#atom

Making notes findable and useful for your future self

Core Idea: Discoverability is the degree to which information can be found when needed, determining whether captured knowledge will actually be useful in the future.

Key Elements

Core Principles

• The value of notes depends on being able to find them when needed
• Notes must survive the journey into the future
• Findability is a designed property, not an automatic one
• The more notes collected, the more critical discoverability becomes

The Discoverability Paradox

• More notes can lead to less discoverability
• Volume increases complexity and cognitive load
• Without intentional design, notes become harder to find as collections grow
• This often leads to abandoning note systems or constantly switching tools

Enhancing Discoverability Techniques

1. Progressive Summarization

   • Layer highlights to distill key points
   • Create multiple levels of detail
   • Allow future self to quickly grasp essence

2. Strategic titling

   • Create descriptive, searchable titles
   • Include key terms your future self might search for
   • Front-load the most important information

3. Consistent organization

   • Use PARA Method to create logical homes for information
   • Maintain predictable structures
   • Create patterns your brain can recognize

4. Deliberate linking

   • Connect related notes explicitly
   • Create pathways between ideas
   • Build networks of related concepts

5. Visual patterns

   • Include images and visual elements
   • Create distinctive formatting
   • Use consistent visual hierarchy

Retrieval Methods

1. Search

   • Fast and effortless way to find specific information
   • Relies on having searchable content and good keywords
   • Works best when you know what you're looking for

2. Browsing

   • Navigate through organizational structures
   • Follow the PARA Method hierarchy
   • Discover adjacent ideas

3. Tags

   • Apply labels across organizational boundaries
   • Create thematic collections
   • Find patterns and connections

4. Serendipity

   • Allow for unexpected connections
   • Keep focus slightly broad
   • Use visual patterns to trigger recognition

Additional Connections

• Broader Context: CODE Method (Organize step focuses on discoverability)
• Applications: Progressive Summarization (primary technique for enhancing discoverability)
• See Also: Noticing Habits (practices that enhance discoverability over time)

References

1. Forte, Tiago. "Building a Second Brain"

#knowledge-management #information-science #findability #notes

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Forte-Building a Second Brain