How to Organize Notes Using Curatorial Thinking

04 Feb, 2025

Core Concept:

Creatively applying art curation principles to personal knowledge management
Organizing and presenting your knowledge collection like a curator carefully selecting artworks, arranging exhibitions, and providing context
This is not just a management method, but an art that requires continuous refinement

Not all encountered information should be saved in note-taking software
Like a curator, only preserve the most important, meaningful, or relevant content
Use tools like Are.na for initial filtering and organization to keep knowledge base concise and orderly

An excellent note system is not merely a pile of information, but conveys clear viewpoints or stories
Through deep processing and organization, integrate selected content from different sources into a meaningful whole
Deepen understanding of knowledge and better share and communicate with others

Note systems need constant iteration and optimization, just like museum exhibitions require regular updates
Through periodic review and updates, ensure the knowledge system stays fresh, relevant, and reflects the latest thoughts and insights

Using Different Tools in Stages:
- Initial Curation/Collection: Use pure creative content curation platforms like Are.na for preliminary collection and organization of content. This helps filter out truly valuable content from vast information.
- Later In-depth Analysis/Systematic Organization: Transfer curated content from Are.na to tools focused on deep research and learning, such as Heptabase (building knowledge networks centered on whiteboards) or Tana (AI-driven structured database combined with outline lists) for in-depth analysis and systematic organization. This combined approach optimizes the knowledge management process by leveraging different tools' strengths.
Manual Organization: Curation effects are primarily achieved through manual organization.

Form clear logical frameworks through careful selection and organization of information for personal understanding and sharing
Help us better understand and apply knowledge
Stimulate creative thinking
Provide powerful support for continuous learning and growth
Create your own knowledge art exhibition, where each note is a carefully selected exhibit, collectively telling the journey of learning and thinking

Curatorial Thinking: Emphasizes information filtering and narrative presentation, suitable for those who need to organize complex information and form clear outputs
Evergreen Notes: Emphasizes long-term knowledge accumulation and evolution, focusing on personal deep learning and thought development
Digital Gardens: Highlights openness and community interaction, promoting exchange and collaboration through dynamic display of idea networks
Combined Use: The three can be integrated, for example, using curatorial thinking to filter information, evergreen notes to record deep thoughts, and incorporating them into digital gardens for public sharing, achieving comprehensive knowledge management goals