An artifact is the canonical output that a capture becomes after processing.
Use this page to answer one question:
What object should this capture become?
Instructional artifacts
| Artifact | Definition | Best-fit use |
|---|
| SOP | A formal repeatable procedure for a task that should be carried out the same way each time. | Use when a first-time operator needs a stable step-by-step procedure. |
| Runbook | An operational guide for running, checking, or debugging a live process. | Use when the task involves execution under real conditions, including failure handling. |
| Checklist | A minimal action or verification list for a bounded task or routine. | Use when speed and consistency matter more than explanation. |
Decision artifacts
| Artifact | Definition | Best-fit use |
|---|
| Memo | A structured note that captures framing, interpretation, or recommendation. | Use when the main job is to clarify a situation or point of view. |
| Decision Note | A short artifact that records a choice, its rationale, and its implications. | Use when a decision should be preserved for later reference. |
| Risk Brief | A short artifact focused on threats, blockers, and mitigation. | Use when uncertainty or downside needs to be made explicit before action. |
Reflective artifacts
| Artifact | Definition | Best-fit use |
|---|
| Loop Map | A structured representation of a recurring behavioral pattern or loop. | Use when the goal is to understand a trigger, behavior, payoff, and cost pattern. |
| Protocol | An action guide for handling a recurring situation or state. | Use when a repeatable response is needed for a known condition. |
| Closure Memo | A short end-of-session or end-of-event artifact capturing what happened and what remains. | Use when the goal is to close a block cleanly and preserve its residue. |
Creative artifacts
| Artifact | Definition | Best-fit use |
|---|
| Idea Card | A compact artifact preserving one reusable idea. | Use when an idea should be kept in small, portable form without full expansion. |
| Outline | A structured skeleton for an argument, page, essay, or project. | Use when a capture has enough shape to organize before drafting. |
Continuity artifacts
| Artifact | Definition | Best-fit use |
|---|
| Next Pointer | A minimal re-entry artifact telling future-you the next valid move. | Use when the main value is reducing restart cost later. |
| Digest | A consolidated summary across multiple items or a bounded period. | Use when several captures, events, or threads need one compact synthesis. |
Usage notes
- Choose the artifact based on what the capture should become, not what it currently looks like.
- If two artifacts seem plausible, choose the one that best supports the next real use.
- This page defines artifact types only. It is not a template library.
Related pages