Notion

Notion is a versatile, all-in-one workspace application used for note-taking, project management, collaboration, knowledge management, and more, allowing users to organize their work and ideas in a flexible, customizable way. 

Why we love it:

Notion offers numerous benefits, including its flexibility and customization, making it an all-in-one productivity tool suitable for both personal and team use, with features like note-taking, task management, project tracking, and knowledge sharing.

Key Features:

All-in-One Workspace

  • Notes: Capture ideas, create to-do lists, or store detailed information in one place.
  • Databases: Organize tasks, projects, contacts, and even track progress on specific goals.
  • Calendar: Manage your schedule, set deadlines, and track events with integrated views.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Notion works seamlessly across desktop (Mac and Windows), mobile (iOS and Android), and the web. All your data syncs automatically, so you can access it anywhere, anytime.
  • Offline Mode: Even when you don’t have an internet connection, you can still access and work on your Notion pages. Once you’re online, your changes sync automatically.

Flexibility and Customization:

You can design your pages and workspaces however you like—whether it’s a simple to-do list or a detailed project management dashboard. This makes it a great fit for individuals and teams with different workflows.

  • Adaptable Workspace with unlimited pages and blocks.
  • Customizable Layout or start with one of the many pre-made templates. These range from simple notes and to-do lists to more complex project management templates, like kanban boards, roadmaps, and meeting notes.
  • Multimedia Embedding, including notes, files, and links to other pages is possible in Notion

Collaboration and Teamwork:

Notion supports real-time collaboration, meaning you can work together with others on documents, projects, and more. You can assign tasks, comment, and share with teammates or external collaborators.

  • Centralized Knowledge Base: Notion serves as a central hub for teams, facilitating efficient knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • Improved Team Communication: With Notion's collaboration tools, teams can work more efficiently, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Task Management: Notion can be used to manage tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress.
  • Project Tracking: Notion allows for the tracking of projects, milestones, and deadlines

Productivity and Organization:

  • Streamlined Workflow: Notion can help streamline workflows and manage various tasks efficiently.
  • Integration with Other Tools: Notion integrates with several popular apps and services like Google Drive, Trello, Slack, and more. This makes it easier to centralize your work without losing touch with other tools you already use.
  • Calendar Integration: Notion Calendar View allows you to create detailed to-do lists, set reminders, and integrate your calendar.

Note: this tool is not approved for the use of sensitive data at UCSF. Please use it responsibly.

Resources:

Notion 101: Introduction

Notion Templates

Tech tip image: 
Month, year: 
April, 2025