Chapter 9 - A framework for sticky note information management

Abstract

This chapter examines how sticky notes can be used for information management, beyond the writing or drawing of informational content on the notes themselves. Based on a field study at an international design company, we present the 4C framework – a framework for analyzing how the physical aspects of sticky notes can be used for information management: Through the physical process of writing or drawing sticky note content, through the physical characteristics of sticky notes themselves, through the spatial configuration of sticky notes in relation to other sticky notes, and through the physical context in which the sticky notes are placed. To demonstrate the 4C framework, we present analysis of three examples of sticky note clusters, and follow our analysis with a discussion of the insights gained by doing so, the challenges faced in building the framework, and the strengths and limitations of the framework.