GoodNotes AI Drives Handwriting App to 25 Million Global Users

Our main objective is to develop a system that enables humans and artificial intelligence (AI) to work together in the most efficient manner...

Our main objective is to develop a system that enables humans and artificial intelligence (AI) to work together in the most efficient manner.

These were the remarks made by Steven Chan, a 36-year-old Hong Kong native and CEO of GoodNotes, during a meeting with WEEKLY BIZ on the 7th in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Fourteen years ago, while studying in Australia, he conceived the idea of creating a handwriting application after thinking about an easy way to carry heavy math textbooks. GoodNotes, frequently referred to as the 'God of Handwriting,' started as a solo venture. Since then, it has become a 'must-have' app for students and office professionals using tablet computers, and has grown to be the world's leading handwriting app, utilized by 25 million people worldwide.

GoodNotes is getting ready for another significant advancement by incorporating AI features. In September, it introduced 'GoodNotes AI,' enabling user interaction, and presented a vision to evolve into the next-generation app for handwriting and productivity across all age groups. CEO Chan stated, "By integrating AI with handwriting, the potential experiences users can have through the app are now endless." WEEKLY BIZ recently had a direct conversation with CEO Chan, who was in Korea, along with Chief Operating Officer (COO) Minh Tran and other representatives, to explore the reasons behind adopting AI and future strategies.

◇AI, a 'Mental Companion' for Individuals

- When did your interest in AI begin?

We started investing in machine learning AI approximately eight years back to enhance handwriting recognition. Because of this, the app is now capable of identifying handwritten text. In 2023, we launched a large language model (LLM) incorporating the most recent AI advancements and initiated relevant research. This led to the development of 'GoodNotes AI,' which was launched last September. Now, users can search for unfamiliar content or pose questions about their handwritten notes using GoodNotes AI. A new feature that generates quizzes has also been introduced.

- What prompted you to incorporate AI into a handwriting application?

Before the introduction of AI, we were already able to offer grammar correction capabilities. However, with the implementation of GoodNotes AI, which utilizes large language models, we have reached a point where AI can produce content or generate practical outputs such as images for users. It is also feasible to translate or summarize audio in real time.

- Might handwritten script become obsolete because of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence serves as a 'thinking partner' that supports users in their cognitive processes. It can offer feedback or perspectives similar to those of a friend. Therefore, handwriting will not vanish in the future. New concepts can only emerge through writing with a stylus or typing. Naturally, whether to entrust these tasks to AI is a choice humans will determine, but in the end, AI's role will be limited to dividing responsibilities.

◇“The Objective: Perfect Synchronization Between Humans and Artificial Intelligence”

- Do you have a viewpoint on user experience (UX), like the arrangement of the screen?

It is 'simplicity.' The objective is to execute what users desire while ensuring simplicity. For instance, a feature that presents text clearly when scaled up, and another that preserves handwriting when converting notes into PDFs are illustrative examples.

- What does the finished version of GoodNotes look like?

I am convinced that there is no final form, as we need to keep progressing. In the end, the aim is to introduce a tool on handwriting devices such as tablets where AI and humans can work together optimally. By doing so, we hope individuals can generate and refine their ideas to boost efficiency.

- Are there any upcoming features in the works?

We are developing a feature that uses AI to automatically adjust handwriting styles while users are writing. We think a lot of users will appreciate this feature when it becomes available.

◇South Korea: A Market Leading in Embracing Innovative Technologies

- What importance does the South Korean market have?

I enjoy coffee, and I've frequently observed students in Korean cafes using GoodNotes on their tablet computers. Every time, I personally recognized the significance of the Korean market.

(COO Tran) “I believe it's challenging to find a country that embraces new technologies as extensively as Korea. Korea is also a region rich in potential partners for innovation. Indeed, we have recently acquired the Korean startup 'Drop the Beat' and are investing in another startup.”

- What are the preferences of GoodNotes users in South Korea?

One of the key demands from Korean users was to enable notes of any size. While working on this, the 'whiteboard' feature emerged organically. It enables multiple students and coworkers to work together by sharing thoughts at the same time on an endless surface.

- What other initiatives are underway in the South Korean market?

(COO Tran) “In order to improve educational access and efficiency for Korean high school students, we have worked together with EBS, MegaStudy, and other organizations. To achieve this, we invested considerable effort, traveling to Korea almost every two months over a period of two years. Furthermore, we are working with YBM to provide support for TOEIC exam resources, which are widely used by young professionals. By using GoodNotes AI alongside these learning materials, we can offer new and creative ways of studying, such as creating practice questions.”