Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) & GTD in Org-mode Project
This file outlines the project to design, implement, and document a comprehensive, integrated workflow for Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) and GTD using Org-mode, with the ultimate output being an agent skill.
Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) & GTD in Org-mode Project
Goal:* To design, implement, and document a comprehensive, integrated workflow for Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) (knowledge management) and Getting Things Done (GTD - task management) using Org-mode. The ultimate output of this project will be an agent skill.*
Key Integrations:*
- Emacs:* Primary access and powerful Org-mode features.
- Android Tools:* Ensure seamless access and functionality via Markor and Orgzly (revived).
Strategic Importance:* This system will become the primary coordination method for our work, outside of direct chat communication. It will centralize task tracking, knowledge capture, and project management.
Workflow Details & Current Setup (as provided by Amr):*
- Org-mode File Front Matter:* For each Org-mode file, there must be a basic front matter. At minimum, this must include a `#+TITLE:`, an `#+AUTHOR:`, and a `#+CREATED:` date. Short descriptive comments within a `#+BEGIN_COMMENT` / `#+END_COMMENT` block are also highly recommended.
- Inbox File:* `memex/inbox.org`. All new captured items will go here. No other files in the inbox collection are to be used for general inbox capture.
-
GTD.org Structure:* Contains four top-level `*` headings:
- `* Actions`: For standalone actionable items.
- `* Projects`: Contains `*` headers for each project, with `***` headers for actionable items within those projects.
- `* Incubate`: For placeholders for future projects.
- `* Habits`: Tracks recurring personal habits, potentially to be used as a heartbeat for the new AI agent.
- :CREATED: Property:* All items in `memex/inbox.org` and `GTD.org` must include a `:CREATED:` property in their `:PROPERTIES:` drawer. The date format is `[YYYY-MM-DD Day HH:MM]`.
- :LOGBOOK: Drawer:* All task items must include a `:LOGBOOK:` drawer AFTER the `:PROPERTIES:` drawer (not nested inside). State changes are logged as `- State "NEW" from "OLD" [timestamp]`. This tracks the full history of state transitions for each task.
- Org-Todo States:* Items will use the following `org-todo` keywords to indicate status: `NEXT`, `TODO`, `WAIT`, `DONE`, `CNCL`. It is understood that these states are used to make tasks appear in Amr's Emacs and Orgzly agendas, serving as a direct mechanism for communicating required actions.
- Authorship & Assignment:* Confirmed use of `:AUTHOR:` (for original creator) and `:ASSIGNED:` (for current responsible individual). It is noted that filtering by `:ASSIGNED:` is possible in Emacs, with potential uncertainties for Orgzly.
-
User Interaction Requirements (Emacs, Orgzly, Markor):*
- Ability to follow status of actionable items in Org-zly and Emacs agendas.
- Ability to read and write Org-mode files in Emacs and Markor.
- Ability to find out and manipulate `TODO` items in Org-zly and Emacs agendas.
- Agent-User Coordination Mechanism:* The agent will place items requiring Amr's attention as `TODO` (general planned items) and `NEXT` (immediate, high-priority actions) in his agenda.
- Automatic `NEXT` Promotion:* A critical feature to integrate is the automatic promotion of a `TODO` item to `NEXT` in `org-gtd` once the preceding `NEXT` item (within a sequential Project) is marked `DONE`. This behavior specifically applies to interdependent or sequential items that constitute a `Project`. Standalone `NEXT` items (e.g., under `* Actions`) are `NEXT` by default and do not trigger subsequent promotions. This behavior must be accounted for in the agent skill.
Initial Scope:*
- Ensure all items I create or modify adhere strictly to the `:CREATED:` property format and `org-todo` states.
- Implement the proposed `:AUTHOR:` and `:ASSIGNED:` properties for collaborative items.
- Defining specific Org-mode structures for Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) notes (unique IDs, linking, tags), building upon existing GTD structure.
- Establishing workflows for daily capture, processing, and review aligned with Amr's system.
- Exploring and configuring Markor and Orgzly for optimal mobile interaction with Org files.
- Documenting the entire workflow for clarity and ease of use.
Information Needed from Amr:*
- Confirmation or modification of the proposed `:AUTHOR:` and `:ASSIGNEE:` properties (e.g., preferred format for names, single vs. multiple assignees).
- Specific requirements or desired features for mobile access/editing with tools like Markor and Orgzly.
- Your vision for how this system will function as our "main coordination method"* in practice.
- Any existing Org-mode Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) practices you currently use or prefer.
Next Steps:*
- Gather Amr's current practices and specific requirements.
- Begin outlining core Org-mode structures for both Atomic Notes (Zettelkasten) and GTD.
- Research best practices for mobile Org-mode synchronization and editing with Markor/Orgzly.