Check out our latest product, Recipe Resizer, on the Apple App Store!

Philosophy

Principles that guide how Night Owl Labs designs, builds, and ships software.

1) Built for everyone

Not every person has the latest device, the fastest Wi-Fi, or the hottest framework. We design for the real world—the 90th percentile and the margins.

  • Keep interfaces simple and readable on any screen.
  • Prioritize low-latency, low-memory paths.
  • Avoid lock-in and support common formats.

2) Friction must be zero

We only get one first impression. Getting started should feel obvious.

  • No mandatory demos or sales calls.
  • Minimal steps from “hello world” to value.
  • Clear, human language—no mystery settings.

3) Documentation is part of the product

Docs aren’t an afterthought; they’re the companion you actually want to keep open.

  • Ship docs with product updates (same cadence, same CI/CD).
  • Lead with examples, copy-paste snippets, and checklists.
  • Maintain an honest, precise changelog.

4) Reliability over razzle-dazzle

Delight fails if the product isn’t there when you need it. Reliability is the foundation.

  • Treat uptime, data safety, and correctness as table stakes.
  • Prefer proven tech for critical paths.
  • Test real user flows, not just units.

5) Predictable by design

Trust is built on stable contracts and respectful change.

  • Backwards compatibility is the default.
  • Responses, IDs, and error shapes don’t surprise you.
  • Deprecations are announced, scheduled, and documented.

6) Fast is a feature

Speed compounds. If it’s faster for users, it’s the right direction.

  • Optimize time-to-first-use and responsiveness.
  • Profile often; fix the slowest 5% relentlessly.
  • Favor user speed even if it’s harder for us.

7) No detail is too small

Care scales through craft. Tiny edges become big feelings.

  • Explain next steps. Never blame the user.
  • Keyboard-ready. Tab works, focus visible, icons labeled.
  • Teach & recover. Empty states guide; errors offer a fix.

8) Privacy, ownership, and dignity

Users aren’t ad inventory. Their data—and attention—belong to them.

  • Local-first when possible; minimal collection when not.
  • Clear permissions and off-switches.
  • Straightforward pricing; no dark patterns.

9) Small teams, big outcomes

We stay lean to stay thoughtful. Collaboration beats coordination.

  • Tight feedback loops with real users.
  • “Sane defaults” over configuration sprawl.
  • Use AI as a tool to amplify human judgment and taste.

North Star

Make everyday interactions feel effortless, considerate, and a little magical. If a choice improves the user’s moment—even when it’s harder for us—we take it.

Ready to see our philosophy in action?

Don't hesitate to reach out — we'd love to hear from you!

Contact Us
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Ready to see our philosophy in action?

Don't hesitate to reach out — we'd love to hear from you!

Contact Us
Tap me!