Welcome to our latest deep dive into tools that reshape how we think and work. This edition features an in-depth interview with Steffen Bleher and Michael von Hohnhorst, the visionary founders behind Capacities. Their object-based knowledge management system aims to create a more human-centric digital workspace, moving beyond traditional file-and-folder structures.
Key Takeaways:
- Capacities champions an object-based approach to note-taking, treating entities like people, books, and films as distinct objects.
- The platform prioritizes individual thinkers, offering a calm, focused environment free from collaborative distractions.
- It aims to combat information overload by helping users engage intentionally with knowledge and foster deeper thinking.
- Integrations are designed to complement, not replace, existing tools like task managers and calendars.
The Genesis of Capacities: From Academia to Intentional Living
Bleher and von Hohnhorst, who met during their electrical engineering studies, initially found traditional academic tools to be surprisingly analog. This observation, juxtaposed with the power of digital information processing, sparked their curiosity about creating more natural digital knowledge tools. Early research revealed a market dominated by hierarchical structures, prompting their insight: connections between information are paramount, mirroring the brain’s networked nature.
Their initial vision was an educational tool, but it evolved towards a note-taking application for knowledge workers. This shift allowed for a direct user relationship and a simpler bootstrapping model. The core mission remains consistent: finding better ways to structure information and support learning, infused with a commitment to beautiful, accessible design.
A Human-Centric Philosophy: The Individual at the Core
Capacities is deliberately built with the individual at its center, a deliberate departure from team- or business-focused applications. The founders believe individuals need a dedicated, calm space for deep thinking, free from external pressures and distractions. This philosophy extends to their business model, prioritizing the individual user experience over potentially lucrative enterprise sales.
The goal is to foster a digital environment where users can be vulnerable, creative, and reflective. This space is designed to nurture intentionality, encouraging users to process information and develop their own thoughts before engaging with the external world.
Object-Based Note-Taking: Thinking Like a Human, Not a Computer
At the heart of Capacities lies its object-based note-taking system. Unlike traditional file and folder structures, Capacities treats distinct entities—people, films, meetings, books—as individual object types. This approach mirrors how humans naturally categorize and interact with the world.
For example, when a friend recommends a book, the user can link the ‘Person’ object (the friend) directly to the ‘Book’ object. This connection is captured within a daily note, automatically creating distinct, referenceable objects for the person and the book. Each object type has unique properties (e.g., a book has an author and genre; a person has a birthday), allowing for richer, context-specific information capture.
This system eliminates the organizational overhead associated with file-and-folder methods. Users don’t need to decide where to file a note; they simply capture it, and Capacities handles the structure. This frees up mental bandwidth for actual thinking and creation.
Core Functionality: Daily Notes, Object Types, and Seamless Flow
Capacities is built around creating custom object types and linking them. Users can define unique page layouts and templates for each object type, streamlining workflows. The daily note serves as a central hub for capturing thoughts, planning, and journaling.
New objects created within Capacities are automatically linked to the daily note, providing a temporal context for ideas. This temporal anchoring allows users to easily trace the origin of thoughts and ideas. The system emphasizes that time is a critical element in understanding the evolution of one’s thinking.
Strategic Exclusions: Focusing on the Core Workflow
Capacities is intentionally not an all-in-one solution. The founders consciously avoid features that could bloat the app or dilute its core mission. Collaborative features are intentionally absent to maintain a focused, individual workspace. While light task and project management are supported, Capacities does not aim to replace dedicated systems. Instead, it offers seamless integrations with tools like task managers and calendars, allowing users to send information to their preferred platforms.
A notable integration is the WhatsApp feature, enabling users to quickly send notes to their Capacities space via text message. The absence of a plugin architecture is a deliberate choice to ensure a seamless, out-of-the-box experience, minimizing maintenance burdens for users.
Who Uses Capacities and Why?
Capacities attracts individuals deeply engaged in their work who feel overwhelmed by digital noise. Researchers, students, founders, writers, and developers find value in its ability to reduce setup time and organizational friction. Users, including those with ADHD, report significant improvements in focus and note-taking efficacy, appreciating how the app’s structure aligns with their cognitive processes.
The platform’s minimal setup requirements are a key draw, allowing users to focus on their work rather than system maintenance. This approach contrasts with the potential for endless customization in other tools, which can become a distraction in itself.
Founder’s Personal Usage: A Testament to the System
Both Steffen Bleher and Michael von Hohnhorst are daily users of Capacities. Steffen utilizes it as his primary driver for tasks, idea processing, and building a robust network of thoughts connected to projects and atomic notes. He emphasizes its role in clear thinking, curiosity, and peace of mind.
Michael uses Capacities as a constant companion for his morning routines, reading journal, work planning, and daily reflections. He highlights how the system adapts to his workflow rather than forcing him to adapt to it, ensuring a natural and productive experience.
The Future of Intentional Thinking
Capacities’ long-term vision is to develop more humane software that empowers users to think intentionally. The goal is to help individuals make better decisions about information consumption, potentially offering a respite from constant digital noise. By fostering engagement with curiosities and the world, Capacities aims to help users discover passions and live more joyful, intentional lives.
This article was based on reporting from Ness Labs. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
