Ink & Switch, an independent research lab dedicated to exploring the future of tools for thought, has reached its ten-year milestone. To celebrate, the organization released an interactive homepage called 'Tenfold,' which serves as a playful demonstration of the lab's research-driven approach to software. The site allows users to interact with elements through clicking and dragging, reflecting the lab's focus on creating dynamic, malleable environments where interaction feels as natural as sketching on paper. The lab's research is centered on four primary themes: local-first software, which prioritizes user data ownership; malleable software, which allows users to customize tools in real-time; programmable ink, which treats hand-drawn sketches as dynamic, computable objects; and universal version control. These themes are supported by the lab's development of open-source tools like Automerge, a library for building collaborative applications that sync data across devices using conflict-free replicated data types (CRDTs). By building its own interactive homepage using technology derived from its research, Ink & Switch continues to bridge the gap between theoretical computer science and practical user experiences, aiming to create systems that amplify human intelligence and foster effective collaboration.
The lab's research is centered on four primary themes, including programmable ink, which treats hand-drawn sketches as dynamic, computable objects within the software environment.