If there is something that I want more than anything else from a kineticist it is the option(!) to make a magical blaster character who is as single target focused as possible. Right now, a kineticist who just blasts every turn is neither very effective nor very interesting to play.
Single target blasting would be more fun and powerful if the class would give you the option to pick blast maneuvers instead of AoE attacks that function like a martial disintegrate: For 2 actions you make a normal blast and if it hits, the enemy has to make a save against your class DC. There should be maneuvers that debuff, add extra damage, move the target, etc. They would fulfill a similar role to the blast infusions in pf1, giving a kineticist the option to just improve their basic blast instead if they don't care about AoE.
Just a few ideas for potential maneuvers:
rock bomb - ranged earth blast,
extra acid damage on a failed reflex save + splash
terrifying flames - ranged fire blast, frightened + extra mental damage on a failed will save
freezing wave - ranged water blast, reduced speed + extra cold damage on a failed reflex save
unnerving shiver - ranged wind blast, frightened + extra cold damage on a failed will save
toxic fumes - ranged fire blast, extra + persistent poison damage on a failed fortitude save
stone crush - melee earth blast, deafened + extra sonic damage on a failed fortitude save
holify water - melee water blast, extra damage to undead/fiends
lightning slam - melee air blast, prone + extra lightning damage on a failed fortitude save
