Knowledge Dashboard
for the Online World

In today’s world we’re flooded with so much of digital information that we cannot effectively store, process and effectively take decisions. Social scientists have a name for this. It is called INFOBESITY. While we are faced with abundance of information, which seems to make us more knowledgeable, it is also a big drain of energy and time.

Internet is often called a "rabbit hole", because people start searching for some information and end up somewhere else, by clicking the many associated links or ads, only to realize that they are nowhere close to the information they need, but have wasted considerable amount of time.  

It is now common to hear in business, something called a Business Dashboard, which is probably the new age name given to “Management Information System” which has been in existence for quite some time. So, the purpose of a business dashboard, is for the top executives to take quick and effective decisions, based on the periodical reports and checking for multiple vital parameters, for the effective functioning of the business. It is even used by some progressive Governments, where the head of the state or country, has all the vital information made available to him in a clear and crisp form, which makes  it easy for him to take the right decisions at the right time. 

Similarly, we too can create a knowledge dashboard to be more productive and effective. 

Knowledge dashboard comprises of gathering information from tried, tested and trusted sources, giving you the comfort of quick access to the information you are searching for. 

 

For instance, there are a number of newspapers in the market, yet we subscribe to one. There are 100’s of TV channel’s but we watch only a few. Similarly, amidst so much of online resources available, we can choose our favourites too, by creating a Knowledge Dashboard. This knowledge dashboard can be your "go to place" for all your requirements. There is no need to google every time.

 

For example, these are a few of my “go to” websites, when I need some information. “Brainy quote” for quotes; “Blinkist” for audio book summaries; “Lifehack” for training related articles; “WebMD”for medical advice and so on.

 

So, how can we do this?  Here is a simple process, you can try.

 

Define your objective – Ask yourself what information I need and how periodically I need it. This will give you an idea of what are the things you would like to have at your fingertips.

 

Scan for available resources – Once your objective is clear, you can start searching in a more effective manner. You will find a lot of related resources, that will match your interest.

 

Try and analyse your experience - Once you have a number of choices to choose from, check out the content of each website, in a relaxed manner. Take into consideration the credibility factor. So, by browsing through a number of websites, you will feel a sort of conviction over a few of them, that matches your requirement.

 

Decide–Once you have analysed well, decision making is easy. You can add these websites to your favourites folder, bookmarks or tool bar. Few websites are paid services and if you feel it is worth it, just go for it. Don’t hesitate. You will surely end up saving your precious time.

 

Just like how we can create a list of favourite websites, we can also have a curated list of mobile apps, which best serve the purpose and uninstall all others.

 

In today’s scenario, we access online information mostly through our mobile devices, so it would be a good idea to sync these websites or apps across all devices, so that no matter which device you work from, you will readily have the information that you need.

 

By taking some initial effort, which might feel time consuming, you will actually end up in a more productive state, having your own personally curated knowledge dashboard.

 D. Senthil Kannan,

  Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

  Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

  Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com