Index cards....a common thing that you don't spend much time contemplating. But do you know how index cards came into existence? Why they are still around today? Understanding and organizing data, concepts, and ideas is an important and all-consuming effort and index cards can help.
Most people think of an index card as a piece of paper that is 3 inches by 5 inches. However, the history of how index cards originated in the context of indexing great amounts of data, pre-computer age, is an interesting story. Developing a data organizing system that was slightly structured but extremely flexible doesn't get enough credit.
Let's start with the history of index cards.
History of Index Cards
Thomas Harrison, a 17th century English inventor, is credited with the first early modern card cabinet. The cabinet would allow users to take out books and file their notes in order by attaching pieces of paper to metal hooks labeled by subject headings.
Naturalist, Carl Linnaeus, is said to have invented index cards and the data indexing system. He was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, taxonomist, and physician who formalized binomial nomenclature, the modern system of naming organisms. He is known as the "father of modern taxonomy". Needing a system that was expandable and easy to reorganize, he kept particular subjects on separate sheets, which could be complemented and reshuffled with ease.
These sheets are what became index cards. Index cards could be selected and moved around at will to update and compare information at any time. This style of organization highlights the advantage of a minimal structure that is flexible but effective.
In the early 1800s, French writer and philosopher Paul-Jacques Malouin invented a method of storing information on small pieces of paper that he called "fiches". Fiche means "card" in French.
The fiche system was popularized by Melvil Dewey, an American librarian who is credited with developing the Dewey decimal system. He published a book in 1876 called "A Guide to the Classification of Books and Pamphlets". In the book, he described his filing system using small cards.
Dewey's method used index cards that were divided into ten main categories with each category further subdivided. The categories were:
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Language
- Pure Science
- Applied Science
- Arts
- Literature
- History
- Miscellaneous
These subcategories were then divided into more specific subjects. This allowed for a large amount of data to be organized in a relatively small space. The system was so successful that it is still used today in libraries all over the world.
Index cards were also used by 19th century American inventor, Charles Darrow. He is best known for patenting the board game Monopoly. In his early career, Darrow worked as an insurance salesman. To keep track of his clients, he developed a card system using index cards. He would create a card for each client with their name, address, and policy information. This allowed him to easily keep track of his clients and their policies.
It wasn't until 1829 when American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne mentioned index cards in his novel The Scarlet Letter. In the book, Hawthorne's character Reverend Dimmesdale uses index cards to keep track of his thoughts and ideas. This is one of the earliest recorded uses of index cards in literature.
The history of the index card basically comes down to its usefulness as a tool for organizing information. Whether it's filing system for a library or tracking customers for a business, index cards have proved to be an invaluable tool for keeping track of data.
Let's explore the various uses of index cards today.
The Common Uses of Index Cards
Education, Studying & Note Taking
Index cards are also commonly used in education. Teachers will often use them to write down important information that students need to know. They can also be used to create flashcards for studying. When studying using index cards, it's important to limit the amount of information on each card. This will help you to focus on the most important information and make it easier to remember.
Index cards can also be used for taking notes. When taking notes, it's important to write down key points and main ideas. You can then use these index cards to create a summary of the information later on. This is a great way to study for exams or prepare for presentations.
Storing Client Information
Tattoo artists, hairstylists, and other professionals who work with clients often use index cards to keep track of their appointments. This allows them to easily see when a client is due for their next appointment. Index cards can also be used to store contact information and other important details about each client.
Organizing a Recipe Collection
If you're a fan of cooking, then you might want to consider using index cards to organize your recipe collection. This will allow you to easily find the recipes you're looking for and add new ones as you find them. You can also use index cards to create a grocery list based on the recipes you want to make.
Home Improvement Projects
Index cards can also be used for home improvement projects. For example, you can use them to keep track of the supplies you need to buy for a project. You can also use them to create a schedule for each step of the project. This is a great way to stay organized and make sure that your project is completed on time.
Brainstorming Ideas
If you're looking for a way to boost your productivity or brainstorm, consider using index cards. addition to being a great way to organize your thoughts, index cards can also help you to come up with new ideas. To do this, simply write down a problem or question on an index card. Then, brainstorm a list of potential solutions on the back of the card. This is a great way to get your creative juices flowing and come up with new ideas.
To-Do Lists
3x5 index cards are great for lists. You can use them to create a to-do list for the day, week, or month. You can also use them to make a grocery list or packing list for a trip. Index cards are perfect for lists because they're small and easy to carry around with you.
As you can see, index cards have many different uses. Whether you're looking for a way to stay organized or boost your productivity, consider using index cards. They're an inexpensive and versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the best way to use them for your needs.
Double Sided or Single Sided?
So, are index cards double-sided? Yes, they are! Why would you want single-sided index cards? Is there are reason some people prefer single-sided to double-sided index cards? Some people prefer not print on the back of the cards so they can lay them out and have all the ideas or categories visible. This is especially useful when brainstorming and quickly categorizing topics. For example, when organizing the navigation menu for a new website, it's helpful to see all topics and sub-topics at once. Seeing all the topics displayed and physically moving them into categories and subcategories is quick and easy.
However, double-sided index cards are perfect for flashcards or studying. Recent studies have shown that when learning new concepts your brain retains more information when you put pen to paper and write (rather than type) what you are trying to learn and accompany it with drawing or sketches. Write the concept on one-side and draw a diagram or sketch on the other to get as many neural pathways stimulated as possible 🧠.
It really comes down to personal preference! There are benefits and drawbacks to both single and double-sided index cards. It’s up to you to decide what will work best for your needs. So next time you're looking for a way to organize your data, consider using index cards. They just might be the solution you've been looking for.
Do you have any tips for using index cards? Share them in the comments below! And if you're looking for more ways to boost your productivity, check out our blog post on the best productivity hacks!