A Little AD/HD

Manuals and cables and CD’s … oh my

by Mark Smith

                              Bags Available HERE                      Containers Available HERE

See through the problem

If you are reading this article, you invested in technology.  With that investment came a manual, a collection of papers, a CD or two and a few spare parts (cables, adaptors, etc.). 

In fact, each piece of technology or software you purchase comes with a manual, a collection of papers, a CD or two and a few spare parts.  After awhile it becomes a mess and difficult to remember what goes with what … and … if you are like me it was never easy to find the right manual, CD or cable when I needed them. 

Here is a simple and, more important, easy way to get control of all the technology collateral.  It requires two items - clear plastic pouches and a container.

“Makes Life Simple”

The solution to getting control of technology collateral is to keep it simple:

1.      Purchase a “bunch” of clear plastic pouches (large Ziploc Bags will do fine). 

2.      When you purchase new technology or software items simply put the manual(s), pieces of paper (and receipts), CD(s) and cables/adaptors into a pouch. 

3.      Place the pouch in a container or drawer used specifically for this purpose. 

You’re done!

On the occasion when you do need to refer back to a manual, use the CD or cables/adaptors you simply flip through the pouches and pull out the proper one and you’re off.  When you finish, put the contents back in the pouch and throw it back into the storage container or drawer.

Don’t over think this

We could go into:

why this idea works (visual queues, tactical sensations, etc.)

or

suggestions on how to sort, organize and file the pouches

or

what type of container (wicker baskets that match the décor, plastic versus paper storage containers, etc.)

but,

the best system is the “random filing” of the pouches in a convenient container or drawer. 

In summary

Having been associated with technology since the PC arrived in 1981, I have tried many formal filing systems for manuals, media and cables including having executive assistants manage all the technology collateral.  But, I/we could never find the right items when we needed them most.  However, I have been using the “see through it” approach for several years now with great success.

Give it a try and you will find it is simple and convenient, which works well for that little bit of ADD – AD/HD in all of us.

Cheers,

Mark Smith

For over 20 years, Mark has worked with major corporations developing go-to-market strategies, writing business plans, clarifying messages, designing software and websites, simplifying business processes, critiquing product value and applying technology to simplify both industry and individual’s lives.  Mark believes that technology, in all its forms, should be an enabler to make life simpler.  Products should be intuitive and not require the manual (to set the VCR clock).  After all, technology should not aggravate that little bit of ADD - AD/HD in all of us.

As a strategy and process simplification consultant, international lecturer, and author; Mark has been assisting corporations, government agencies, start-ups, and individuals that want to use technology to add value and keep it simple for that little bit of ADD – ADHD in all of us.

Mark can be reached at mark@OpenGateAdvisors.com