Evernote is still my preferred tool for knowledge management. The web clipper is top-notch on all devices. No other note-taking tool has such a refined tagging system. The synchronization is fast and reliable. And because Evernote is at home on almost all systems, I always have it at hand everywhere.
Difficult Years
Unfortunately, Evernote has lost its focus in recent years. More and more gimmicks were added, there were nonsensical side products, and on iOS alone there were at times about 5 apps that somehow offered something special. Additionally, Evernote’s consistency across different platforms suffered: There were features in Android that weren’t available on iOS, and the web client was always somehow lagging behind. Then financial and personnel turmoil at Evernote company ensued. At the same time, the competition strengthened, notably OneNote from Microsoft, Bear on iOS, etc.
As an Evernote user, to put it mildly, one was somewhat unsure if they were still backing the right horse.
Shedding Ballast
But now there is hope again. And how! Last year, Ian Small took over as the new CEO of Evernote. He promised to refocus on the basics. Quite realistically, he said that this would be painful and take time. It was painful in that Evernote closed almost all branches outside the USA. Most partnerships with printer, scanner, and notebook manufacturers were dissolved. Evernote is going back to its core: a cloud-based software for managing notes and knowledge snippets.
Resurrection
At the beginning of the year, Ian Small then also promised a comprehensive overhaul of the software. More consistency, better basic functions, and a focus on the features that customers want. It’s not yet known when Evernote will release the new version. As it looks, they’re not rushing anything. But it could well be that Evernote will shine in new splendor this fall.
In their own YouTube channel, Evernote gives us insight into the ongoing work. Ian Small himself appears on camera and discusses individual areas and concepts of Evernote with his team. It becomes clear how carefully each feature is being rethought. Often you only see mockups and drawings, but the ideas behind them are clear and totally promising. You can sense that customers are being listened to and that they are invited to test different variants at very early stages.
Authentic and Trust-building
This behind-the-scenes series on YouTube seems to me to be an extremely successful example of how a struggling company can reposition itself as a reliable partner through transparency and authenticity. The communication is on an equal footing, the messages feel genuine, and there’s also room for self-criticism.
I’m looking forward to the new version of Evernote. No matter when it comes. I’m waiting patiently and excitedly!
See the series for yourself if you want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMu8hthATw4&t=567s
