PersonalBrain is a current focus of mine. Discussions in the user forum have led me to the identification of a number of emerging patterns. Here is a copy of a post I just made to that forum.
In the last couple of months, conversation in the forum has moved from how to use and install the PersonalBrain (PB) software into a higher level of conversation about how to structure and manage brains. A number of patterns for use have emerged that bring great power to users. To date most of the patterns revolve around workflow, however it is likely we will find patterns around organisation and categorisation develop as well.
I would like to put forward a list of patterns that I have seen so that we can recognise, enhance and document them. Naming patterns gives them identity and will make it easier for us to talk about them.
I will not document the patterns here, but instead describe them. This is the start of a process. I have named them using WikiNotation as I believe it is a great way to identify such objects.
WORKFLOW PATTERNS
a) IsolatedBrain – Create a working brain outside of your knowledge brain as ideas develop and integrate it later.
b) IntegratedBrain – Your master brain. Contains all knowledge of value. This is where you bring together IsolatedBrains
c) BrainStorm – This pattern describes how to brainstorm ideas into PB and relate them to a thought. This pattern is described in steps 1-3 of this document.
d) ResearchThought – This pattern describes how to research and tie new material into a brain. It is described in step 4 of this document.
e) TextChunk – This pattern describes how to manage text chunks in a brain for consolidation into a book or paper. It is described on http://textchunk.info (link defunct).
f) PresentationBrain – This pattern describes how to use the brain to create and deliver presentations. It is described on http://personalbrain.info
g) ThinkTank – This pattern describes how to manage thoughts one comes across during the day.
h) MyHappiness – This pattern describes how to keep track of personal goals.
i) IWant – This pattern desribes a sentence like structure for navigation.
ONTOLOGY PATTERNS
See this document for a list of seven patterns. Additionally I’m developing further one of the type ideas previously discussed in the forums and will provide examples when done (too early to describe now). Dr Elwyn Jenkins may be able to pull out some other ideas from his work
