Note-taking advice from a pro

The thing about note-taking, or any other productivity advice, is that it often comes from self-proclaimed “productivity experts”. People who rarely know any other work than writing or making YouTube videos about productivity.

Andy Matuschak puts it well:

Most people who write about note-taking don’t seem particularly accomplished in their own fields, whatever those may be. In fact, most such writers aren’t applying their notes to some exogenous creative problem: their primary creative work is writing about productivity. These writers offer advice on note-taking to help scientists and executives with the challenges of their work, but the advice was developed in a context disconnected from those external realities.

Following that kind of guidance may make your notes feel more organized, but whether it makes you more productive and better at your job — that’s a different question entirely. (And the answer is often “no.”)

So here’s something different. Tim Cain, game director of the original Fallout (and other legendary games), sharing his note-taking process — drawing from decades of experience of taking notes in meetings, taking design notes, keeping an idea journal, work journal – in "real work" context! It’s worth your time:

To me, this was incredibly helpful. I've started writing again my work journal with Tim’s advice in mind. It’s been only a few days, but I can already see that it improves my work as an Associate Director at my day job.

I’m so glad I discovered Tim’s channel (YouTube suggested it after watching the Fallout tv show, not creepy at all). It’s great if you’re interested in game design, gaming industry, working in a team, or leading a team (or you just like Fallout and want to hear some anecdotes). Tim openly shares his expertise in all that. I highly recommend it!