CODE Method
A systematic framework for processing information into usable knowledge
Core Idea: The CODE Method is a four-step process developed by Tiago Forte for transforming raw information into valuable knowledge products through Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express.
Key Elements
Capture
- Focus on resonance: Save what resonates rather than trying to capture everything
- Reduce friction: Use quick, accessible methods to lower barriers to saving ideas
- Apply criteria: Use personal filters (inspiration, utility, relevance, surprise)
- Diversify sources: Collect from various media (books, articles, podcasts, conversations)
- Create personal knowledge inventory: Build a collection of ideas that matter to you
Organize
- Actionability principle: Sort information by how you'll use it, not by category
- PARA framework: Implement Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives system
- Future utility: Place information where it will be most useful soon
- Reveal connections: Create systems that highlight relationships between ideas
- Progressive organization: Organize just enough, just in time
Distill
- Extract essence: Use Progressive Summarization to highlight valuable elements
- Add context: Include personal annotations for your future self
- Increase discoverability: Create layers of refinement for easier future retrieval
- Preserve signal: Reduce noise while maintaining fundamental insights
- Practice judgment: Develop skill in identifying what matters most
Express
- Create output: Transform processed knowledge into shareable deliverables
- Complete the cycle: Apply knowledge through active creation
- Use Intermediate Packets: Build with modular, reusable components
- Format appropriately: Choose suitable presentation methods for different contexts
- Share iteratively: Express ideas early and often for feedback
Implementation Approaches
- Capture systems: Set up frictionless capture tools (apps, notebooks, voice memos)
- Organizational structures: Create frameworks based on current projects and goals
- Distillation practice: Apply systematic highlighting and summarization
- Expression schedule: Dedicate time for creating knowledge outputs
Connection to Creative Process
- Divergence and Convergence: First two steps (Capture, Organize) represent divergence; last two (Distill, Express) represent convergence
- Remix-based creativity: Recognizes that creation is always a remix of existing ideas
- Reduces friction: Makes creative work more systematic and less intimidating
- Supports iteration: Creates feedback loops that improve ideas over time
Applications
- Knowledge work of all kinds
- Content creation
- Research and writing
- Personal learning
- Professional development
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Personal Knowledge Management (the larger discipline)
- Applications: Divergence and Convergence (the creative modes it supports)
- See Also: PARA Method (organizational system used within CODE), Intermediate Packets (building blocks used in Express stage), Project Checklists (support CODE implementation)
References
- Forte, Tiago. "Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential" (2022)
- Forte Labs blog articles on the CODE methodology
- Allen, David. "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" (influenced the actionability aspects)
#knowledge-management #productivity #information-processing #second-brain #workflow
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