Agile Tools for Modern Creative Writers
Agile Tools for Modern Creative Writers
Vico's “Maker’s Knowledge” (Verum Factum) suggests we only fully understand what we create. As skills improve, interest in the creation process grows. The separation of theory and practice in education is criticized, arguing hands-on learning enhances understanding. Combining philosophy and design could foster better thinkers and creators. Ultimately, better knowledge is achieved through action, reinforcing the need for practical, hands-on experiences in learning.
iA Notebook wins Red Dot “Best of the Best” Award 2025, recognizing its exceptional design. It's the first paper notebook to receive this prestigious honor, joining elite products like the iPhone and Porsche Taycan. Designed for simplicity and elegance, it includes innovative features like disappearing watermarks.
https://ia.net/topics/ia-notebook-wins-the-crown-of-product-design-in-2025
Markdown is gradually replacing traditional document formats like .docx and .pdf due to its simplicity and focus on content over formatting. It enhances clarity and readability, empowering users to concentrate on communication rather than visual design. Although many still rely on Microsoft formats due to familiarity and educational norms, Markdown's adoption is rising, especially among younger users and in various digital platforms. It encourages better writing habits by minimizing distractions and promoting structured thought. Ultimately, Markdown may transform how we write and share ideas, steering away from the complexities of proprietary formats that often prioritize appearance over substance.
https://ia.net/topics/markdown-and-the-slow-fade-of-the-formatting-fetish
iA Writer for Windows 2.0 now released post-beta, featuring code overhaul, UI redesign for Windows 11, faster startup, full-width preview, smarter snippets, and improved stats/tools. Free update for current users.
https://ia.net/topics/ia-writer-for-windows-2-0-released-into-the-wild
iA sponsors NYC Midnight's 2025 Screenwriting Challenge, offering prizes like iA Writer and iA Notebook. The competition involves three rounds of screenplay writing with feedback and retains participant rights. It's designed to build a writing habit and connect writers. Registration ends February 20, 2025, with the challenge running from February 21 to August 6. Notably, AI use is banned in submissions.
https://ia.net/topics/nyc-midnight-screenwriting-challenge-2025
iA Presenter emphasizes storytelling over slide design, encouraging users to focus on their narrative rather than layout details. Its concise tutorial guide teaches letting go of design worries, enhancing presentation effectiveness. For further resources, users can explore the iA Support section and YouTube channel.
First iA Awards announced winners focused on Emotion, Logic, and Impact.
Winners:
– Writing Award: João Sevilhano for “On the Beauty of Distraction,” challenging views on distraction as a negative force, arguing selective distractions can enhance life.
– Presentation Award: Fabian Hemmert for “Artificial Intelligence: A Car for the Mind?” exploring balance between technology and humanity.
Honorable Mentions:
– Blake Watson for “HTML is for People,” a beginner's guide to HTML.
– Chenyu Huang for “Sunset,” a reflective piece about family and aging.
The awards process was enlightening, encouraging continued submissions for future awards.
iA sponsors NYC Midnight’s 2025 Short Story Challenge, offering prizes like iA Writer and iA Notebook. The event, starting January 24, 2025, challenges writers to produce stories under time and word limits, fostering skills and community. Registration closes January 23, 2025. AI use is prohibited for submissions.
https://ia.net/topics/nyc-midnight-short-story-challenge-2025
2024 marked dualities: analog vs. digital, real vs. fake. The iA Notebook launched after ten years, selling out quickly, while iA Writer and Presenter received feature updates. Key highlights included iA Presenter’s new Unsplash image integration and web sharing capabilities, plus iA Writer’s redesign for Windows 11 and faster performance. AI tools proliferated, raising concerns over ownership and quality. iA focused on human creativity, providing resources for writing and presentations. The team took a break over the holidays, with plans to continue supporting creativity in 2025.
iA Winterfest 2024 concludes with the iA Presenter screen saver, featuring animation of Presenter’s beacon, similar to the previously released wallpaper. Download it by entering your email for updates and tips.
