I believe in keeping things simple. If I'm out and I need to quickly jot a note using my smartphone it is generally for one of two purposes:
1 to remind me to do something.
2 to record a piece of information that I will need again at a later date.
In both these scenarios I need the note to quickly and seamlessly integrate into my organisation system. Too many different places for storing this kind of information is a guaranteed way to forget something. I have not, therefore, found a use for a dedicated note taking app.
If the note I need is to remind me to do something it goes straight into my task management app. If the information is something relevant to a meeting or other scheduled event, it goes straight into the notes section of the appointment on my calendar app. If it is reference material for any other purpose I find it best to email myself the information. From there I can file it properly when I process my email (an essential regular habit). It can go into the appropriate email folder, I can print it out and add it to a physical file, or I can store it whatever other place is going to be the best end point for the information.
Where the information ends up is much more important that what I used to record it. This means the method of recording it needs to be simple, quick, and easy to integrate within other systems. While I've seen a lot of cool functionality on note taking apps each one I've tried seems to be adding another step or another whole system into my existing system, therefore complicating things instead of streamlining.
Whether using pen and paper, one of the strategies I've mentioned here, or a note taking app if you still prefer, the important thing is that the information gets into your system quickly and seamlessly.
How do you best capture thoughts or information on the go?
