Why I Started Building OatMind

Everyone uses a note-taking app at some point.

So did I.

Over the past decade, I’ve probably tried every major tool out there—Evernote, Notion, Obsidian, Apple Notes, Google Keep, Roam, you name it. And don’t get me wrong, each of them has been useful in their own way. But none of them fully fit what I was looking for.

There was always something missing.

Data Privacy That’s Actually… Private

I wanted full control. I wanted something where everything I write stays on my machine or somewhere I approved. No silent syncing to the cloud. No vague terms of service. If it’s my mind on the page, then I should be the one who owns it, end of story.

OatMind is designed with local-first thinking. Your notes, your journals, your thoughts—all stored on your device unless you decide otherwise.

Ease of Use, for Real This Time

Most note-taking apps either feel too rigid (folders, tags, hierarchies) or too loose (a blank page with zero structure). I needed something in between.

With OatMind, you just start typing. Need to add a reminder or tag something for later? Natural language parsing helps you do that without breaking your flow. No “click here, then go there” UI gymnastics. Just type and go.

Notes That Feel… Human

I’ve always journaled. Sometimes as a form of reflection, sometimes just to decompress. But traditional note apps feel sterile—like filling out a spreadsheet of your emotions.

OatMind encourages something softer. You can log moods, track emotions, even reflect through guided meditation prompts if that’s your vibe. It’s a space for both productivity and presence.

A Little Bit of AI, But Not Too Much

Let’s be real: AI is everywhere now. But I didn’t want OatMind to become some robot writing my thoughts for me. I just wanted it to understand me a little better.

So yes, OatMind can recognize phrases like “tmr 3pm” and convert that into a plan. It can nudge you when you haven’t journaled in a while. But it’s all assistive—not directive. The AI serves you, not the other way around.

This is just the beginning.

OatMind is still growing, evolving, becoming what I always wished existed. If you’re someone who wants private, mindful, intelligent note-taking—you might just feel at home here.

Let’s build a better way to think, together.

– ✍️ Me