How One "Generate Draft" Button Changed the Design of My Writing Tool

Developer Mikachu shares the evolution of Meldr, a terminal-based writing tool designed to streamline the technical article creation process. Initially, the tool included a "Generate draft" button that allowed users to produce a full article from an outline using AI. However, the author removed this feature, arguing that it encouraged the creation of low-quality "AI slop" and undermined the author's unique voice and expertise. Instead, Meldr now focuses on assisting with research, structure, and verification, while ensuring the writer maintains full ownership of the prose. By removing the automated drafting default, the project shifted its design philosophy to prioritize human-led writing, where AI acts as a collaborator rather than a replacement. The author emphasizes that tool defaults significantly influence user behavior and project architecture, ultimately shaping how writers interact with their content and maintain integrity in their technical work.