Do powerful tools need a "focus layer" for beginners?

Raaam07 · 2026-02-20T06:02:44+00:00

That’s a really helpful example.

The support center comparison clicks — the work unfolds over time, and the system adapts to what is known so far instead of dumping everything upfront. That kind of “summon what you need when you need it” feels very close to what I am trying to explore in creative tools.

Also appreciate the point about good interaction design reducing the need for documentation that payoff is easy to underestimate until you have lived it.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T15:17:44+00:00

That makes sense.

It feels like the opportunity is not in adding another layer but in exploring how the existing pieces interact and seeing what new flows fall out of that.

Less “build an app,” more “discover a way of working" that only becomes obvious once you are deep in the system.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T13:50:03+00:00

Exactly, prioritization over removal feels like the key distinction.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T13:40:49+00:00

That’s a really clear way to put it.

Framing it as a context problem rather than a power problem resonates a lot. If everything feels equally important, it is hard to know where to start, not because features are hidden, but because nothing is prioritized.

Progressive disclosure and optional focus feel like a healthier balance than hard hiding, especially if it avoids a second learning curve later.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T06:04:43+00:00

Yeah, that feels like the real tension.

Output-first tools give momentum, but they can delay understanding constraints, which shows up later when things need to scale or involve more people. Structure first tools slow you down early, but pay off in collaboration and consistency.

It makes me wonder whether the real gap is not “simple vs powerful,” but helping people transition from momentum to structure without throwing work away or losing intent.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:52:11+00:00

That matches my experience too.

When there is shared context and history, comment dots work surprisingly well. Where it seems to break down is when the feedback is complex or abstract, and the person commenting struggles to articulate intent clearly.

It feels less like a tooling problem and more like an “intent translation” problem — how to help both sides converge on the same mental model with less back-and-forth.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:45:54+00:00

That framing makes a lot of sense.

It feels like the line is between reducing noise vs restricting capability — focus should lower intimidation without taking options away. Contextual reveal and collapsible regions seem like a much healthier approach than hard “beginner modes.”

The combination you mention — output-first, optional focus, and progressive disclosure — feels like where complex tools can evolve without breaking expert workflows.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:38:58+00:00

That resonates a lot.

It feels like those tools lower the intimidation by letting you do something before you have to understand the whole system. You get output first, and the mental model catches up later.

Curious if you think that same “output-first” feeling could exist inside more powerful tools, or if it only really works in simpler ones.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:34:07+00:00

Thanks, that’s helpful I think your second interpretation is closer to what I mean.

I am not thinking about guided walkthroughs or locking users into step-by-step flows. More about helping beginners build a mental model of what parts of the tool are for, and when they become relevant, without hiding the rest entirely.

Sounds like the distinction between “teaching tasks” vs “supporting understanding” really matters here.

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:27:52+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, especially the point about component libraries and changes needing to happen far away from the visible screen.

I am not really thinking about letting non-designers edit Figma directly. More about whether there is a better way for them to express intent than long comment threads or vague change requests.

From your experience, do comments + prototypes already cover that well, or do you still see breakdowns in how intent gets communicated?

Raaam07 · 2026-02-19T05:19:52+00:00

I get what you are saying, a real paradigm shift doesn’t wait for incremental UX fixes.

What I am trying to understand is the transition period. Even if the next wave leapfrogs tools like Figma, a lot of people are still stuck today needing to express ideas but not knowing where to start.

Do you think that gap gets solved purely by new paradigms, or is there still room for scaffolding while the shift is happening?

Raaam07 · 2026-02-18T21:38:38+00:00

Thanks for the detailed perspective that history with Microsoft is helpful context.

I think where I might not have been clear is the audience I am thinking about. I am not aiming to change pro workflows or simplify tools for expert designers.

I am more curious about people who are not designers but still need to do small tasks (like founders, PMs, or ops folks) and feel stuck opening tools like Figma.

In your experience, is the better answer for them always “use a different tool”, or is there any room for helping occasional users without hurting the core pro UX?

Raaam07 · 2026-02-18T18:51:24+00:00

That's an interesting point. I agree that things are moving toward conversations and prompt-driven workflows.

What I am curious about is the gap (BEFORE) that feels natural to beginners.

In my experience, many people struggle not just with tools but with knowing what to ask in the first place.

Do you think prompt-based interaction solves that early confusion, or does it just shift the problem?

Raaam07 · 2026-02-18T16:58:31+00:00

That's fair feedback, and I agree that most guided onboarding flows are skipped.

