Networked Thinking

The official companion vault for "Networked Thinking" (launching 2026). It's a complete, working implementation of the methodology with examples of every component you'll read about in the book.

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Why This System?

The Problem with Traditional Knowledge Management

Most knowledge management systems fail because they optimize for collecting rather than understanding. Tags proliferate into chaos. Folders force artificial hierarchies on networked information. You save everything but understand nothing. Even sophisticated systems like Zettelkasten need adaptation for our digital, AI-enhanced world.

The Networked Thinking Solution

This methodology addresses these fundamental issues through three core practices:

1. Curate: Practice selective capture based on clear criteria. Not everything deserves to be saved. Our 5W framework (What for? Why now? What else? Who from? Where to?) ensures each piece of information earns its place through genuine utility.
2. Connect: Build explicit relationships between ideas using aliases, backlinks, and structure notes. Knowledge forms networks, not hierarchies. Multiple pathways to the same concept mirror how memory works and how AI processes information.
3. Cultivate: Maintain a living system through consistent practices. Notes evolve as understanding deepens. Connections strengthen through use. The system becomes more valuable over time through active tending.

What's Included

This vault contains working examples of every component described in the "Networked Thinking" book. You can examine how each piece works, use them as templates, and adapt them to your needs.

Complete and Ready to Use

• 14 Atomic Notes: Demonstrating single-concept clarity with the DAE framework (Definition-Analogy-Example)
• 3 Structure Notes: Showing how to organize and navigate knowledge networks
  • Networked Thinking System (main methodology hub)
  • Thinking and Learning (cognitive tools and memory)
  • System Design (architecture principles)
• 12 Templates: For consistent note creation across all types
  • Atomic Note (standard and Anki versions)
  • Daily Note, Weekly Review, Quarterly Review, Meeting Note
  • Decision Template
  • Reference Note, Structure Note, Person Note
  • Vocabulary Note, General Note
• 1 Reference Note: "How to Take Smart Notes" fully processed and linked
• AI Prompt Library (starter): Initial prompt for atomic note generation
• Core Folder Structure: Organized for both human navigation and AI compatibility
• Workflow Examples: Sample daily notes (5), weekly reviews, and meeting notes demonstrating capture and reflection practices
• Sample Person Notes: 3 person profile examples (Carl Sagan, Grace Hopper, and starter template)

Coming Soon

• Additional Vocabulary Entries: Language learning and pronunciation examples
• AI Integration Guide: Extended prompt library and workflows for AI-assisted knowledge work
• Advanced Techniques: Cross-domain linking, emergence patterns

Five Principles for Human-AI Collaboration

1. Atomic thinking with consistent structure: One idea per note with internal organization supporting both human understanding and machine parsing
2. Selective curation using explicit criteria: Information must be worth your future self's time
3. Explicit connections through aliases and links: Relationships between ideas must be visible and navigable
4. Natural language for broad accessibility: Clear writing that humans understand is what AI systems can process
5. Evolution through active maintenance: Notes should reflect growing understanding, not remain static

Getting Started

1. Install Obsidian: Download the free, local-first knowledge management app.
2. Get the vault (choose one option):
   • Option A: Use GitHub Template (recommended if you want version control)
     1. Click the green "Use this template" button at the top of the GitHub repository
     2. Create your own repository from this template
     3. Clone your new repository to your local machine
     4. Benefits: Full git history, easy updates, your own version control
   • Option B: Download from Releases
     1. Visit the Releases section
     2. Download the latest release ZIP file
     3. Extract to your desired location
     4. Benefits: Simple file access, no git required, just download and go
3. Open the folder as a vault in Obsidian: Select File → Open Vault → Choose the networked-thinking folder.
4. Read GETTING-STARTED.md: Overview of the vault structure, folders, templates, and linking mechanics.

Vault Structure

networked-thinking/
├── Atomic Notes/          # Single-concept notes (YYYYMMDDHHMM format)
├── Structure Notes/       # Topic maps and navigation hubs
├── Reference Notes/       # Literature notes from external sources
├── Templates/            # Consistent starting points
├── Inbox/               # Capture before curation
├── Reviews/             # Daily, weekly, quarterly reflections
├── Projects/            # Active project documentation
├── People/              # Individual profiles and connections
├── Meetings/            # Meeting notes and decisions
├── Places and Things/   # Location and object references (optional)
├── Vocabulary Notes/    # Language learning and pronunciation (optional)
├── Prompts/             # AI workflows for recurring tasks
└── Attachments/         # Images and supporting files

Key Features

• Timestamp-based naming: Every atomic note uses YYYYMMDDHHMM format to ensure uniqueness and chronological ordering.
• Consistent note structure: Templates provide reliable starting points for processing information across all note types.
• Multiple navigation paths: Find information through aliases, tags, backlinks, and structure notes instead of rigid hierarchies.
• Minimal plugin dependencies: The system works with core Obsidian features for long-term sustainability and portability.
• Git-friendly plain text: All notes are markdown files that work seamlessly with version control and collaboration tools.
• AI-compatible structure: Consistent formatting and explicit connections enable AI tools to navigate and enhance your knowledge system.

Philosophy

This system works because it aligns with cognitive science research on how humans process and retain information. When you write in your own words, create explicit connections, and regularly review and refine, you engage the mechanisms that create lasting understanding.

The AI compatibility isn't coincidental. Large language models process information through patterns and relationships—exactly what this methodology makes explicit. Your knowledge system becomes a thinking partner that both you and AI tools can navigate effectively.

Learn More

• Book: "Networked Thinking" by Jason Gilbertson and Terri Yeh launches in 2026.
• Contact: Email [email protected] or [email protected] for early access or questions.
• Updates: Star this repository to receive notifications when new features and workflow examples are added.

License

This vault template is released under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. You're free to use, modify, and share with attribution.

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Note: This is an active project. Star the repository to be notified when workflow examples and AI integration guides are added.