NoteCards

NoteCards are physical or digital cards used to collect and organize information, ideas, or prompts on individual, easily manipulable units. They are primarily used as a study aid, for brainstorming, outlining, and organizing research or creative projects. The format encourages compartmentalization of information, facilitating shuffling, sorting, and rearrangement.

Historically, NoteCards were made of paper, typically index card sized, but modern applications often utilize digital alternatives within software or applications. Digital NoteCards offer advantages like searchability, linking capabilities, and the ability to easily duplicate or modify content.

The basic principle remains consistent across both physical and digital implementations: each card focuses on a single, discrete unit of information or idea. This modularity makes NoteCards a flexible and versatile tool for managing complexity and facilitating creative problem-solving. Common uses include summarizing source material, developing arguments for essays, mapping plot points for novels, and planning presentations. The utility of NoteCards lies in their ability to foster a non-linear, associative approach to information organization.