Welcome to another edition of SDA's Quick in 30! This session, we dove into note-taking for business professionals, specifically focusing on the innovative Rocketbook, also known as the Smart Notebook. We were joined by Diane Klug, CDFA, a master of Rocketbook from WSP in St. Louis. Diane shared her journey with Rocketbook and demonstrated its many features.

The Rocketbook Revelation

Diane's fascination with Rocketbook began a few years ago at the SDA EDSymposium PPC fundraising event, where she encountered Rocketbook for the first time. Although she didn’t win the raffle, she went online and bought one, and has been using Rocketbook ever since.

So, what’s so magical about a notebook? Rocketbook combines the feel of traditional writing with the efficiency of digital note-taking. Using Pilot FriXion erasable pens, you can write on Rocketbook’s special paper, scan your notes to various digital destinations, and then wipe the pages clean with water to reuse the notebook multiple times.

The Eco-Friendly and Economical Choice

Rocketbook notebooks are sustainable and eco-friendly, helping to save trees by eliminating the need for single-use paper notebooks. They offer a variety of styles, including notebooks, index cards, sticky notes, calendars, multi-subject notebooks, and even whiteboards, in numerous colors. This variety ensures that there's a Rocketbook product to suit everyone's needs.

Unlocking the Magic of Smart Technology

The true magic of Rocketbook lies in its smart features and free app for iOS and Android. The app can convert your handwriting to searchable text or PDF with a simple click. Here are some of the standout features Diane highlighted:

• Smart Titles: Automatically convert handwritten titles into digital file names.
• Smart Lists: Transform handwritten lists into digital to-do lists.
• Smart Search and Tags: Enable easy searching and tagging of your notes for quick retrieval.

Getting Started with Rocketbook

To get started with Rocketbook, download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app will guide you through setting up your Rocketbook, including configuring scan destinations and enabling smart features. Diane’s presentation included step-by-step instructions on setting up and using these features, emphasizing the importance of turning on all smart features to fully leverage Rocketbook’s capabilities.

Practical Tips and Tricks

Diane shared several practical tips for making the most of your Rocketbook:

• Central Location: Use a single, easy-to-find location for all your scanned notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Ensure your handwriting is clear, especially for titles. Be sure to print as it does not recognize cursive.
• Smart Features: Use features like Smart Lists and Smart Search to stay organized and efficient.

Scanning and Saving Your Notes

Scanning with Rocketbook is simple. Open the app, select "New Scan," and hold your phone over the page. The app will automatically recognize and scan the page, converting it to a digital format and sending it to your chosen destination. You can even scan multiple pages into a single file.

Questions and Answers

During the Q&A, Diane answered questions about using Rocketbook on multiple devices, the special pens required (Pilot FriXion pens), and how to optimize settings for the best results. She also shared tips on maintaining your Rocketbook and getting the most out of its smart features.

Conclusion

Whether you're new to Rocketbook or looking to unlock its full potential, Diane’s insights and tips provide a comprehensive guide to making note-taking magical. Stay tuned for more Quick in 30 sessions where we explore innovative tools and techniques to enhance your professional life!

Intrigued by what you have read and want to learn more?  Click here to review the entire program. [SDA Members - be sure to login to be able to access the handout and program recording at no charge].

Hey, SDA Trailblazers!

We are thrilled to announce the formation of the SDA Innovation in Education Committee (IEC). In conjunction with our national chapters, this committee represents SDA’s commitment to stepping up our learning tools and furthering the professional growth of design firm personnel across the United States and Canada.

Guided by our Committee Leader, Brittany Jamison, CDFA ,and committee members Anne McNeely, CDFA; Penny Nelson, CDFA; Deborah Gill, CPA, FSDA; Emily Moline Meyer, CDFA; and Kimberly Celenza, the IEC will craft enriching content to launch in April. These individuals bring their unique skills and experiences to the committee, contributing to the diversity and richness of the resources provided. Together, they will work towards creating a robust reference system that enables SDA members to navigate challenges and achieve excellence within the A/E/C industry. We aim to provide A|E|C specific education, best management practices, and training on professional standards.

Using the CDFA (Certification in Design Firm Administration) Resource Guide as the stepping-off platform, the IEC will concentrate its efforts on the six focus areas essential for the success and advancement of best practices in design firm management: finance, human resources, marketing, project management, office administration, and leadership and actively curate additional resources for each one.

This concentrated effort ensures SDA members access to a wealth of information and tools to excel in their respective roles, including blogs, white papers, book and article references, infographics, webinars, and other relevant information.

We invite you to join the committee or share any information, resources, or concepts you want to see covered by the IEC. Contact Brittany Jamison (bcharlick@cross2dg.com) and she will be happy to give you all the information you need. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deep into continuing education, best management practices, and training on professional standards. Your growth matters to us, and we’re impressed with your work, participation, and engagement!

#ABL – AlwaysBeLearning
Innovation in Education Committee