We all have mobile devices loaded up with apps. Some come pre installed from the factory. Others, we add. Some are extremely functional. They get the job done. Some are beautiful or inovative, even if they're not necessarily what we would choose for ourselves. It's the rare app that mixes the functional and the beautiful in just the right mix for me. When I find that rare app, it makes you wonder why the others can't be made better.

Matt Gemmell has a brilliant post today entitled Augmented Paper in which he explores this subject. It's a great read and has got me thinking about just what it is I value most in an app.

Design an experience. Make it as beautiful - and as emotionally resonant - as it can possibly be. Then adorn the core experience and content with only as much functionality as is absolutely necessary. Functionality - and software-based thinking in general - is like seasoning. A little is an enhancement; any more destroys the flavour, subsumes the artistry of the chef, and may well be bad for you.