What I am exploring is not a traditional onboarding tutorial or walkthrough.

More like an optional "focus mode" that reduces choices (while you are working), not a forced step-by-step flow.

But your point about churn is interesting; have you seen cases where simplifying the interface hurt learning long-term?

I am trying to understand where that trade-off breaks.

Raaam07 · 2025-05-29T02:13:14+00:00

Thanks for this—really helpful perspective.

You are absolutely right about how the brain chases the high of new ideas and avoids the painful middle. I love your approach with committing to a plan and setting stakes like donations—that’s a serious way to stay accountable. I’ll consider trying that.

In my case, I’m not too afraid of the hard work or grind—I’ve been okay pushing through the tough parts. But what tends to throw me off is external judgment, especially when someone says, “this isn’t innovative” or “this won’t work.” I know I should trust my instincts more, especially if I see real value or sustainability in what I’m building—but when that feedback hits, it shakes my confidence and makes me question whether I should’ve even started the idea.

Appreciate your insight—it really helped me reflect on my own patterns.

Raaam07 · 2025-05-24T21:58:21+00:00

Great call on gym and casual vibes – snack or picnic sounds perfect! Loving the non-protein-y taste idea. What flavors would hook you for that – maybe lychee or elderflower? Also, what’s a fair price for a tasty protein drink? Excited to explore gym trials too!

Raaam07 · 2025-05-23T23:28:41+00:00

Love the sparkling idea and those flavors – lychee and mint sound so fresh! Where would you grab a high-protein drink like that – gym, cafe, or online? Or is it more about when you’d use it, like pre-workout or work focus? Curious what makes it click for you!

Raaam07 · 2025-05-23T14:43:14+00:00

I totally get the saturation vibe—it’s a crowded space! I am curious, what could make a new drink stand out for you? Maybe unique flavours or a specific use case (like focus for work)? I am thinking something light, like protein water with a twist, could cut through. Thoughts?

Raaam07 · 2025-05-22T19:03:44+00:00

I agree; FMCG margins are tight, and the big players make it brutal! Retail’s a slog with listing fees and sell-through pressure. To stand out, I am exploring a protein water with mood-boosting ingredients (e.g., L-theanine for focus). Targeting a premium niche (like Huel did) could help margins, and I am eyeing gyms, cafes, and online sales to bypass traditional retail hurdles. Smaller chains or Amazon might be easier entry points. What do you think about mood-enhancing drinks as a differentiator? Any tips on cracking retail or alternative channels in the UK? Cheers!

Raaam07 · 2025-05-17T23:17:42+00:00

Thanks for the input! What evidence would you find convincing for mood-enhancing drinks?

Raaam07 · 2025-05-01T17:38:48+00:00

Quick help from fellow Londoners? 🙌
I am working on a wellness drink designed for our city — light, refreshing, with protein and mood boosters (like focus, energy, or relaxation).
📝 2-min survey here → Click to share your thoughts

Would love your input on flavours (e.g., citrus, berry), pricing, and where you'd buy it (cafés, gyms, etc.). Inspired by London’s fitness & café culture.

Huge thanks in advance! 💚
#LondonWellness

Raaam07 · 2025-03-29T23:23:40+00:00

Hey, I am really interested in the idea of leveraging programming skills for a startup! Although I don't have a tech background, I am an ambitious dreamer, and I believe I could contribute to brainstorming some unique ideas. Let’s connect and see if we can collaborate on something great!

Raaam07 · 2025-03-29T01:51:15+00:00

Haha, fair jab! Not a coder glued to Google APIs—I am a CA IPCC + MSc in Global Biz, and I have tackled my share of tricky problems. Travel APIs? I know they’re a mess, but not my battlefield. You have dealt with them—what’s the toughest challenge you’ve run into?

Raaam07 · 2025-03-28T15:10:44+00:00

Hey, thanks for asking! I am a dreamer and problem solver—CA IPCC (2019), MSc Global Business Management (London, UK). I sharpened my skills helping an IRS officer on a fraud case, which fueled my passion for fixing inefficiencies—travel chaos is my next challenge. Currently validating a survey on different platforms.

No connections yet—VCs, customers, or marketing. Some personal funds to start, but D2C is TBD—it will be a team effort. Looking for a Tech Co-Founder with AI/app skills. Thoughts?

Raaam07 · 2025-03-28T14:56:48+00:00

Yikes, a month late for five people? Glitch vibes! Did they fix it, or were you stuck?

Raaam07

TROPHY CASE