Layers

Take the humble “document” as an example. For decades, document editing programs like word processors effectively emulated a printed sheet of paper, onto which the user typed with an emulated typewriter. Other software tools like spreadsheets did better, managing to escape complete skeuomorphism in favor of an infinite canvas. Notion is another goo... See more

Scott Jenson has a great article called “The future needs files”.

The power of files comes from them being powerful nouns. They are temporary holding blocks that are used as a form of exchange between applications. A range of apps can edit a single file in a single location.

Files as a medium of exchange between applications — I like that. It’s akin ... See more

Each object maintains a perfect provenance—a chain of ownership back to its creator. That’s legitimately useful; it automates something that can be onerous, even treacherous, in the ~analog~ context.