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I've been thinking about hyper-personalized software ever since I've started self-hosting some services. I think there are (at least) three things that need to be solved before we can move to a world where everyone builds (or forks) their own apps. 🧵

Martijn

@martijnarts.com

First, UI/UX. A big thing that makes integrated suites like MS Office work so well is that all apps feel instantly familiar for the user. Apps should be easily customizable to the user's preferences.

13/8/26, 8:45 am0 reposts0 likes

Martijn

@martijnarts.com

13 Aug

Second, integration. I'm mostly pissed off about auth in self-hosting but that's fairly easily solvable. What's actually hard is a shared vocabulary to provide interop between whatever apps the user chooses to install. (#ATProto anyone?)

Martijn

@martijnarts.com

13 Aug

Third, backups. SaaS usually has this really well-covered, which is why I haven't dared move my photos off of Google Photos yet. How can OSS apply best standards and communicate that, giving users the confidence that their data is safe?