The Fallacy of Power Equals Best
In forums like Mac Power Users, I frequently see people recommend an app by calling it ‘the most powerful,’ as though that alone makes it the best choice for everyone.
However, I question why the most powerful app is equated with the best app. Whether an app is the most powerful is irrelevant to which app is best for you. Just because an app is powerful doesn’t mean it’s the app you need to use.
The Hidden Downsides of Power: Complexity, Steep Learning Curves, and Lack of Design
1. Complexity Typically Brings Steep Learning Curves
I’ve noticed that many of the most powerful apps also have several negatives. To provide those advanced features, they’re often the most complex and come with a steep learning curve.
An example is the Obsidian app, which most people consider the most powerful note-taking app. However, it has an extremely steep learning curve.
I’ve known many people who have been tempted to use Obsidian because of its reputed power but gave up in frustration after spending hours fiddling with the app. To take advantage of Obsidian’s great power, you must invest significant time in setup, learning, and using third-party, unsupported plugins. Some of its most powerful features require a level of tech-savviness that borders on programming.
2. Beauty vs. Function: Sacrificing Design for Features
Powerful apps often come with a sacrifice: they prioritize function over design. It’s not uncommon to find these apps visually unappealing, with complexity taking precedence over elegance.
PCs versus Macs are an excellent example of this dynamic. They have very different design philosophies. Engineers design PC operating systems to be complex and offer many options, making them more powerful. Their primary efforts go into function, not design.
On the other hand, MacsOS is designed with simplicity and beauty in mind. The OS is designed to be more intuitive and easier for non-engineers and non-nerds. They may not offer the same degree of customizable complexity, but their intuitive design often leads to a more satisfying user experience. The desire for simplicity and beauty has balanced and restricted power and complexity.
Finding the Right Fit: Balancing Power and Simplicity
Often, an excellent app for you is not the most powerful app but the one that balances power with simplicity.
“Most powerful” doesn’t matter if you don’t want or need an app’s most powerful features. Sometimes, a less powerful, less complex, and beautifully designed app might be a better choice.
I recently switched from using Obsidian to NotePlan. There’s no doubt that Obsidian is the most powerful notes application. However, I wasn’t using those powerful features in Obsidian and wasn’t willing to climb the steep learning curve to do so. NotePlan is more straightforward, less complex, has a reasonable learning curve, and better fits how I work right out of the box.
OmniFocus is universally recognized as the most powerful task manager. However, my task management needs are not that involved or complex, and I’ve found that Things or Apple Reminders work just fine for me. Several years ago, I tried OmniFocus, but I never quite reached the top of the steep learning curve and never felt comfortable with the app. Eventually, I gave up on Omnifocus and moved to Things, which was simple, easy to learn, and met all my task management needs.
Conclusion: Choose the App That Fits Your Needs, Not Just the Most Powerful One
When someone asks, ‘Which app is best for me?’ the answer shouldn’t be, ‘Use X because it’s the most powerful.’
The ideal app meets your needs without unnecessary complexity or a daunting learning curve—qualities that often rule out the so-called ‘most powerful’ options.