[aaldrick]

I've tried Fresh Cards so thank you for developing that app, and trying to add cool new software into the space.

Great question. Here's one way to do it:

The first is how clunky the process of going from X to flashcard feels to the end user. One way to deal with the fact that we are crossing software border is to add an extra step where highlighting something allows you to go into an "inbox" before any cards are made. It is clear what the user has to do. They read something interesting, and add it to the inbox. When they are ready, they can head over and only then use some sort of automation (either via custom prompt for an AI or otherwise) to make the cards. This gives them another step, or interface, at which they can decide whether or not the thing they highlighted (since highlighting is easy) is actually worth something. It segments the process into clear easy sections: highlighting, deciding which highlights to flashcardify (and therefore keep), and flashcard review.

It definitely is an open-ended process, and I appreciate that apps need to have a strong opinion on how to direct users from start to finish; but I feel this is definitely possible now with cheap and quick AI.

I didn't answer every question but hopefully that helps somewhat.

[allenu]

I appreciate the detailed answer. That's a really good point about the software boundary and how that adds friction to just creating cards in the first place.

I like the idea of an inbox where you just toss things you think are worth remembering and maybe having a browser plugin or OS shortcut to save highlighted bits of info, but not necessarily creating a flashcard immediately from it. There's definitely some concrete things I can prototype here to try to make that workflow easier. And I can see how taking those tidbits of info and passing them to AI to create flashcards is doable too.

[aaldrick]

No problem - I'm happy to help. I spend way too much time thinking about this type of stuff.

I'm glad this has resonated, good luck with the prototypes. Let me know if you ever want more feedback.

[jkmcf]

The INBOX idea would be a great improvement! That plus a reminder to process your INBOX after N time or size.

The hardest part of any system is making it a habit.

[KPGv2]

Isn't there a Netflix and browser tool where it'll grab subtitles for shows you're watching and create flashcards or something?

[aaldrick]

I agree, we need something with a caring UX which encourages habit-forming. I feel like this space is very underexplored, especially considering the 1000s of note-taking adjacent apps made in the last decade.