The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
“why did you do markdown files like that's like literally the most basic files ever”
What It Means
Anthropic chose simple markdown over complex formats to maximize accessibility and usability
Why It Matters
Demonstrates that simple solutions often work better than complex ones for user adoption
When It's True
When user accessibility and adoption are more important than technical sophistication
When It's Risky
When advanced features truly require complex implementations to function properly
How to Apply
Prioritize simplicity in tool design
Choose familiar formats over proprietary ones
Focus on what works rather than what's impressive
Example Scenario
“Instead of creating a complex scripting language for AI customization, use simple text files that any business owner can edit with basic formatting knowledge.”
Related Knowledge
Apps are brutally stupid simple. One screen, one button, one transformation
Successful mobile apps minimize interface complexity to single-action workflows that users can complete without confusio
stupid simple
Design apps with extreme simplicity that anyone can understand immediately without explanation
always delete, delete, delete, delete
Continuously remove unnecessary UI elements until only essential components remain
Embarrassingly simple, give yourself 2 to 3 days to build it
Initial product versions should be so basic they feel embarrassing, but buildable in days not months
You start small. It's really simple to get started
Begin with minimal viable automation and build complexity through iteration
It's basically like Photoshop, except you don't need to hire someone
AI image generation removes skill barriers that previously required expensive professional services