Progressive Summarization

Summary

A note-taking technique developed by Forte Labs for creating discoverable and actionable notes through progressive layers of highlighting and summarization.

Core Content

The Technique

Progressive Summarization is a systematic approach to processing and organizing information for future retrieval. The method involves creating multiple layers of emphasis to highlight the most valuable insights within saved resources.

Implementation Steps

1. Create an Inbox System

Establish a dedicated inbox page as a parking spot for incoming notes and resources before they are processed and organized.

2. Capture Raw Content

Dump incoming resources directly into the inbox without initial filtering or organization. This preserves the information while deferring processing decisions.

3. First Layer: Bold the Best Parts

Read through saved resources and bold the most valuable and relevant sections. This creates the first layer of emphasis for future reference.

4. Second Layer: Highlight Top Selections

From the bolded sections, highlight only the most significant insights and actionable information. This creates a concentrated essence of the resource.

5. Third Layer: Executive Summary

For the most significant and insightful resources, write a brief executive summary at the top of the page. This provides instant access to key takeaways without re-reading the entire resource.

6. Project Integration

When working on specific projects, create linked databases with appropriate filters to surface only relevant resources. This maintains separation while enabling focused access to pertinent information.

Benefits

Applications

Connections