Developing ideas and storing them in a "living" note-taking system is a method that allows you not only to record thoughts, but also to return to them, rethink them, and supplement them with new knowledge. This approach does not require archiving information, but creating an active system for analysis, reflection, and creation.
An archive is not storage without life, but a system that allows you to accumulate ideas so that they can be developed.
Principles of Idea Development
1. Developing ideas through a system of connections and classification of notes. Finding meaningful connections
New ideas develop better when you connect them with existing notes. Each new thought or concept should be "anchored" in an existing context so that you can see its connection with past knowledge. This creates a network where information is united into a common system.
There are 4 questions you can ask yourself that will help you find meaningful connections:
- How does this idea fit into what I already know? Connecting a new note to existing ideas can help you see it in a new light.
- Can this be explained by something else? Use analogies or comparisons to other concepts.
- What does note X mean for note Y? Sometimes ideas are interdependent, revealing entire chains.
- How can I use this idea to explain Z? This exercise helps you uncover the practical application of knowledge and its real-world value.
Idea compass. You can use the method to classify your notes.
You can use the "idea compass" method to structure the connections between notes, where each note, like an element in a network, is located in certain directions:
- North: This is the big idea, source, or cause that stands above a specific note. For example, a note about digital marketing might connect to a more general idea about marketing strategy.
- West: These are ideas that are similar in theme or approach, something parallel to the main idea.
- South: Detailing the main idea, subtopics that expand on the idea. For example, if the post is about AI, southern ideas might cover aspects like machine learning and neural networks.
- East: Antonyms and opposites, weaknesses, or competing ideas. This category allows you to see “blind spots” and identify what can be improved or changed.
2. Review Periodically
A system that is not reviewed turns into a graveyard of ideas. Regularly reviewing allows you to update existing entries in light of new data. It is also a way to identify unexpected connections or find ideas that can now be developed at a deeper level. When reviewing, each piece of information can be tagged or linked, which helps you see which ideas are still relevant and which are no longer relevant.
3. Reorganize the structure
As ideas and information accumulate, it’s a good idea to periodically reorganize the system to make it more adaptive to current needs. For example, if you previously had one note on digital marketing, over time you could turn it into a separate section with subcategories such as “SEO,” “content marketing,” and “targeted advertising.” This improves navigation and makes it easier to find information by topic.
4. Regularly add and update content
Update notes as you learn new materials or come up with new ideas. This prevents old ideas from becoming “frozen,” and each note remains relevant.
Case Study
Imagine you’re working on a project to create a new learning platform. Early on, you might have a note containing general ideas on how to improve the user experience. Over time, you add information on gamification methods, AI integration opportunities, and unique features of competitors. With each new detail, the note becomes more valuable, turning into a detailed resource for developing the platform. At the same time, each note or idea related to this topic is easily accessible and updated as needed.
Summary
Creating such a knowledge system is a process that supports your thinking, not just archives information. Over time, the knowledge base becomes a real hub for analyzing and developing new ideas, where each note and concept becomes part of a larger whole.
