Tech Journalist Builds Productivity System in Google Keep

Dhruv Bhutani, a seasoned tech journalist, has developed a streamlined productivity system using Google Keep, an app he consistently prefers over other note-taking tools. His system is built on three layers: labels for broad categorization, keywords and search for specific details, and pinned notes for active tasks. Bhutani’s approach allows him to manage everything from article ideas to personal tasks efficiently, all within Google Keep’s simple interface.

The first layer of Bhutani’s system involves using labels to organize notes by purpose, such as work, personal tasks, or video ideas for his YouTube channel. This helps keep related information together. The second layer relies on Keep’s search functionality, which allows him to find notes by any word in the text, including words within images thanks to Google’s OCR technology. The final layer uses pinned notes to highlight tasks he’s actively working on, like grocery lists, which are unpinned once completed.

Beyond these core layers, Bhutani also uses colors for visual organization, checklists for better note structure, and reminders for follow-ups. While Google Keep may seem basic, its flexibility allows users to create a productivity system tailored to their needs without the complexity of other apps like Notion.

Bhutani’s system is a testament to how Google Keep’s simplicity can be leveraged for effective organization. By starting with a blank note and adding layers of abstraction, users can build a productivity system that is both efficient and adaptable to their workflow.