What Comes After SaaS, How Builders Think, and More!

Hello and happy Sunday!

What Comes After Saas?

SaaS is the greatest business model in the world. But Dan believes that the rise of AI and web-based development environments like Replit might alter its traditional playbook significantly.

In this essay, Dan introduces the concept of Malleable Source, a new paradigm that allows users to customize and remix software using AI. He believes this could usher in a world where software is more diverse, more creative, and more bespoke than ever before. Like fashion or food, your chosen software could become a reflection of your who you are rather than a boring default.

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How Builders Think

Are you familiar with the struggle of oscillating between an overly stern and a too-lax approach to pursuing personal and professional goals? Clinical psychologist Gena Gorlin introduces the concept of the "builder's mindset" as an alternative. Instead of operating like a self-critical "drill sergeant" or a laid-back "Zen master," you can adopt a builder's perspective, viewing life as a project that you wholly control and create.

Gorlin discusses how once we realize we can define our own standards of excellence and pursue them in service of our own well-being, our lives no longer become a test or a ride, but an exciting construction project that we are in charge of. She also emphasizes that the builder's mindset is not about being demanding or cutting corners, but about working with clarity of purpose and deep respect for oneself and others.

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Invisible Details of Interaction Design

Rauno Freiberg

Delving into the invisible intricacies of interaction design, Rauno Freiberg invites us to appreciate the science behind the art. From the rewarding use of metaphors to the human intent behind every swipe, he demonstrates how these subliminal details make products feel like an extension of ourselves. Breaking down the why, Freiberg takes readers on a journey of discovery, recreating interfaces, exploring kinetic physics, and confronting design decisions. Reading his perspective, you will look at your favorite interfaces with a newfound appreciation.

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🎧 Can AI and ML Predict Depression?

Dan Shipper / Chain of Thought

In a fascinating exploration of how artificial intelligence and machine learning could aid in the prediction of mental disorders such as depression, author Dan Shipper interviews Dr. Eiko Fried. Dr.

Fried's research focuses on understanding and classifying mental illnesses as emergent problems that arise from complex systems of biological, psychological, and social elements. They discuss the challenges of creating accurate models of mental health, the potential of using AI and machine learning for forecasting mental health issues, and how modern technology like smartwatches can aid in collecting vital data.

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Of Course You Can Beat the Market

Evan takes the Efficient Market Hypothesis to task in this essay. He dives into the cracks of EMH, examining the nature of both public and private markets, while highlighting examples of investors who have successfully beaten the market. Armstrong contends that while markets exist on a spectrum of efficiency, recognizing and exploiting inefficiencies can unlock significant opportunities for competitive advantage.

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Tiago Forte's new book: The Para Method

Productivity master and Every favorite, Tiago Forte, has a new book coming out. It's called The Para Method, and it's an implementation guide to your second brain.

It outlines an actionable strategy for implementing PARA—Tiago's organizing philosophy—and it's packed with guidelines, best practices, and case studies to get you started.

If you're interested in Tiago's work (or totally new to it) you should check it out!

That's it for this week!