Visual Zettelkasten  ## Metadata - Author: [[Zsolt's Visual Personal Knowledge Management]] - Full Title: Visual Zettelkasten - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #zettelkasten - #visualthinking - #obsidian Author: Jolt (YouTube Creator) Source: Visual Zettelkasten (YouTube Video) Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g date created: 2025-08-23 23:59 --- # 🎨 Visual Zettelkasten: Blending Slip Box Note-Taking with Visual Thinking ## 📑 Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary The video introduces **Visual Zettelkasten**, a modern spin on the traditional Zettelkasten method of knowledge organization. By leveraging tools like **Obsidian with Excalidraw and Excalibrain**, the creator shows how drawings and permanent notes can exist in the **same file**, essentially "flipping" a library card between a visual and text-based side. This reduces friction, eliminates redundant notes/images, and strengthens interconnections between ideas. --- ## 📖 Main Content The Zettelkasten method, historically rooted in academic research, revolves around atomic, interconnected notes. Visual Zettelkasten adapts this for daily personal knowledge management by embedding **visual thinking directly into the slip box system**. Key innovations: - Drawings stored directly in Markdown docs. - Switching between Excalidraw (visual view) and Markdown (note view). - Images and permanent notes merged into **a single unified note**. - Cleaner references in Obsidian’s Excalibrain, avoiding unnecessary linking overhead. - Tagging and style features in Excalibrain allow multiple identities (drawing + permanent note). This shift mirrors how people naturally think—visually and textually—making knowledge management more intuitive and sustainable. ### 🗒️ Notes - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=4): Defines Zettelkasten as interconnected atomic notes. - [02:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=150): Excalidraw + Markdown merge like flipping a library card. - [04:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=286): Example—myelination visual explains deep work’s effect on learning. - [07:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=426): Excalibrain adds primary tags + multiple identity icons. - [09:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=569): Permanent notes embedded in same doc as drawing—cleaner linking. - [11:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=718): Double Bubble Map example—recursive referencing, avoids infinite loops. - [14:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=870): One file = both note + image in Excalibrain. - [16:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g&t=1014): Configurable style tags → flexible representations in PKM system. --- ## 📖 References - Niklas Luhmann, *Zettelkasten Method* (academic origins). - Obsidian PKM tool: https://obsidian.md - Excalidraw + Excalibrain plugins. --- ## 🗣️ Paraphrase 1. Original: *“Drawings stored in Markdown let you flip between Excalidraw and text view, like two sides of a library card.”* Paraphrase: Visual Zettelkasten treats each note like a card with two sides—textual notes on one, visual sketches on the other—seamlessly interchangeable in Obsidian. 2. Original: *“Instead of separate notes for images and permanent records, both live in the same file, making references cleaner and navigation easier.”* Paraphrase: Combining visuals and notes into one document reduces redundancy and simplifies cross-linking, streamlining the knowledge graph. --- ## 📰 Newsletter 🗂️ **Visual Thinking Meets Zettelkasten** A fresh take on note-taking is here: **Visual Zettelkasten**. Instead of juggling separate notes and images, Obsidian users can now merge **Excalidraw sketches with Markdown notes**—literally two sides of the same card. This approach keeps references tidy, builds cleaner knowledge graphs, and makes thinking feel natural for those who process visually. 🔗 Try Excalidraw + Excalibrain: [Obsidian Plugins](https://obsidian.md) --- ## ✅ Action Items - Position Visual Zettelkasten as **educational scaffolding** for PKM newcomers. - Teach contributors how visual workflows can support **open-source documentation clarity**. - Explore use of visual thinking in **WordPress contributor onboarding**. - Align with OSPO goals: **accessibility, inclusivity, and diverse learning styles** in community education. --- ## 🧪 Hypotheses - H1: Combining visual + textual notes increases retention and comprehension. - H2: Unified files reduce redundancy and navigation errors. - H3: Visual workflows attract neurodiverse learners into PKM ecosystems. ### 📊 Methodology - A/B testing: visual vs. text-only Zettelkasten setups. - User interviews with academic vs. non-academic note-takers. - Graph analysis of Obsidian vaults (density of connections). ### ❓ Questions - Does merging visuals + notes lower cognitive friction? - How do different user groups (academics vs. creators) adopt visual Zettelkasten? - Could this model apply to **WordPress contributor docs**? ### 🔮 Future Research - Integration of **AI-generated sketches** into Zettelkasten workflows. - Testing visual note-taking in **team vs. solo environments**. - Longitudinal studies of productivity + recall improvement. ### 💡 Implications - Could reshape contributor documentation practices. - May improve accessibility for **neurodiverse contributors**. - Enhances teaching of complex technical concepts via hybrid methods. --- ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment - **Visual**: Strong—sketches central. - **Aural**: Weak—add audio summaries. - **Verbal**: Present—Markdown notes provide rich text. - **Physical**: Limited—recommend adding guided exercises. - **Logical**: Moderate—concept webs exist, but could add data flow charts. - **Social**: Weak—encourage group vaults. - **Solitary**: Strong—journaling/reflection natural. - **Naturalistic**: Missing—no real-world analogies. --- ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment - **Screen Reader**: Visuals need alt-text. