Over the last several years I’ve tried a number of different approaches to make my day to day life more manageable. And, while I’ve found nice solutions for most challenges I deal with (remembering contact info, keeping appointments and meetings, managing tasks) I’ve still had one giant void.

A clean and easy way to take down and synchronize notes.

In my book a notes app only needs three things:

1. A nice simple mobile interface (this includes a nice typeface, ie: Helvetica.)
2. An easy way to access the app from any computer or device.
3. Easy and instant synching between mobile devices, computers, and the web. It’s only text after all!

In essence, let me write and access notes from anywhere without getting in my way.

For a while I tried to use Apple’s default Notes application. And, to be frank, it was one of the worst experiences I have ever had using an Apple product. For one, the Notes application is absolutely hideous. Second, it requires me using Mail App to manage notes from my computer. Now, I don’t know if you have ever used Mail App to do anything, but it sucks. It’s slow, clunky, and especially frustrating to use if you aren’t working with basic email.

Beyond just the default Notes app I also dabbled with EverNote. Now, to be fair, EverNote seems like a good application for certain uses. The problem I have with it is that it tries to do too much. I don’t need photos, voice notes, text transcribing, or any other of the other options it offers. The more options provided the more things to get in my way.

A Simpler Way

About a month and half ago I decided to start using Simplenote, a small, extremely simple, note taking application for the iPhone.

On top of a wonderfully simple interface Simplenote also has API access for third-party developers. This means there are several options for desktop based note applications. My personal choice is JustNotes, although I’ve also installed and used Notational Velocity and it’s a great choice as well. If you’re a dashboard fan you can try out DashNote.

The final benefit of Simplenote is website access your notes. In essence, allowing you to gain access to your notes from any computer on the web. While I don’t use this often (I always have my iPhone) I like the peace of mind it provides.

Over the last month and half simple note has drastically changed the way I record and access quick bits of information. It’s managed to squeak itself onto my iPhone’s home screen and even has a global shortcut on my Mac. I couldn’t be happier with the implementation.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting one of the companies I truly admire for their ability to create great company with outstanding values; CH2M Hill. For those unfamiliar with them, I’ll quote their site:

As a global leader in full-service engineering, consulting, construction, and operations, CH2M HILL has the human and technical resources, the international footprint, and the depth of know-how and experience to help clients achieve success in any corner of the world.

There are over 23,000 employees at CH2M Hill. Each of them have been given a copy of the “Little Yellow Book.” It was written in 1982 by the original founder and CEO, James Howland with the purpose of capturing the values on which the firm was built. It’s only 10 pages long, but it really communicates a company with compassion, vision and focus.

Enjoy it!

1. How and why did you decide that you want to be a programmer?
Well, originally when I went to college I wanted to be an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. I ended up getting a job working in the field, and after a year or so realized that the field was changing. Big companies were taking over most of eyecare and the results were far from good, for both doctor and patient. I decided then to change major to do something with computers. Ever since I was a kid I have loved computers so I figured it fit. Once I took a few programming classes I decided I wanted to do that – it was amazing to create something really cool out of nothing. It was also very satisfying.

2. Which aspects of programming do you find most challenging to you?
I think the most challenging thing about programming is working with other people’s code, or old uncommented code. Programs can be designed a multitude of different ways, and unless the person is sitting right beside you it can take quite awhile to figure out the architecture or hardcoded secrets tucked away in some random class.

3. How do you keep up on track with the industry? Do you read blogs, network, magazines, etc?
I read news aggregators, blogs and search for particular things I am interested in. I have yet to find a really good single site that applies to my interests, so you might say I wander around online looking for things that apply to me.

4. What programming solutions do you like to work most on?
I get the most enjoyment out of design and architecture. I am always trying to find better ways of doing things, and a good architecture will separate functionality and add clarity to your code, while allowing it to be reusable. Its like you are building your own swiss army knife of code, and if you ever need to use that tool again you just open it up and use it, no more rewrites.

