Malleable Software: The Future of Computing is User-Driven

This essay explores the concept of "malleable software," a software ecosystem where users can easily adapt tools to their needs. The authors argue that the rigidity of current software hinders user agency and creativity, illustrating the negative impact with examples from the medical profession. They contrast the malleability of physical environments with the inflexibility of digital ones, proposing three design patterns for achieving malleable software: a gentle slope of customizability, composable tools, and community creation. The authors detail several prototype systems their team has built, showcasing the potential of malleable software while acknowledging the challenges ahead, such as privacy, security, and business models. Ultimately, the essay calls for a more user-centric computing ecosystem.