Smart notes and mind maps

Hi frens,

You may have heard “smart notes” in the latest wave of note-taking software, such as Roam Research, Obsidian, or Heptabase, with new features like backlinks.

The tools may be new, but the essence remains unchanged: to connect and develop ideas. And creativity is just connecting things.

I remember mind maps were quite popular back in 1980s to 1990s, sharing a similar spirit. A mind map starts with a core concept, developing ideas from it, and connecting relevant ideas when presented. However, a mind map has become more like just an outliner in this era, and combined with popular features like writing, documentation, todos, project management, even presentation slides, etc.

Are you getting it? Everything old is new again.

Those companies building mind maps software continue to exist and thrive, and they look good. These companies building note-taking software are quite competitive and attractive. In this sense, these methodologies become more like a marketing strategy for new features.

I remember Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory using a whiteboard a lot. It has always been a much better tool for developing innovative ideas or conducting research. Nowadays, people are often limited to 6-13 inch screens.

Your friend,

Denken