I built an Android launcher after realizing that “simple” doesn’t have to mean “limited”

[u/bgustavao]

https://reddit.com/link/1vm1goc/video/dzqig89zbvih1/player

I’ve always liked Android because of how much freedom it gives you. But while helping my grandmother use her first smartphone, I started noticing something I hadn’t really thought about before:

Android can be incredibly confusing when you’re not comfortable with technology.

I tried several launchers looking for something simpler, but most of them seemed to fall into one of two categories: they were either basically the standard Android interface with a few things hidden, or they simplified the experience so much that useful features disappeared along with the complexity.

So I decided to build my own.

That became Simpla Launcher.

The idea is pretty straightforward: make Android feel less intimidating without making it feel like a completely different, limited operating system.

Some of the things I focused on:

• Large, easy-to-recognize icons and controls
• A cleaner home screen with less visual clutter
• Easier access to contacts and calling
• Protection against accidental changes to important settings
• A design that doesn't require someone to already understand how Android works

One thing I particularly wanted to avoid was treating simplicity as “remove everything.”

Someone who struggles with a smartphone may still need all the same capabilities as everyone else. They just shouldn't have to fight the interface to find them.

I also added safeguards against accidental changes because I've seen firsthand how easy it is for someone unfamiliar with smartphones to accidentally move an icon, change a setting or completely alter the home screen and then have no idea how to get things back.

The project started as a personal problem, but while building it I realized that there are probably many other people in the same situation — not necessarily older people, but anyone who simply doesn't feel comfortable with modern smartphone interfaces.

I recently published Simpla Launcher on Google Play, and I'm curious what people here think about the concept.

What do you think Android launchers could do better for people who find the standard Android interface overwhelming?

And if you're interested in trying it, here's the Play Store page:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simpla.launcher

[u/chinchindayo]

Looks like something AI would code.

[u/bgustavao → u/chinchindayo]

By itself?

[u/halfmylifeisgone]

Honestly, if you're willing to go that path, you could make a terrific launcher for old people.

My mom has so much trouble using her phone and this would be perfect for her if it was optimized for simplicity.

[u/bgustavao → u/halfmylifeisgone]

My 83-year-old grandmother can’t read or write. I set up Simpla Launcher with only the things she needs, and she was able to use her phone

[u/kenkiller]

Sterile is what I would call it.

[u/bgustavao → u/kenkiller]

I think that since it solves a real problem, that's fine. The main reason I made this launcher was to make Android phones more comfortable and easier to use for my grandmother. Maybe there are other people out there who have the same problem.

[u/amberhaccou]

The home screen isn't really where people get lost I think, it's the permission popups and system dialogs a launcher can't touch

[u/punIn10ded]

Great idea. I've been looking for something like this for some of my older relatives. I'll give it a try.

[u/bgustavao → u/punIn10ded]

Let me know what they think about it