21: Geoffrey Litt: Software You Can Shape

In this episode of Dialectic, Geoffrey Litt, a designer, engineer, writer, and researcher at Ink & Switch, discusses the concept of malleable software and its potential to empower individuals by granting them more control over their digital environments. Geoffrey shares his insights on how software could feel more like spreadsheets, emphasizing the importance of user agency, adaptability, and the ability to tweak tools to fit specific needs. The conversation explores the design and ecosystem requirements for achieving this vision, including the role of AI and LLMs in making software more editable and accessible. The discussion also covers the importance of understanding how systems work, the value of computational media, and the potential for reclaiming hacking as a means of empowering users to shape their digital experiences.