Geoffrey Litt, Josh Horowitz, Peter van Hardenberg, and Todd Matthews argue for "malleable software": computing that users can reshape with minimal friction so tools adapt to people instead of forcing people to adapt to sealed, mass-produced apps. They trace how software evolved from Alan Kay’s vision of programmable "clay" into monolithic appliances that treat users as passive recipients. Concrete examples show the cost: a software team lost a fluid, paper-index-card workflow when forced into a rigid web tracker; doctors endure pointless fields in electronic records that drive burnout; an exceptional neurosurgeon working with an IT analyst rebuilt an interface for local needs. The proposal centers on democratizing modification - small tweaks to deep renovations - so ordinary users can become gradual creators and local communities can co-design workflows.
They catalog systemic barriers and limits of current customization mechanisms: settings only expose developer-chosen options, plugins require APIs and authoring expertise and rarely transfer across apps, and app stores and OS models prioritize centralized distribution. Drawing on decades of research (e.g., Tchernavskij, Webstrates) and Ink & Switch prototypes, they outline principles for progress: treat functionality as composable tools rather than siloed apps, enable data and UI composition, support communal creation, and build infrastructure (dynamic documents, authoring surfaces, shareable toolkits) that makes on-the-spot adaptation fast and sustainable.
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Scott Bessent, once seen as a credible Treasury Secretary, has damaged his reputation by intervening in markets and making bold claims about influencing interest rates. Rising interest rates, driven by geopolitical tensions and inflation, have led to a market decline, highlighting his failed market strategies. (paulkrugman.substack.com)
The EU Kids Act aims to help children navigate the online world more safely by 2026. It is part of the European Commission's broader efforts to promote digital safety and protect young users. (commission.europa.eu)
Google, Apple, and Amazon hold more meetings with EU officials than any European companies. These meetings involve the European Parliament and European Commission. (ft.com)
AI borrowers are increasingly seeking credit in risky sectors of the US market. Lenders are cautious due to the rising risks associated with AI-driven borrowing activities. (reuters.com)
A rogue Wikipedia editor, Jagged_85, falsely credited Muslims with numerous inventions during the Islamic Golden Age, spreading exaggerated and fraudulent claims. These inaccuracies have been widely propagated, influencing both popular media and scholarly literature. (cremieux.xyz)
California has banned child marriage, requiring individuals to be at least 18 to marry, starting January 1. Governor Gavin Newsom called the law overdue, and advocate Courtney Stodden praised it as a victory. (bbc.com)
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