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Obsidian supports it, but plugin use varies. - **Contrast/Readability**: Plugin UIs could improve high-contrast support. - **Text Resizing**: Works in Markdown, less so in drawings—needs scaling support. --- ## 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) Assessment - **Cultural Relevance**: Limited to PKM community—expand globally. - **Inclusive Language**: Neutral, but highly technical. - **Neurodiversity Support**: Strong potential via visuals. - **Representation**: Not addressed—opportunity to diversify examples. - **Psychological Safety**: Supportive tone, community workshop advertised. --- ## ✅ Logical Validity - **Strengths**: - Causal reasoning: visuals aid retention. - Balanced: acknowledges traditional vs. new workflows. - **Weaknesses**: - Occasional hasty generalizations (e.g., “visual Zettelkasten is always better”). - **Tone**: Friendly, instructive, experimental. --- ## 🔍 DARVO Analysis - **Deny**: No denial present. - **Attack**: None. - **Reverse Victim/Offender**: Not applicable. **Conclusion**: No DARVO tactics, content is educational. --- ## 🔍 SEO Evaluation - **Keywords**: Present (“Visual Zettelkasten,” “Obsidian,” “Excalidraw”). - **Meta Description**: Missing → recommend 150-character summary. - **Headers**: Video lacks structured headers, markdown recap fixes it. - **Content Length**: Video long enough, recap expanded. - **Links**: Add cross-lin - Summary: Visual Zettelkasten is a concept that combines slip box note taking with visual thinking. It is a note taking and knowledge organization system that originated in the early 20th century. The author struggled with adapting and benefiting from traditional Zettelkasten in their daily note taking routine until they discovered Excalidraw, which provides a more natural approach to Zettelkasten. By using Excalidraw, the author can create visual representations of ideas that serve as interconnected atomic visual permanent notes. The author provides examples of how they implemented this new approach and highlights the benefits of using visual thinking in note taking. - URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNHkCLsp3g hey everyone it's jolt here in this video I want to share my latest take on visual zle Casten a concept that blends the power of slip boox note taking with visual thinking but before we dive in let's quickly revisit what zetel Casten is all about zetel Casten is a note taking and knowledge organization system it has its roots dating back to the early 20th century pioneered by Oto F noira and Paul otlet it gained popularity through the work of academics such as Nicholas Luman and more recently Zen irin essentially it's a system designed to structure and connect ideas breaking complex Research into a web of interconnected Atomic notes lum's approach involved using library cards to capture what people in the PKM Community often refer to as permanent notes he numbered these cards based on their research topic and sequential order then stored them in a slip box zettle Casten as traditionally known is tailored toward academic work however as someone not involved in Academia I've struggled with adapting to and benefiting from zetel Casten in my daily note taking routine until recently creating a permanent note felt like an extra step in my workflow I'd read a book process my literature notes add illustrations to capture key ideas and only when I felt something was truly insightful I'd create a permanent note in my slip boox system referencing the source and including my illustration it was while reflecting on a comment from one of my recent videos the idea mixer that something clicked a Vier suggested I should have named it visual zle Casten this comment sparked a revelation exol draw in obsidian provides a much more natural approach to zetel Casten compared to my previous experiments one that aligns with my thinking process more seamlessly in the exol Dr plugin drawings are stored in markdown documents each drawing comes with two views the excal dra View and the markdown view allowing you to seamlessly merge drawings with your underlying notes switching between excal View and markdown view feels like utilizing both sides of a library card mirroring Lance approach when I read something or take notes I create create simple visual representations of the ideas I encounter because creating these visuals help me understand the ideas better this is the way I think and here's the Eureka moment these Atomic visuals are in essence already zetto cast notes themselves no need to craft a separate note and attach my illustrations all that's required is flipping the library card by switching to markdown View mode where I can add my zle casting links and references and the