5. Since you spend most of your day coding, do you dream about it too?
Rarely. When I do, I usually only dream about a problem that is difficult or complex to solve, but occasionally I will dream about mundane blocks of code.

6. How would you describe Imulus?
Hmmm, I am not really sure how I would describe us in a few concise sentences. The phrase “The best job I will ever have” comes to mind. I love the work and the people even more. We are a flat organization who is constantly changing and getting better. It’s the whole package. I talk a lot about Imulus to my friends, and every single one of them is jealous of me and wants to work here.

7. What’s the best perk you enjoy at Imulus?
Can I do two? I would have to say xbox on the flat screens and beer in the fridge..

8. If you were about to travel the world, where would you go first and why?
Hmmm. That is a tough one – I want to go a lot of places but right now I am itching to go scuba diving again. So I would probably start someplace with awesome beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving. So I would probably say someplace like Belize or Bonaire, or maybe back to Hawaii.

9. How do you like to spend your personal time?
Doing just about everything under the sun. My favorite is sleep. When I am not doing that, I enjoy my weekly Krav Maga sessions, ice hockey, working out, snowboarding, mountain biking, camping, shooting, hiking, fishing. Just about anything outdoors puts a smile on my face. I love a good fiction book, enjoy (to varying degrees) movies and like two different types of video games – the online ones that are pure competition, and the role playing ones that tell a story.

10. What’s the last book you read and how did you like it?

I read Ender’s Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender%27s_Game) just last weekend. It was really good – it was thought provoking and entertaining with good character development of the main character (Ender). I am planning on reading a few of the sequels.

As a long time user of OS X I’ve tacked on application after application to handle small, but essential, tasks.

Fluid for running my calendar and Stacks, JustNotes for syncing with simplenote, The Hist List for personal tasks, Quicksilver for application launching, and xScope for Web Development quickies.

Each of these applications has the option, and generally encourages, the use of global shortcuts. For those of you that don’t know, a global shortcut is a keyboard shortcut that can be can be used system wide.

The main advantage of this is the ability to access common features or tools without having to switch apps (i.e. switching songs in iTunes). However, many applications have default shortcuts that get overwritten by the global alternative. For instance, a common shortcut in Photoshop is cmd-option-d which is used to feather a selection. Yet, in OS X, trying to use this results in the dock getting hidden.

The best way around this issue is to create custom shortcuts for things that have conflicts or need quick access. However, before diving in and going crazy — “uh.. what did I set that shortcut to? *Click*click*click*, oh, right, cmd-option-shif-ctrl-F3″ — follow a simple framework to avoid headaches . Here’s what I recommend.

1. If possible leave the standard program shortcuts in place. This makes for less hassle down the road if you ever have to reinstall the OS or use multiple machines for task (i.e. a school computer lab).
2. Make all program based shortcuts cmd-ctrl-LETTER. To date I have not found any program in OS X that by default uses cmd-ctrl-LETTER shortcut’s. The first advantage to this is that you don’t have to worry about overwriting already-in-place shortcuts. Second, and most importantly, the cmd-ctrl keys are super easy to reach and use.
3. For custom global shortcuts use a standard. Preferably cmd-option-ctrl-LETTER. Similar to the last bullet, I have never found a pre-set shortcut that used cmd-option-ctrl-LETTER. Yes, it sound like a lot of keys, but it’s three right in a row and they’re easy to reach.

The point is, if you standardize pre-set, local, and global shortcuts you’ll never have to worry about the key combo, all you’ll have to do is remember the letter or number you used. Further, it’ll keep conflicts at a minimum and give you a lot of options for growth down the road.

I’d love to hear other tips on what people are using so don’t hesitate to comment with your suggestions.

We are proud to announce one of our logo designs is featured in the newest edition of “LogoLounge: Master Library – 3000 Initial & Crest Logos.” The logo we created for Tenge Law Firm is shown as an example of using initials in a logo. LogoLounge is a reference book that includes a collection of logos organized in categories. These books are often used as inspiration for logo designers and are used as teaching tools.