Link to original video by Zsolt's Visual Personal Knowledge Management

Unpacking Notemaking: Concept Modeling with Nick Milo

Short Summary:

This video focuses on the concept of "notemaking" as a distinct process from note-taking. The speaker, Nick Milo, emphasizes the active and generative nature of notemaking, which goes beyond simply recording information. He introduces concept modeling as a visual tool to clarify and organize thoughts related to notemaking, using Excolo software to demonstrate the process. The video highlights the value of notemaking in creating intellectual assets, generating insights, and fostering personal meaning.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction & Concept Modeling

The speaker introduces the concept of "notemaking" as a distinct process from "note-taking," emphasizing its active and engaged nature.
He proposes concept modeling as a visual tool to clarify and organize thoughts related to notemaking.
Nick explains that concept modeling involves creating a simple visual diagram with shapes representing concepts (typically nouns) and lines representing relationships (typically verbs).
He emphasizes that concept modeling helps define terms, create a glossary, and externalize ideas for reflection.

Section 2: Notemaking Explained

The speaker defines notemaking as an active process based on a "spark" – a source of inspiration like an idea, a book highlight, or a concept.
He emphasizes that notemaking is a process of creating intellectual assets that can be used to generate insights and foster personal meaning.
Nick highlights the value of notemaking in creating opportunities to revisit and reflect upon ideas, informing future work and projects.

Section 3: Concept Modeling Demonstration

The speaker demonstrates the concept modeling process using Excolo software, creating a visual representation of the concept of "notemaking."
He starts with the central concept "Notemaking" and adds related concepts like "Active," "Based on a Spark," "Creates Value," and "Leads to Intellectual Assets."
Nick explains how the connections between concepts form statements that clarify the meaning of notemaking.
He emphasizes that the spatial organization of the model is important for remembering and understanding the ideas.

Section 4: Notemaking vs. Note-Taking

The speaker differentiates notemaking from note-taking, highlighting that note-taking is a passive process of simply recording information.
He argues that notemaking, on the other hand, is a generative process that leads to new insights and ideas.
Nick emphasizes that notemaking encourages conversations and the development of unique perspectives.

Section 5: Conclusion

The speaker concludes the video by reflecting on the value of concept modeling as a tool for clarifying and organizing thoughts.
He expresses his enthusiasm for continuing to explore the concept of notemaking and its applications.
Nick highlights the importance of externalizing ideas through visual tools like concept modeling for reflection and future use.

Notable Quotes:

"It's really neat to see what I like to do. I like the idea of a spark because it has such an energy around it."
"It's not art, it's thinking."
"The value of a note is revealed over time."
"Notemaking is typically how I'd like to define it, excuse me, note-taking. We are taking information, we're not doing anything."
"Notemaking is generating insights."
"I want to keep going. This has been wonderful. It's really clarified my ideas."