Zettelkasten and Intuiti

Recently I came across Zettelkasten (analog note-taking and knowledge management system) and Intuiti (a Tarot-style card deck for fostering creativity) from Instagram ads.

Since I’ve just started learning about these methods, I’d be lying if I write an extensive overview of these methods. I wanted to capture some early thoughts on these methods and write about my plans to use them.

• Zettelkasten: It translates to “Slip box” in German. It was popularized by the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann (hence the German name for the method). It’s basically about creating a network of interconnected notes to organize ideas and information in a non-linear way. It involves a lot of notetaking with pen and index cards, rewriting the draft notes into permanent notes (paraphrasing and summarizing like this should contribute to solidifying knowledge on the subject), indexing the notes to create a web of information which results in a personal knowledge ecosystem that can be utilized for efficient information retrieval and surfacing new ideas. These days there seem to be people using this method with digital tools (eg. Obsidian Notes) but analog index cards and library-style card boxes are said to be more effective in terms of information retention. I tend to agree on this perspective since I’ve read a research finding about people retaining information better with paper book reading versus e-book. The method also involves handwriting and I believe this will definitely help impriting the information in our brains better thanks to the tactile experience activating more and different parts of the brain. As someone who loves libraries, I also would love to have the wooden index card boxes on my desk, open the drawers and sift through the cards with fingers.
• Intuiti: It’s basically a set of Tarot cards reimagined for creative professionals. Each card has a drawing that’s symbolic and subject to open interpretations. The cards can be laid out to match frameworks. For example, to lay out the cards for The Hero’s Journey framework, four cards will be drawn and be placed on each position that represents 1) Current situation 2) Obstacles 3) Help 4) Ideal situation. Thanks to the cards based on Jungian psychology utilizing archetypes and symbols, the player/user can draw their own interpretation and decide their next steps. Feels like it’d be a great tool to unblock myself when feeling stuck or hit a writer’s block.

Feels like Zettelkasten is a map and Intuiti is a GPS navigation. With these two systems I will be able to be more prolific and creative. I’m currently reading the instruction books for each method, and I can’t wait to build my own knowledge system with Zettelkasten and unstuck myself when facing challenges in both work and life with Intuiti. I’ll report back later.