A whole lot of helpful info is barely as useful as its group. The identical goes for my very own mind, after all. Getting that info in numerous codecs will help with studying it, and Google’s NotebookLM has been enjoyable to experiment with for that objective, notably the personalized podcasts with AI hosts.
The newest addition is the brand new Thoughts Maps characteristic. A thoughts map is an outdated approach for organizing your considering utilizing visible webs of data that join concepts collectively. Think about a branching tree the place every limb is an idea and each twig is a supporting thought. They’re nice for individuals who assume visually.
The NotebookLM model is actually that, however it’s put collectively by an AI mannequin. I made a decision to check this factor with two real-life conditions: planning a backyard and attempting to develop into a whiz at DIY residence repairs.
Thoughts Backyard
The backyard was first. I uploaded a pile of articles I’d been hoarding – stuff about companion planting, raised beds, native perennials, composting, and that one weblog publish the place somebody swears by pouring beer on their tomatoes. NotebookLM chewed by all of it and spit out a Thoughts Map upon request.
There have been branches for planning, areas, and even the advantages of gardening, amongst others. Every department had a protracted checklist of ‘twigs’ masking all types of subtopics, as you possibly can see above. Every was clickable, inflicting the dialog a part of NotebookLm to expound upon that matter. It was extraordinarily useful in holding all these components organized.
DIY
The identical goes for the DIY mission. My home has this charming high quality the place issues simply break for no purpose. I’d already tried to repair a leaky bathroom as soon as, which ended with me flooding the lavatory and watching a YouTube tutorial by a veil of defeat.
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This time, I got here ready. I uploaded manuals, how-to articles, and some trusted restore blogs. Thoughts Maps whipped up classes like planning, constructing codes, and the important DIY tasks checklist inside seconds. I selected flooring set up from that set of twigs, and you’ll see hardwood flooring, moisture obstacles, and an growth hole.
There was one thing unusually calming about seeing the steps laid out so clearly. I clicked on “door hanging” and received an summary of the various kinds of doorways and the way to set them up from the AI. I felt like I might had a dialog with somebody who really is aware of what they’re doing.
Totally different Pondering
NotebookLM already did a great job summarizing stuff, however the Thoughts Maps added a layer of readability that made it really feel virtually tactile. I may see how concepts have been linked and the way it might assist me be taught sooner.
That’s to not say it’s excellent. Typically, the Thoughts Maps get just a little too enthusiastic and begin branching off into tangents that don’t actually assist. One map tried to attach “composting” with “composing” music for gardening for some purpose. And with very area of interest subjects, the AI can nonetheless miss the mark by providing generic recommendation when what you want is one thing particular, like the way to repair a unfastened tile with out taking aside half your kitchen.
I’d additionally love extra guide management. Proper now, you possibly can navigate and discover the maps, however you possibly can’t actually tweak them a lot. Typically, I need to drag a node, rename it, or lower a complete department that’s not helpful. Nonetheless, these are nitpicks. The core expertise is stable, although.
The reality is, I didn’t count on to like Thoughts Maps. I assumed they’d be a neat visible gimmick, one thing I’d play with as soon as after which overlook about. However I believe I will be utilizing them extra, particularly for any bold plans I’ve for enhancing my residence and backyard. In a world filled with tabs, a map is good to have.