illustration I created to digest a concept becomes an interconnected Atomic visual permanent note in my slip boox system now let's delve into some examples to test out this new approach I converted my zetto Custer notes about the eight thinking maps by David and Hurley I'll walk you through my restructured notes demonstrating some of the cool excal draw and new excal brain features along the way but before we dive into the implementation and explanation I'd like to mention that the visual thinking Workshop cohort 6 is just around the corner scheduled from November 4th to December 9th if you're eager to explore visual thinking in more depth please accept my invitation to join me in this Workshop to help you understand what has changed in my thinking let me first show you how I did permanent notes until now what you see here on screen are my literature notes for deep work by call Newport and you can see I have lots of highlights as well as here and there I have images to capture key ideas in my literature notes let's take for example myelination for myelination I created this drawing to capture the essence of what I've read in the book that deep work helps you quickly learn hard things and there's an anatomical reason for that and you can see here that I explain how a neuron looks like as well as I have some quotes from the book now I use the exact same image on my book on a page for the perk and you can see here I have my neuron right here as well as because I thought that this idea was super important I also created a permanent note about this and you can see here again I have the same image referenced about my lination plus I have some other thoughts here as well now if we look at this permanent note in exol brain then you will see here that my permanent note a belongs to a map of content here but more more importantly I want to bring your attention here that it links to this idea of mation so the permanent note itself is a separate document from my image and if I click on the image then I can see that my image links to my permanent note up here but also links to my book on the page and links to other documents these are all the places where I reused this image including my literature notes but also some other documents as well now let's look at how this changes with my new approach so now I'm going to look at the eight thinking maps as an example and this is also a permanent note so if I bring up exol brain again then you can see here from the icons that this is a permanent note because this icon is my permanent note icon and this is my exol draw icon so I know that this is a drawing that's a permanent note at the same time by the way the newest release of EXC colrain comes with this additional feature that you can Define which tag is the primary type of the document and you can also configure xol brain to display multiple icons prefixes if you have documents that have multiple types you can include that in your drawing but now let's look under the hood of the eight thinking maps first so if I open the eight thinking maps I can switch to markdown view by clicking here open as markdown document and then I switch over to the markdown view you can see that on the flip side the other side of the drawing I have a similar permanent note as I had previously first I can also show you that this is the note type that this is a zle cast and permanent note and that's why this was displayed as a permanent note as well as I have my excal draw tag here that's why it was also an excal draw document in my excal brain view but you can also see that I have my entire not right here so this is my normal permanent note you can see my related quotes and you can see everything here up till the text elements and this is what you need to understand so let me just for one second open how the back side of myelination looks like so if I come here to myelination and again I'm going to open this as a markdown document you can see here that I have my front matter here so don't change this but between the front matter and between text elements I can write whatever I want here and exol draw is going to preserve that so anything above text elements and below the front matter is open territory that's the backside of your note card and this is how I use it so in case of the a thinking maps I simply moved my permanent note template to the back side of my drawing and this way my drawing is a drawing in the permanent note at the same time sort of like flipping the document or flipping the library card around on one hand side I have the drawing that I use as my permanent note on the other hand side I have all my notes and links and references that also make up my permanent note now if I take a look at this in exol brain then you can see here that indeed so this is a permanent note and a drawing and then I have all the eight thinking maps as a child of this core permanent note about the eight thinking maps and for example if I click on the double bubble map then you can see here that that this permanent note the double bubble map links directly to a number of other items in My Vault and the point I want to highlight is in all of these cases instead of linking to a separate image that links so again let's just for one second come back here and switch over to my mation example so if I open the myelination example then you can see here that in case of my permanent note on my lination or the