There is no right way to organize

I talk to a lot of people about organization (since I’m a nerd about that kind of stuff), and there seems to be an underlying assumption (even amongst librarians and info pros) that there is a “right” way to organize something, where it can be stored somewhere, and then anyone could find it easily and just where they expected.

It doesn’t work that way.

Organization and being able to find things is inherently based in perception and context, for both the person (or people) doing the organizing, as well as the individual doing the seeking or finding. I could cite a bunch of stuff here, but that’s a lot of work. If you’re really interested, let me know.

Here’s an example though: Silverware drawers. Most people have them, and there is a lot of similarity in them across kitchens, but all of them are different and depend on the people organizing and using the drawers.

I use this example a lot, but my Mom is a perfect example here. She has a number of drawers in her kitchen:

1. Silverware drawer

2. Sharp things drawer

3. Spoon/Spatula drawer

4. Weird things drawer

This seems pretty straight forward at first glance, and most people when told about the drawers could find what they were looking for (e.g. Spatula). But, when it comes to certain items it gets tricky.

Here’s the trick question: Where does the potato peeler go? Which drawer? It is my firm belief that it is a weird thing, so it should go in drawer #4. My sister maintains that it is sharp for peeling, so it should go in drawer #2.

The real answer?

Drawer #1.

It goes in the silverware drawer because my Mom has made the decision as the primary organizer and user, that it is used often enough (by her) that it should be next to the silverware.

Completely dependent upon her perception and context as the organizer and the seeker.