I’ve heard about Notion for years, and admittedly, I wrote it off as a fancy writing application until recently when I used it at work and got exposed to everything it can do. I’m also averse to overhyped things (it wasn’t until Breaking Bad was in its third season I succumbed to the hype and watched the show).
As a developer, I have a lot on my plate. Between the consulting and freelancing work I do, there are numerous things that I have to manage daily. That’s why I’m always looking for productivity tools that can help me streamline my work and keep me on track.
I have tested countless apps in the past that promised to enhance productivity and workflow, but most of them required a significant change in the way I worked or thought. Adapting to new methodologies and systems was quite difficult, so I reverted to my tried and tested approach of using Trello, which has always been a reliable tool.
However, with the advent of Notion, a multifunctional app that claims to be capable of performing a plethora of amazing tasks, I can’t help but wonder if it is truly a game-changing app or just another hyped-up application. Can it deliver on its promises and revolutionise the way we work?
Existing apps that Notion can replace
At a glance, Notion can replace the following popular apps (and even more with its integrations support)
- Trello
- Evernote
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Asana
- Airtable
Notion’s ability to integrate with other apps and services, such as Slack and Google Drive, adds to its appeal as a productivity tool. Its customisability and flexibility make it a powerful tool for managing tasks, notes, and projects all in one place.
I don’t know about you, but it’s a red flag to me when a restaurant has too many items on the menu and an app with too many features and promises.
AI Writing
One of my favourite features in Notion is the AI writing functionality. This feature allows you to leverage the ChatGPT-like functionality to generate original context, rewrite existing content and more. The AI functionality is incredibly versatile and can be used for various tasks. For example, you can brainstorm ideas for your next project, generate content for your website or social media channels, or even proofread your work.
I have used the AI functionality to write and proofread parts of this post you are reading. I was thoroughly impressed with the results, as the AI-generated high-quality content quickly and efficiently. While I am not sure if Notion is using GPT behind the scenes, it is clear that their AI functionality is top-notch and can help you save time and effort on a variety of tasks.
It is, sadly, an additional upgrade of $10 per month to get unlimited functionality, but I can tell you that it is well worth it.
For Blogging
If you’ve visited my blog before, you know I’ve been actively blogging for over 13 years. Writing a blog post can take hours, sometimes weeks, of effort before you hit the publish button.
My approach to drafting blog posts is to create a draft post in WordPress and then slowly work on it. However, this method can result in tens or hundreds of draft posts, making it easy to lose sight of older content.
With Notion, I now draft my blog posts and leverage AI features to expand dot points into fully-fledged sections. I then build upon those foundational sections to create complete posts. I’ve been able to come up with content ideas faster but still, stay true to my core as a blogger and not lose my tone of voice.
For Project Management
So, with Notion, you can create KanBan boards and other cool project management structures that help you keep track of all your project tasks and collateral (like marketing and tech specifications).
Notion’s Kanban board feature is especially useful for managing projects, allowing you to visualise your workflow and track task progress intuitively. With Notion, you can collaborate with team members in real time, assign tasks, and leave comments on specific items. While it may take some time to learn all of the app’s features, once you do, you’ll find that Notion is a powerful and flexible tool that can help you work smarter, not harder.
For Wikis
Notion provides a great platform for organising and sharing knowledge within your team for wikis. You can create a knowledge base containing articles, guides, and other resources your team can access and contribute to. Notion’s customisability means you can organise your wiki in a most useful way to your team, making it easy to find and share information.
Furthermore, you can set up tags and access to restrict who can access and edit parts of your wiki. It saves the hassle of using something else, like MediaWiki, with nothing to install.
For Technical Specification Documents
Notion provides an excellent platform for technical documentation that allows you to create and share technical specification documents with your team. You can create tables, diagrams, and other visual aids to help illustrate your ideas and specifications. If you are scoping a technical project most likely comprised of multiple components, Notion allows you to divide those parts up and then collaboratively work with others to build it.
For Managing Your Personal Life
For managing your personal life, Notion provides a great platform for organising your personal tasks, notes, and projects. You can create to-do lists, track habits, and journal your day. Its customisability and flexibility make it useful for keeping your life organised and productive. In our household, we use it to manage daily and weekly chores.
For Students
Whether you’re learning a new programming language or managing your degree. Notion is an excellent tool for students, providing a platform for organising class notes, tracking assignments and deadlines, and managing study plans. You can create information databases, such as vocabulary lists or research topics, and share them with classmates or study groups. Additionally, Notion’s customisability allows you to tailor your study experience to your needs and learning style. My wife is currently studying, and while it took a bit to set up, she uses it to keep track of her semesters, take notes and more.
Conclusion
While Notion may have been hyped up, it seems to be the real deal regarding productivity and project management. Its versatility and extensive features make it a valuable tool for individuals and teams.
If you’re looking for a productivity tool that can do it all, Notion may be the answer. With its customizability and flexibility, Notion can replace multiple apps and services, from Trello to Google Docs. Its AI writing functionality is also a game-changer, allowing you to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently.
Maybe you were on the fence like I was. But I can tell you that you don’t have to be a project manager or writer to get value out of Notion. You can check it out by signing up for free here.
