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.

Proposals