Capacities Founders Discuss Building a ‘Studio for Your Mind’
Steffen Bleher and Michael von Hohnhorst, the minds behind Capacities, are redefining digital knowledge management. In a recent interview, they detailed their vision for an object-based note-taking app designed to foster intentional living and combat information overload.
Key Takeaways:
- Capacities uses an object-based system, moving beyond traditional file-and-folder structures.
- The app prioritizes individual thinking and a calm digital workspace, rejecting team-centric features.
- It aims to help users manage information overload and live more intentionally.
- Object types (e.g., People, Books, Films) allow for context-specific note-taking and deeper connections.
From Engineering to Intentionality
Bleher and von Hohnhorst, who met studying electrical engineering, were inspired by the disconnect between analog note-taking and digital tools. They observed that human brains form networks of connections, not hierarchical folders. This insight led them to develop Capacities as an antidote to the often unnatural structure of existing knowledge management software.
Their initial vision for an educational tool evolved into a note-taking app for knowledge workers, driven by a desire for a direct user relationship and a simpler business model. The core mission remains consistent: to find better ways to structure information and support learning, making powerful tools accessible to everyone.
A Human-Centric Digital Workspace
Central to Capacities is its focus on the individual. Unlike many platforms built for teams, Capacities offers a
