Notes that contain one idea, or represent one concept.
Atomic Notes are artifacts of a specific style of notetaking - the Slip-Box Method. It stands in opposition to the most common form of notetaking - longform notes.
Atomic Notes contain one idea, or represent one concept. They range in length from one sentence, to a couple of paragraphs with some associated examples. They are uniquely identified so they can be referenced from one-another.
There is no “exactly right” way to do Atomic Notetaking. Keep thoughts small enough so they can be clearly referenced, and keep them self-contained so they can be understood in a vacuum.
Benefits of Atomic Notes over Longform
- Each note is small enough to be quickly reviewed. One of the 6 Information Mapping Principles.
- Each note is self-contained & can be understood without suffering Context Loading
- Notes can be built like Lego into something bigger.
- See Standardization Enables Creativity