"Seeing Like an Algorithm — Remains of the Day: Zettelkasten — How One German Scholar Was So Freakishly Productive"

"Seeing Like an Algorithm — Remains of the Day: Zettelkasten — How One German Scholar Was So Freakishly Productive"

In today's digital age, understanding how algorithms work is crucial, even if you're not particularly interested in platforms like TikTok. The reality is that companies across all industries are increasingly relying on machine learning algorithms to gain a competitive advantage. While many experts doubt that TikTok has made groundbreaking advances in machine learning recommendations algorithms, it's important to recognize that the effectiveness of an algorithm depends not only on its design but also on the dataset it is trained on.

One of the key factors that sets TikTok apart is its closed loop of feedback, which facilitates the creation and viewing of videos that can be used to train its algorithm. From the moment a video begins playing, every action you take, every gesture you make, is a signal that helps the algorithm understand your sentiment towards that video. TikTok's operations team even adds relevant tags or labels to videos before they are sent to users, further enhancing the algorithm's understanding.

This emphasis on algorithm-friendly design is something that all app designers should consider. By prioritizing the needs of the algorithm, designers can ultimately serve their users better. However, this does not mean creating a user-hostile experience. It simply requires a different approach that aligns with the algorithm's goals while still helping users achieve their desired outcomes.

Interestingly, this concept of aligning design elements with a single purpose and goal is not unique to TikTok. In fact, it can be seen in another realm of productivity: the Zettelkasten method. This method, pioneered by a German scholar named Luhmann, involves organizing and connecting notes in a web-like structure, allowing for the creation of a vast network of ideas.

Traditionally, note-taking systems relied on folders or tags to categorize information. However, this approach often led to silos of disconnected ideas and made it difficult to draw connections between unrelated topics. Luhmann's solution was to go beyond tags and create a web of interconnected notes. By linking notes together, ideas become entities that are woven into a larger network, enhancing the system's effectiveness as more ideas are added.

The power of the Zettelkasten lies in its ability to provide surprising answers to questions, even if the user no longer remembers the specific notes they added. This is because the interconnectedness of ideas in the Zettelkasten allows for unexpected connections to emerge. Numerous studies have shown that non-linear note-taking strategies, such as concept maps or graphs, promote better learning outcomes and enhance information organization and recall.

To make the most of a Zettelkasten, it's important to follow certain practices. First, always link your notes to existing ones. Avoid isolated notes that have no connections. Second, explain why you are linking notes to provide context and clarity. Third, create connection notes that explicitly link and explain the relationships between other notes. Finally, never delete old notes; instead, create new notes that address any issues or updates related to the old ones.

The Zettelkasten method embodies the idea that creativity is about connecting ideas. Every novel idea is essentially a remix of previous concepts. Just as TikTok's algorithm benefits from a closed loop of feedback and training, the Zettelkasten thrives on the intermingling of ideas to generate new insights and connections.

In conclusion, whether it's designing algorithm-friendly apps or adopting the Zettelkasten method, the key is to recognize the power of connections. By understanding how algorithms "see" and by organizing and connecting our ideas, we can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to implement:

1. Prioritize the needs of the algorithm in app design: Consider how your app's features and user interface can enhance the algorithm's understanding and accuracy. This approach may require a different perspective on reducing friction and serving the user's interests.

2. Embrace the Zettelkasten method for personal knowledge management: Create a web of interconnected notes to organize and connect your ideas. By linking notes and fostering connections, you can tap into the compound effect of knowledge growth and uncover surprising insights.

3. Foster non-linear note-taking strategies: Move away from linear recording and embrace non-linear strategies like concept maps and graphs. These strategies promote better learning outcomes and improve information organization and recall.

By integrating these practices into our digital experiences and personal knowledge management systems, we can harness the power of connections to enhance productivity, creativity, and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.