idea of deep work being a crucial component for learning hard things faster in this case the links are not to my permanent note but to the image and in terms of navigation in terms of connecting ideas there's an additional bridge that actually in my mind hinders this connection so just again let's look at the excal brain View for the double bubble map this is a much cleaner View and it's cleaner because I don't have a separate image that is linked in my permanent note but my image is the permanent note and just again to show you how it looks like so if I flip my library card and open the double bubble map in markdown View mode then you can see it here that I have my normal permanent note here now I want to show you two interesting features of this document the first feature is I have this idea section here and under it if you notice I actually have the same drawing and this is sort of an infinite Loop because within my double bubble map excolo drawing on the flip side of the card I have a note which reference is this but because this is an image it doesn't become this infinite Loop but it will just display the image let me show you what I mean by an infinite Loop so here if I would click on Untitled and add Untitled here again then you can see that obsidian actually stops after the fifth recursion but you see that this is recursive in this case because I'm referencing an image within a markdown document the image is processed differently by exol and here I get the image why would I want to include the image here within in the image that's because I can also reference so now if I take my double bubble map permanent note and I want to reference it in a document so let's take this Untitled so I can simply reference it like this I can include the image and then I have the image right here but in the way I configured my permanent note because I have the idea section if now I reference the idea section as I embedd it then I get the idea section and again because I reference the image inside the note I get the image here as well in my permanent notes I have this idea section because for me this is the best way to reference an idea this is the summary that I can reuse and it has all the details I want and the beauty of all of this is I don't have a separate image and a permanent note it's all the same file so let me just again open exol brain and show you how Untitled looks like so Untitled has a single document attached which is the double bubble map and there is no separate image attachment the double bubble map is a permanent note and an image at the same time now as a final Point let me just show you this new feature in EXC brain that allows you to have multiple tags on an image and that allows you to Define what's the note type so now if I come back again to my double bubble map image right here you will see that I have this data view tag here called note type and whatever I place in the note type that is going to be the primary look and feel of the image so now if I delete this field from here and I type my primary note type to be exol draw and now I switch back to exol brain then you will see that the style of the note has changed because it's primarily a drawing and as a secondary it is a permanent note if now I switch this around and I delete excetra I don't need it here because I have exol draw here in my front matter I add not type my zle cast and permanent note I come back to EXC colrain and I can see that this is a permanent note that is at the same time an excolo drawing just to show you how to configure this in plug-in settings if I open exol Brain settings I can scroll down all the way to styling and here under styling you will find two new settings one is you can set the name of the style tag field so by default it's note type and then you can also configure whether to display all the style tags so if I turn this off off and I come back to look at this note then you will see that from now on this is only a permanent note and the exol dra tag disappeared from here so hopefully that gets the idea across that in this case I have my permanent note on the back side of my drawing and it's one and the same file and by having it in one and the same file my reference to this idea are much cleaner much easier to follow up in my world if you're keen on exploring this idea further I recommend checking out my video on breaking down ideas using the deconstruct script in xol raw let me conclude with a few additional thoughts on the visual thinking Workshop this Workshop offers a unique opportunity to refine your summarization skills problem solving abilities and big picture thinking it revolves around unlocking your brain's visual processing potential to enhance creativity and understanding whether you're a professional a student or someone looking to boost creativity this Workshop can revolutionalize how you process and connect visual ideas it encompasses online class sessions office hours access to valueable resources such as the demo obsidian Vault and a supportive community so that wraps up our discussion on visual zle casting and the upcoming visual thinking Workshop thank you for tuning in and I'm super excited to explore this visual thinking concept and journey with you don't forget to check the workshop details in the video description below thank you, Visual Zettelkasten, Zsolt's Visual Personal Knowledge Management, 01hcfcqtk48wvnkkfm70b998b3.