The article "Personal Software" by Lee Robinson explores the shift from generic, universal ("one-size-fits-all") software toward a new era of AI-driven personalized applications. Historically, consumer software forced users to navigate a complexity of features often superfluous for simple tasks. Robinson argues that AI democratizes software creation, now enabling non-developers to design "homemade" applications: custom, single-use tools perfectly suited to their specific needs.
This trend empowers various professionals (designers, marketers, product managers) to build their own solutions without requiring advanced programming skills. Far from threatening professional developers, the emergence of personal software should, according to Robinson, heighten appreciation for high-quality, well-designed software. By introducing more people to software creation, it will foster a wave of innovation and a better understanding of the value of the craft. The article outlines a future where software becomes more accessible, personal, and integrated into individual workflows, freeing itself from the rigid structures of traditional applications.