboard-centric but you can use your mouse with its buttons doing whatever you want/set, just fine; org-mode...

it can even run on a, distraction free, terminal ^-^

By @listenfaster - 13 days
I really like your esthetic, and look forward to reading more of your open garage thoughts!

Unpacking your state of mind as you try to be vulnerable in your journaling in your coffee shop mode post - something I deeply relate to. Nice to see this up front this morning. https://untested.sonnet.io/notes/sketch-enso-coffeeshop-mode...

By @w-m - 13 days
I like the app and don’t need any customization options. Downloaded it after an earlier HN discussion I think.

The workflow of typing, then selecting a file name to save at the very end makes me somewhat uncomfortable. What happens if the app or the computer crashes? Will everything be gone?

This stops me from writing for really long sessions in there. Don’t want to type for an hour only to find everything is gone.

By @turnsout - 13 days
Man, best of luck: "simplicity" and "personalization" are in pretty tight tension. Should inspire some interesting solutions!
By @jpcom - 13 days
"It doesn't get in my way, it doesn't try to extract value from me."

How am I supposed to pay my internet

By @jarko27 - 11 days
Wow. I just found Ensō and it's freaking awesome. I often use focus mode in IDEs if available. Probably I'm going to try it instead of my Obsidian.

Also, I wish something similar existed for mobile as well.

By @James_K - 13 days
A lot of the elements on this website overlap eachother.
By @uoaei - 13 days
like a toy -> inspires play?