Assumptions
Now, in order to devise an approach that attempts to ameliorate a few of these complaints, we need to start with a set of assumptions that will color the rest of the exploration. While these may be frequently true, they are by no means exhaustive or without exceptions.
- People are bad at finding things.
- People are bad at remembering where things are.
- People give up on search results quickly.
- Good note taking is hard and difficult to define.
- Associations are useful.
- Context is critical.
- Unrelated but nearby items should be discoverable.
- Note taking tools should be simple, easy to learn, flexible, and unobtrusive.
- Be conscientious of short attention spans.
- People build mental maps and work through ideas differently.
- Being bad at everything should still yield modest results.
- Guests should be able to explore notes easily and fruitfully.
- No one should have to curate alone.