Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work & Life

Jorge Arango on Extending Your Mind Through Better Note Taking

May 13, 2024

Jorge Arango discusses extending the mind through note-taking, emphasizing the cognitive benefits of organizing thoughts digitally. He explores the concept of a 'knowledge garden' for nurturing ideas, the role of environment in processing information, and practical tools like Obsidian and Notion for effective knowledge management.

52:42

Episode guests

Jorge Arango

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Quick takeaways

Effective note-taking goes beyond memory to enhance thinking processes and knowledge organization.

External manipulation aids cognition and note-taking, highlighting the impact of environment on cognitive abilities.

Deep dives

The Importance of Note-Taking for Productivity and Learning

Note-taking plays a crucial role in moving thoughts out of one's head into the world to be utilized effectively. Understanding different types of notes and the impact of tools, whether digital or analog, enhances the note-taking process. By linking notes, revisiting insights, and creating meaningful connections, note-taking becomes a dynamic process beyond just information recording, fostering long-term learning.

Embrace Serendipitous Idea Collisions

01:28

Capture, Process, and Organize Your Ideas

01:16

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Power of Connected Note-Taking for Enhanced Productivity and Learning

2min

Exploring the Role of Information Architects in Structuring Digital Spaces

2min

The Power of Notes in Cognitive Extension

17min

Exploring the Value of Note Nurturing and its Analogical Relationship to Gardening

6min

Cultivating Notes and Building Systems

21min

This week it was my pleasure to speak with Jorge Arango about his latest book, Duly Noted: Extend Your Mind Through Connected Notes. Jorge is an information architect, author, and educator. For almost three decades, he has architected digital experiences and made the complex clear for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to nonprofits. He is the author of "Living in Information: Responsible Design for Digital Places" and co-author of "Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond." In addition to his design consulting practice, Jorge hosts "The Informed Life" podcast, writes a blog, and teaches at the California College of the Arts.

In this chat, we'll explore how capturing and organizing thoughts extends beyond traditional note-taking into forming a digital "knowledge garden," where ideas can flourish and interconnect. Jorge will delve into the cognitive science behind why notes are not just for memory, but crucial for thinking, emphasizing the role of the environment in processing information. He'll also guide us through various taxonomies for organizing information and discuss practical tools like Obsidian, Notion, and Apple Notes that can help manage our mental landscapes effectively. Get ready to learn about leveraging digital tools for building a lasting knowledge repository, the importance of nurturing our thoughts to foster innovation and clarity, and why developing a system you trust for note-taking can transform the chaos of information overload into a structured haven of insights.

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