*Data, Views, and Interfaces* is a methodology for designing digital spaces on popular productivity apps. The methodology was created specifically for end-user developers who leverage Low-Code / No-Code software solutions like Excel and Notion, to develop custom productivity tools they can then use at work. The methodology can also be applied to common practices like file folder structuring and email organization. The main principle of *Data, Views, and Interfaces* is to maintain a separation of data from your View and Interfaces, by utilizing non-destructive data organizational methods. ## Destructive vs Non-Destructive All digital items need to be stored somewhere on your computer, whether that item is an Excel Workbook, or your office's contact information. A file can only exist in one folder. A line item can only exist on one row in one spreadsheet. Both items are easily duplicated, but then you must remember which is the most up to date, and you risk sharing incorrect information with a co-worker or client. When designing a workbook or a file folder structure, how you initially group your items will have a direct impact on your system. Proper data storage requires separating data into collections by identifying items with similar traits. This is a tricky process because items often have multiple common, and seemingly equally important, characteristics with each other. For this reason, developing, say, a standardized file folder system that won't eventually break down can be challenging. You may start by creating a set of folders labeled `Clients`, `My Documents`, `Reports`, and `Projects`. You then begin saving your files based on the implied criteria for each folder. You may quickly realize, however, that you handle many files which meet two or more criteria for your set of folders. For example, you complete a weekly project status report in Excel. Is the file saved in `Reports`, or `Projects`? What if the project is for a client? You may compromise by creating a new client folder inside your Reports folder. Each week, you remember to save the report in `Reports` > `Client Name`. As you create and save new files, you're met with other anomalies, which you solve by creating new folders. Over time, your file folder system becomes confusing. Your ability to remember where a file is located is dependent on how recently you opened it, or how frequently you use it. You find that you often need to move files around to better fit your current needs, which only further convolutes your folder system. The only apparent solution is to start fresh with a new file folder system every year or so. A Destructive System encourages users to move items in and out of collections when their attentions shift. A Destructive System forces users to rely on memory rather than intuition to make sense of organization structures. ## Data Data are stored collections of items. Deleting a collection, deletes the items. - Databases - Data Tables - File Folders ### Data Collection Types There are three main types of data collections 1. **Actions**: Objectives, Projects, Tasks, Meetings. 2. **Elements**: Info, Docs, Records, Digital Assets, Digital Resources. 3. **Entities**: Employees, Store Fronts, Clients, Companies, Products. ## Views Views are non-destructive methods for aggregating data. 1. Filtered Views: Smart Folders, Pivot Tables, Notion Table Views. 2. Aggregated Views: Calculations of Data. 3. Directories: Navigations, Quick Links, Featured List, Tags, ,Flags Favorites. ### Filtered Views Filtered Views display data items using various modifiers and other collection types. Filtered Views are often automated processes that rely on some form indexing. - Smart Folders - Pivot Tables - Notion Table Views ### Aggregated Views Calculations and of Data. ### Directories Directories are navigation sets grouped by a single context. - Main navigation - Quick links - Featured - Tags, Flags, and Favorites. ## Interfaces Interfaces are ways to display a collection of Views based on a context. ### Dashboards Dashboards display collections of Aggregated Views. - Monthly Sales ### Gardens The primary trait of a garden is that is needs continued maintenance or "pruning" - Wikis - Resource Hubs - Help Centers