Index cards are good at externalizing, organizing, and engaging with thoughts.
They’re small enough to focus thoughts without needing to fill space. Cards can have multiple thoughts, or just one. This is what my ADHD has found to be useful and low-friction:
Organization
Reorganize, discard, or add cards fast
Arrange on desk/​floor to see connections
Stack to show categories, priorities, or dependencies
Create visual hierarchies by physically overlapping cards (completely or partially)
Remove unneeded cards from sight (out of mind)
Enhancements
Color-code with pencils or cardstock (use paper guillotine for custom sizes)
Hole-punch and add binder rings to keep ordered (hang from thumbtacks, carry in pocket)
Print labels for highly-legible permanent information (useful for habits or workflows)
Add stickers for fun or indication: I have one stack with the number of stickers indicating pomodoros completed, and flip to the next card on the ring after each session
Add fabric with textile glue for tactile elements (polyester ribbon works well)
Index cards are good at externalizing, organizing, and engaging with thoughts.
They’re small enough to focus thoughts without needing to fill space. Cards can have multiple thoughts, or just one. This is what my ADHD has found to be useful and low-friction:
Organization
Reorganize, discard, or add cards fast
Arrange on desk/​floor to see connections
Stack to show categories, priorities, or dependencies
Create visual hierarchies by physically overlapping cards (completely or partially)
Remove unneeded cards from sight (out of mind)
Enhancements
Color-code with pencils or cardstock (use paper guillotine for custom sizes)
Hole-punch and add binder rings to keep ordered (hang from thumbtacks, carry in pocket)
Print labels for highly-legible permanent information (useful for habits or workflows)
Add stickers for fun or indication: I have one stack with the number of stickers indicating pomodoros completed, and flip to the next card on the ring after each session
Add fabric with textile glue for tactile elements (polyester ribbon works well)
Warnings
Paperclips can get stuck together or fall off
Sticky tabs can also fall off