The Zettelkasten methodology, developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann, allows you to structure and connect notes, creating a kind of network of ideas. One of the interesting methods used in this system is the "Idea Compass". This method allows you to more deeply understand how different notes are connected to each other and helps to identify the interrelations between ideas.

What is the "Idea Compass"?

The "Idea Compass" is a way of organizing notes, where each note can be connected to others in four directions. Imagine that each note is in the center of the compass, and its connections diverge in the four cardinal directions: North, West, South and East. This not only helps you better structure information, but also stimulates creative thinking.

The four directions of the "Idea Compass":

1. North:

Question: How does this idea fit into what I already know?

- Big idea, source, cause. The north contains those ideas that are above your main idea. These can be concepts or theories from which your note is derived. North represents the underlying knowledge or general sources that gave rise to your idea.

- Example: If you are writing a note about a specific teaching method, in the north you can connect it to the general theory of educational psychology from which this method is derived.

2. West:

Question: Can this be explained by something else?

- Same Topic. Here you connect your note to ideas that are similar to yours in topic or content. The west helps you find parallels and analogies with other ideas that complement or support your point.

- Example: If you are writing about note-taking techniques, the west might contain notes about other methods of structuring information.

3. South:

Question: What does note X mean for note Y?

- Subtopics, detailing the idea**. The south contains more detailed aspects of your main idea. These can be different aspects or components that make your note more specific and profound.

- Example: If your note is about the general concept of "creativity", then in the south you can place notes about specific techniques or approaches to developing creative thinking.

4. East:

Question: How can I use this idea to explain Z?

- East is the direction that encourages you to apply new knowledge or ideas to solve specific problems or explain other phenomena. This question helps you integrate new knowledge into your activities and understand how it can be useful in real practice.

- East is also Antonyms, opposites, flaws. East reflects ideas that oppose your main note. These can be opposing points of view, criticism, flaws, or alternative approaches.

Conclusion

The Idea Compass method in the Zettelkasten system allows you to structure information and connect ideas so that each of them plays a role in the overall context of your knowledge. This method stimulates creative thinking and helps you better understand how different ideas interact with each other. Using the Idea Compass in Conoted allows you to organize your notes as efficiently as possible, turning them into a workspace for thinking and creativity.