Organize for retrieval, not just storage.
Consistent organization
Create folders and naming conventions that make related material easy to locate and maintain.
Know what exists
Build master indexes that summarize key files, dates, topics, source information and status.
Understand sequence
Connect records to dates and events so chronology can be reviewed without rereading every source.
Preserve traceability
Record where important facts and materials came from so summaries can be checked against original sources.
Reduce rereading
Create concise document summaries and topic notes that make large collections easier to navigate.
Reuse what has already been learned
Turn recurring research, process knowledge and project materials into a searchable working reference.
Information should support action.
Knowledge systems are especially useful when a project spans months, contains many versions of similar material, or requires people to revisit earlier decisions. The system should make context visible rather than forcing someone to reconstruct it each time.
DDPW can organize existing collections or design the structure at the beginning of a new project.