Digital tools
Apps, small software projects and automations that make concrete tasks easier to understand or easier to complete.
Michael Knop: personal projects, practical experience and recommendations.
I build software, document technical projects and share experience from topics I keep returning to: Coffee Rings, smart home systems, espresso, 3D printing and practical technology. Good technology solves a real problem, saves time and remains understandable.
How a problem becomes a usable solution
On mkknop.de I document my own projects, share practical experience and publish recommendations I can genuinely stand behind.
I am interested not only in whether something works, but why it works, where its limits are and how it can become a dependable solution.
- 01
Understand
I first clarify the actual problem to solve. That keeps technically interesting answers from missing the real question.
- 02
Test
I test, compare and document. Personal experience does not replace solid facts, but it often reveals the details that matter in daily use.
- 03
Build
When existing tools do not fit, I create my own software, automations or clearer workflows.
- 04
Share
When something proves useful, I write it up so others can save time, avoid mistakes or make a better-informed decision.
Why this website?
I write about things I have built, tested or used over time. When that experience can help someone make a decision or approach a project, I document it here.
Personal project
Coffee Rings began with a problem in my own workflow.
I wanted to do more than record espresso shots. I wanted to learn from them. That led to Coffee Rings: a free app that connects measurements, taste and concrete next steps.
The app helps evaluate shots systematically, keep recipes and understand how changes in grind size, time, temperature and other parameters affect taste.
Learn about Coffee Rings
Topics and experience
Not every topic becomes an app. Sometimes the result is a guide, a documented solution or a recommendation about software, AI, smart home systems, Home Assistant, espresso or 3D printing.
Technology in daily life
Smart home, Home Assistant and systems that should work reliably beyond the first test.
Espresso and 3D printing
Practical fields where small changes can have a large effect and systematic testing is especially useful.
Experience and recommendations
Products, tools and working methods I use myself or can assess from sufficient practical experience and review. View recommendations
Photography
Structures, details and small visual stories interest me beyond technical projects as well. A small selection of my photographs shows another form of close observation.
View the photographs
About me
Professionally, I work in a regulated environment. Alongside that, I develop apps and work with technology, espresso and 3D printing. www.mkknop.de is where selected projects and practical experience come together.
More about me
Transparency
Some recommendations include clearly marked affiliate links. If you buy through one of those links, I may receive a commission. In most cases this does not add any cost for you. More about transparency
Contact
Have a question about a project, a note about the site or want to exchange thoughts on a topic?
View contact optionsinfo@mkknop.de