> Tools should strive to be easy to begin working with but still have lots of open-ended potential<p>I don't think this matches the definition of "tool", or at least not a good one.<p>Good tools tend to have specific applications (screwdriver), or are hard to master (carpentry gear). You never see a professional replacing a toolbox w/ a multi-tool for a reason. There is a <i>necessary</i> trade-off between efficiency and flexibility.<p>This description of "tool" sounds more like "clay", maybe this idea requires a better analogy.