NotebookLM promises to redefine how we organise and interact with information, offering AI-powered insights that simplify complex tasks. Yet, like any groundbreaking product, its development journey has encountered challenges—chief among them, the state of its documentation. Many resources lack essential details such as version history, publication dates, and recent modifications, making it difficult for users to assess the reliability or relevance of the information provided. On the NotebookLM FAQ page, the number of languages supported by NotebookLM was shown as 35 until 20 November, 2024 (since updated to 100). However, there is no indication as to whether this number refers to interface languages, source languages, or chat languages. At Unlocking NotebookLM, we individually tested and verified that, as of November 20, 2024, NotebookLM was able to handle 188 languages, including obscure and constructed languages, as well as creoles and code-switching hybrids, functioning as both source and chat languages.
While NotebookLM maintains a Discord group to communicate updates and engage with users, it falls short of solving the documentation problem. The group lacks structured organisation, making it difficult for users to locate specific information or updates efficiently. Instead of acting as a reliable resource hub, it often leaves users searching through scattered announcements and conversations, adding to the overall confusion.
The NotebookLM team at Google Labs owes it to their fanbase a balance between cutting-edge innovation and dependable, clear communication. For many NotebookLM users, organising documents and retrieving data using the tool can be an uphill battle. The platform struggles with syncing/merging data from multiple sources within a notebook, and users cannot easily save or copy notes and summaries. Accessing documents, text, and audio added as Sources isn’t as seamless as one might expect; it’s understandable that a capable team with the backing of a tech giant can resolve all these issues eventually, but the same cannot be said of the lack of documentation.
These issues appear to stem from the lean team behind NotebookLM’s development. This dedicated group is working at the forefront of technology, crafting a tool that has the potential to transform how we think, work, and learn. While their structure fosters agility and rapid experimentation, it also requires us to be mindful of the delicate harmony required between innovation and user support, as admitted in the Google’s post on NotebookLM:
“However, the limited team size also underscores the delicate harmony required between advancement and user support, particularly in areas like comprehensive documentation and user guidance.”
Small Teams, Big Breakthroughs
Focused teams have historically driven innovation. Consider Apple during the development of the Macintosh and later the iPhone—compact teams delivered industry-defining breakthroughs through tight collaboration, shared vision, and the ability to pivot quickly without the bureaucratic inertia that larger organisations often face.
The NotebookLM team embodies a similar ethos, allowing them to focus intently on creating a tool that reimagines how users store, process, and explore knowledge. Their iterative development cycles and openness to experimentation evoke the spirit of Apple’s most iconic projects
Where Apple excelled, however, was in harmonising breakthrough products with user experience, including thorough communication and documentation. Each groundbreaking product launch was accompanied by exhaustive user documentation—guides, updates, and FAQs—that empowered users to unlock the full potential of their tools. Oddly enough, Apple products, by their very nature, are intuitive to operate, and most users never need these documents.
By contrast, NotebookLM lags in this area. While its lean team delivers impressive advancements, the lack of clear and regularly updated documentation in the ‘experimental’ phase of a product in the making creates a disconnect with users. This oversight risks alienating early adopters who are eager to explore the product but lack the resources and support to do so effectively. The issue here is that NotebookLM, with its hype, has attracted a set of users who are not tech-savvy and find it difficult to use. Keyword search trends establish this, as many users are actively looking for documentation and help to navigate the tool. Some have even started searching for “notebooklm alternatives.“
Striking a harmony between cutting-edge advancement and practical user support is crucial for long-term success. Even the most revolutionary technology requires a well-informed and engaged user base to thrive. Let us not forget the fate of Google Wave, Google+, and other ambitious projects that faltered despite their potential. The missing link was not innovation—it was innovation without informed user engagement. Without proper communication and resources to guide users, even the most promising products can struggle to find their footing and ultimately fade away.
NotebookLM: A Promising Tool Let Down by Poor Preparation
Releasing an unfinished product to millions of testers without adequate restrictions or preparation is indefensible, regardless of team size. While glitches are expected in experimental phases, the lack of basic user support reflects poor prioritization. A single dedicated individual or a small group tasked with creating documentation—whether in the form of a FAQ, guides, Google Blog, or even pinned messages in their Discord group—could have mitigated the widespread confusion and frustration experienced by users.
Instead, the team has left users to fumble through an underdeveloped tool, many struggling to navigate its core features or understand how to make the most of its functionality. While voluntary beta testers might manage these challenges, the product’s hype has attracted users who are less familiar with experimental tools, leaving them alienated and seeking alternatives. Small teams don’t excuse poor planning. If the team could not manage the user base effectively, limiting the beta to a smaller, more controlled group of testers would have been the logical approach.
By failing to establish even basic user resources, the NotebookLM team has compromised the integrity of their testing phase, undermining what could be a revolutionary tool. This is not about perfection—it’s about responsibility. Launching without preparation risks eroding trust and alienating a user base critical to long-term success. If NotebookLM is to live up to its promise, it must first deliver on its obligation to guide and support its users.
The Missing Link: How Poor Documentation Undermines NotebookLM’s Innovation
The challenges facing NotebookLM are not unusual for a new product developed by a small team, but they highlight an essential truth: innovative technology and user communication must go hand in hand. A tool that pushes the boundaries of possibility also bears the responsibility to guide its users effectively. IBM’s approach to documentation, is a critical enabler that allows users to explore a product’s full potential.
To achieve its ambitions, the NotebookLM team must balance their fast-paced development cycles with the need for transparency and support. Clear, accessible, and regularly updated documentation will not only improve the user experience but also build trust and confidence in the tool, as emphasised by Atlassian and Microsoft in their approaches to product documentation. Ultimately, the success of any innovative tool depends not only on its capabilities but also on the trust it fosters through effective communication and support. Solid documentation isn’t just a feature—it’s a promise to users that they can rely on the product and explore its full potential without barriers.
Explore More About NotebookLM
- NotebookLM FAQs for Beginners
Start your NotebookLM journey with answers to common questions in our NotebookLM FAQs for Beginners. - Understanding NotebookLM Terminology
Get familiar with key terms and concepts using our comprehensive NotebookLM Glossary. - NotebookLM Sources and Best Practices
Learn how to add and organise sources effectively with our guide on NotebookLM Sources and Best Practices. - Creating Podcasts from Web Links
Transform web links into engaging podcasts in minutes. Follow our guide on NotebookLM Podcast in 3 Easy Steps. - YouTube Videos to Podcasts
Discover how to create a podcast from YouTube videos with ease. Check out our tutorial on NotebookLM Podcast from YouTube Videos. - Content Creation with NotebookLM
Maximise your creative potential with our expert tips in Content Creation with NotebookLM. - NotebookLM Podcast FAQs
Still have questions about creating podcasts with NotebookLM? Find answers in our NotebookLM Podcast FAQs.
