I love playing with custom launchers, though I'm specific about which one I want to keep as my primary. Even after trying several launcher apps, I haven't replaced Niagara Launcher with any of them.

One major reason I like the Niagara Launcher is that it focuses on minimalism, which is exactly my taste. For any other launcher, it's hard to beat Niagara in this.

However, it bugs me that Niagara hasn't rolled out any solid new features in a long time. While I understand that too many features can compromise its minimalist mantra, not updating it with new capabilities can add to users' frustration.

As a well-wisher of Niagara, I brainstormed how Niagara could add new features without losing its identity. After months with Niagara Launcher, I discovered it can add features and yet stay minimal. Here is my suggestion.

Niagara is a mature launcher app, but it still has room for improvement

It just needs to do it smartly

I didn't fully embrace Android as my primary mobile operating system when Niagara Launcher came into existence.

Back then, it was a basic flashlight app. Even my journey from being a hardcore Windows Phone fan to embracing Android was less dramatic.

Niagara's rise as a launcher app is one of the most interesting tech stories I've heard. What's even more fascinating is that it has long been a preferred launcher app for those who love minimalism despite being "feature-complete."

That's not my word. Peter Huber, the brain behind Niagara Launcher, said in a Medium post in 2021 that the launcher app was "feature complete." However, that was more like a hint that the fundamental vision was complete.

Niagara Launcher became more useful and functional after 2021 with the addition of useful new features like Usage Breaker and an upgraded search. So, it's reasonable to believe more is in the pipeline.

However, adding new features also risks making it a bloated launcher. I believe that's one major reason why the developers behind it are specific about what they want to add and take their time.

One misstep can undermine the minimalistic identity it's built over the years. However, this doesn't mean the safest way to keep its sanctity intact is to avoid or delay meaningful changes.

What I suggest is introducing a plugin system. If Obsidian can do it, then why not Niagara?

A plugin feature can take Niagara Launcher to the next level

There is no harm in giving users more choices

All my minimalist friends agree with me that minimalism doesn't mean less is always better. Take Niagara's vertical list, for example.

It's central to the launcher's identity, but that doesn't have to be the only way.

I wouldn't mind support for an app drawer as an optional feature. When I'm bored with the vertical app list, I would love to switch to an app drawer for a change.

I would also love to use custom names for pop-up folders. This won't be anything radical. It'd make more sense as a default feature than as an optional one.

That's my opinion, and Niagara doesn't have to do it because I would love it.

That's where a plugin system becomes handy. It lets the team introduce features as optional and take user feedback without changing the overall default app experience.

If it turns out to be something more users use and love, make it part of the default setup.

This is different from the beta program. A plugin system should include features as stable as those available in the default setup to give users a true understanding of what they can do.

What I want is a separate widgets page. I would love to test whether adding a single page affects the launcher's identity. Again, a plugin system would only hedge the risk of failure.

Users like me will move on if we don't like it, and so will Niagara.

A plugin system is Niagara's best bet to have more without becoming more

It's a false notion that minimalism can't coexist with more features. I'd argue that one shouldn't come at the expense of the other.

The trick here is to do it without harming the current experience.

I can't wait for a version of Niagara Launcher that wouldn't restrict me from using more features in the name of minimalism. Instead, it would know how to keep them away.

I strongly believe a plugin system is the best bet — one built by the community, I mean. I wouldn't even consider trying other launcher apps if it happens.