What if software respected your attention?

Calm software is useful without being demanding. It defaults more than it asks, summarizes more than it streams, and treats your time as something to save—not capture.

Principle 01

Default over choice

If the user must choose every time, they carry the burden forever. Calm systems decide, then let the user correct.

Anxious software
MonChoose a meal...
TueChoose a meal...
WedChoose a meal...
ThuChoose a meal...

0 of 7 meals planned

Calm software
MonPasta with roasted tomatoes
TueBlack bean tacos
WedSheet pan chicken
ThuFried rice

This week is set. Swap anything that doesn't work.

Principle 02

State, not feed

Feeds create obligation. Calm software shows what's true right now.

Anxious software
2m ago — Grocery list updated
1h ago — New suggestion: Thai Basil Chicken
3h ago — Reminder: plan tomorrow's meals
5h ago — Sarah shared her meal plan
yesterday — 12 more items...
Calm software
Tonight
Black bean tacos
Groceries
Everything's set for this week
Principle 03

Make deviation cheap

Swaps are expected. Skipping is fine. "Not today" is normal, not failure.

Anxious software
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Streak broken! You missed Thursday.
Calm software
Mon — Pastacooked
Tue — Tacoscooked
Wed — Stir-frycooked
Thu — Skippedordered in
Fri — Pizzatonight
Principle 04

Ask at the moment of pain

Calm systems earn personalization through contextual corrections, not upfront questionnaires.

Anxious software
Step 2 of 7 • ~4 min remaining
Dietary restrictions
Select all that apply...
Spice tolerance
Choose level...
Cooking skill
Beginner / Intermediate / Expert
Calm software
You swapped "Spicy Thai Basil Chicken"
Was that too spicy? I can avoid spicy dishes most nights.
Principle 05

Notifications are a last resort

A calm product should be safe to ignore. If it needs reminders to function, it's compensating for weak pull-value.

Anxious software
You haven't opened the app today. Streak resets in 2 hours!
5 friends shared meal plans. Check them out!
Weekly digest: 47 things happened
Calm software
Grocery list ready, whenever you need it.

Nothing else needs your attention.

The manifesto

Software should do work so users don't have to.
The best interface is absence; the second best is a summary.
Defaults are kindness.
Corrections should be easier than configuration.
Interruptions should be rare and proportional.
Ignoring the app should be a valid usage mode.