Here’s a small selection of some of the most popular digital tools out there right now.
I’ve categorised the tools based on the 3 note taking styles described in Ness Lab’s article above.
The categorisation may also be imperfect as tools often fit into different categories or be adapted to fit different styles. So I’ve categorised it based broadly on how it can be used.
Before we dive into the tools in each category, here’s a brief run down of each style:
Architects love system building and tinkering.
They enjoy designing, planning and executing a custom system that suits their own needs or workflows. The best note taking tools for Architects are the ones that allow them to easily build their own structure and system that works for them.
The customised system allows Architects to optimise their ideation, thinking and creation.
Gardeners love cultivating knowledge (like cultivating and growing a garden).
They love to meander and explore new ideas and thinking. Tools that work well for Gardener types tend to have a “ground up” approach where ideas organically grow and connect. And eventually new thinking and knowledge emerges.
Librarians are avid curators of knowledge and information.
They love researching and collecting ideas and notes. They gradually build up an organised library of content and resources to help them take their thinking to the next level. Tools that work well for Librarian types tend to give them clear structure and they can easily retrieve their notes and ideas.
Librarians can then use this curated information for their projects and goals.
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When you’re picking a digital tool for the first time in your note taking and digital Second Brain journey, I recommend picking a tool that has a strong community around it.
This will make it much easier when you’re stuck and have questions to ask, you’ll have a community to turn to.