Noat is a hyper-minimal web-based note-taking app. Created out of a need for a non-cloud-based writing app, Noat has a very simple codebase, a simple design, and a simple tool that exceeds its task. I use it to draft long and complicated messages, and I use it every day.
The Task
The enshittification of the web has been upon us for quite a while now. With the most simple endeavors becoming ruined by over-computing. Writing was not spared and I became hard-pressed for a very simple non cloud-based writing tool.
I draft nearly every message I write especially if it’s three or more sentences and I found myself needing a scratchpad for writing.
So I designed and built my own.
The Process
As with most of my web based projects I started with some light sketching. Dreaming up an ideal feature set for use and a more advanced feature set for the future.
Then I built out a very basic version and started to use it making refinements along the way to arrive at where it is today.
Highlights
- Simple-as-heck browser based software with auto-saving.
- Looks great on phone or computer with light/dark mode.
- 100% secure. You store your own data.
