The most important thing...
Posted by sub
on 2/21/2005
sub
2/21/2005 2:35 pm
Seriously now, what's the most important feature you are looking for in information management and similar software?
My question is stimulated from Graham's remark that "MindMaps are good for many things and this is what i use most of the time, but it really depends on what you are trying to acheive"
To answer the question myself, when involved in a strictly creative process I rarely find any kind of software better than pen-and-paper; but then, whatever I create, needs to be further developed in order for it to be usable by my collaborators and customers.
I have therefore turned to computers in order to be able to better _store_, _retrieve_ and _process_ the ideas and concepts that are in my head, as well as the diverse supporting information information required in my work.
Therefore, for me the most important features in the software I try out are, in order of preference:
1. Transparent operation
2. In-context information access; the ability to _associate_ related information, i.e. maps, outlines etc
3. Import/Export for information exchange between various tools, as well as to ensure availability of my data in the future.
Anybody else willing to share their list?
alx
My question is stimulated from Graham's remark that "MindMaps are good for many things and this is what i use most of the time, but it really depends on what you are trying to acheive"
To answer the question myself, when involved in a strictly creative process I rarely find any kind of software better than pen-and-paper; but then, whatever I create, needs to be further developed in order for it to be usable by my collaborators and customers.
I have therefore turned to computers in order to be able to better _store_, _retrieve_ and _process_ the ideas and concepts that are in my head, as well as the diverse supporting information information required in my work.
Therefore, for me the most important features in the software I try out are, in order of preference:
1. Transparent operation
2. In-context information access; the ability to _associate_ related information, i.e. maps, outlines etc
3. Import/Export for information exchange between various tools, as well as to ensure availability of my data in the future.
Anybody else willing to share their list?
alx
graham.smith
2/21/2005 3:43 pm
This is a bit difficult.
1. Function. It has got to give me the end product I am looking for. However, I would split my programs up into a) idea processing tools b) information management and analysis c) Information presentation. Obviously with many overlaps, but in general I prefer programs with a clear focus that do one or two things extremely well, rather than trying to do a bit of everything badly.
2. Simplicity and elegance. Complicated to explain this one, as it isn't necessarily "ease of use" Some programs I find just too complex to use. An example of this would be a program that has few or no keystokes and you are forced to go through several layers of menus to do simple tasks. Or you need about four rows of toolbar icons. I need to feel comfortable with a program.
3. Integration. I prefer not to enter data twice, and ideally there should be full synchronisation, but I am happy to import/export as long as it works properly.
Having said all that, I'm still not sure if I can answer your question without a great deal of thought.
Graham
1. Function. It has got to give me the end product I am looking for. However, I would split my programs up into a) idea processing tools b) information management and analysis c) Information presentation. Obviously with many overlaps, but in general I prefer programs with a clear focus that do one or two things extremely well, rather than trying to do a bit of everything badly.
2. Simplicity and elegance. Complicated to explain this one, as it isn't necessarily "ease of use" Some programs I find just too complex to use. An example of this would be a program that has few or no keystokes and you are forced to go through several layers of menus to do simple tasks. Or you need about four rows of toolbar icons. I need to feel comfortable with a program.
3. Integration. I prefer not to enter data twice, and ideally there should be full synchronisation, but I am happy to import/export as long as it works properly.
Having said all that, I'm still not sure if I can answer your question without a great deal of thought.
Graham
stephenz
2/21/2005 4:35 pm
The most important thing(s) for my information managers:
1. Transparent functioning is definitely critical, especially for creative processes... that is, the times I have to dredge thoughts, ideas and experience from the depths of my skull.
2. Flexibility in function; that is, not forcing one type of structure or organizing principle on my work.
3. Information transfer is also crucial... getting information in, stirring it up, and getting it back out again.
4. Reliability... how secure is my information? How stable is the developer creating the program? Do I have a sense that he/she/they will be around two years from now? Do I anticipate that the program will be improved on a regular basis?
5. Presentation... this is the real "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" attribute... How does it feel to use it? Does it make me feel in control of the information? Is it pleasing to look at day in and day out?
Come to think of it, I'm also looking for a girlfriend with most of these characteristics!
Steve Z.
1. Transparent functioning is definitely critical, especially for creative processes... that is, the times I have to dredge thoughts, ideas and experience from the depths of my skull.
2. Flexibility in function; that is, not forcing one type of structure or organizing principle on my work.
3. Information transfer is also crucial... getting information in, stirring it up, and getting it back out again.
4. Reliability... how secure is my information? How stable is the developer creating the program? Do I have a sense that he/she/they will be around two years from now? Do I anticipate that the program will be improved on a regular basis?
5. Presentation... this is the real "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" attribute... How does it feel to use it? Does it make me feel in control of the information? Is it pleasing to look at day in and day out?
Come to think of it, I'm also looking for a girlfriend with most of these characteristics!
Steve Z.
ureadit
2/21/2005 10:17 pm
Alex D., I fully agree with you. My brainstorming/conceptualizing, etc. pretty much occurs in my head. For me, a PIM,etc. is for storing and RETREIVING information easily and also hopefully for writing as well. GV let me do both. But now, I use a two-pane PIM for storing info, 'though this is not completely satisfactory. I use Ecco mainly for its calendar/appointment capability and some info storage, and I use WORD for writing.
To make the use of WORD a little less onerous, I created two custom toolbars, including some special functions (buttons), such as "Hang" and "Unhang" for manually creating outlines. Plus, I have MathType for equations. I probably should check out Inspiration's new and revised features.
-sc
To make the use of WORD a little less onerous, I created two custom toolbars, including some special functions (buttons), such as "Hang" and "Unhang" for manually creating outlines. Plus, I have MathType for equations. I probably should check out Inspiration's new and revised features.
-sc