I Never Want to Use Third-Party Software Again (15 min)

Julie Zhuo declared that, unlike in the past, she no longer uses third-party software, arguing for the arrival of the era of 'digital hyperpersonalization'. She explained that while existing software offered only limited personalization based on predefined rules, AI now makes it possible for users to build tools fully tailored to their own workflows and preferences.

The author demonstrated this shift through her own experiences. To solve the inconvenience of manually managing 8 terminal windows, she used Claude and Codex to build an agent management app called 'Mog Squad' in just 30 minutes. This app included concurrent support features not supported by official apps and optimized grid layouts, offering higher efficiency than existing tools. She also created custom learning apps reflecting her children's interests (fashion, Minecraft, etc.), enhancing educational effectiveness and engagement.

Why Hyperpersonalization is Essential

There are two main reasons why hyperpersonalization has emerged as the next major trend. The first is workflow utility. It reduces friction in tasks repeated dozens of times a day and allows users to configure environments optimized for their individual learning styles and tool combinations. The second is Expression. Amid the convergence of UIs in AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, users prefer software that allows them to express themselves.

A New Direction for Software Development

Zhuo analyzed that software is moving from 'Use cases' to 'Platform builder,' and then to 'Anything builder' based on coding LLMs. Accordingly, she suggested that developers should design interfaces to be malleable so users can reconfigure them, prioritize descriptive vision over rule-based settings, immediately reflect feedback in products, and integrate the seams between tools as part of the experience.