Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

This is actually an interesting assessment for me, since smartphones are pretty much the exact opposite (can't even see the filesystem on some of them): There's only apps, and the apps have stuff in them. Sure there's ways of exchanging data between apps, but documents/files aren't really a thing.

Conceptually, that means I feel like I'm using services/tools to interact with this abstract 'data.' By keeping 'data' abstract, it feels less solid who owns it, who's responsible for it, and where it is. Now I'm interested in the opposite system where the 'documents' are the core concept of the device, and programs are just "things your computer/smartphone can do with this document." Really make the data feel like it's /there/ you know?




Yes, exactly this!

Jef Raskin's Humane Interface is like that:

"An end to stand-alone applications - every software package should be structured as a set of tools available to users on any document."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Humane_Interface

I'd love to see a popular device that was done that way round.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: