← Notes
The Compass of Zettelkasten
The Compass of Zettelkasten is a method for exploring ideas by placing one idea (X) in the center and using four compass directions to give definition to the idea in different ways.
The Method
- Take one idea (X) and put it in the centre
- Imagine the four compass directions. Each direction helps give definition to the idea in different ways.
NORTH: “Where does X come from?”
- What are its origins?
- What group/category does X belong to?
- What exists an order of magnitude higher?
- Zoom out. What gave birth to X?
- What causes X?
WEST: “What is similar to X?”
- What other disciplines could X already exist in?
- What other disciplines could benefit from X?
- What are other ways to say/do X?
SOUTH: “Where can X lead to?”
- What does X contribute to?
- What group/category could X be the headline of?
- What exists an order of magnitude lower?
- Zoom in. What does X nurture?
EAST: “What competes with X?”
- What is the opposite of X?
- What is X missing?
- Its disadvantage?
- What could supercharge X?
Sources
- The Essence of the Zettelkasten Method
- Video by Vicky Zhao — introduction to the method
Related Concepts
- [[Digital Garden]] — personal knowledge management system
- [[Digital Garden Workflow]] — systematic approach to note-taking
- [[Scenius]] — exploring connections between ideas
Source: The Essence of the Zettelkasten Method, introduced via Vicky Zhao’s video