01/Philosophy
The user is the protagonist. The software is leverage.
Useful technology can give a person’s own effort, judgement, attention or creativity more leverage without automating them out of the activity.
02/Human capability software
Protagonist is interested in modest tools that help people do more for themselves. Software may provide structure, context, feedback, access, assistance or reduced friction. The meaningful participation remains with the person.
This is a relationship, not a product vertical. ThoughtForm supports reflective effort; Momentum would support physical effort. Momentum does not perform the exercise: it makes the user’s own walking or running correspond to movement through a virtual world.
03/Product test
What belongs here?
- 01
Capability
Increase what people can understand, experience, create or do for themselves.
- 02
Participation
The person remains responsible for the part of the activity that gives it meaning.
- 03
Agency
Support action, decision and understanding rather than unnecessary replacement.
- 04
Judgement
Where human judgement matters, provide assistance without assuming authority.
- 05
Transparency
Make important system interpretations inspectable and correctable.
- 06
Portability
Let people leave, export their work and choose alternatives without artificial friction.
- 07
Incentives
Reward genuine utility instead of dependency or manufactured engagement.
04/Modest claims
A tool need not become a mythology.
Protagonist products do not promise transformation, effortless outcomes, superpowers or a better version of the user. People can simply use a useful tool if they want it.
Whatever they achieve belongs to them.