Mackerel is a cryptographic app design and development framework based on the premise that real-world cryptography is not about cryptography at all; it's about products. Because it's about products, it's about people, and the need for a holistic product design and development process that respects the roles of the people involved (cryptographers, developers, and consumers) by only asking them to make decisions that lie within their respective areas of understanding, and of which they understand the consequences. With user experience as a core focus, Mackerel aims to inspire products that consumers want, while affording them the cryptographic benefits they need.