As an interaction designer, I take a lot of notes. I take them in the field when I’m asking people why they use the app markets they do. I take notes at work when I’m talking to the engineer about these things people want and what’s actually possible. I’ve been known to take notes during casual conversation with friends because they said something that I could then use for my work. (Please note, when you’re friends with a designer, you are always being observed. Closely. It’s okay. Behave naturally. I am just watching you precisely because you are not expecting it.)

I have to take these notes as quickly and as unobtrusively as possible because people don’t do their natural things when they’re being watched, unfortunately.  But these notes are the foundation on which we make improvements to the Intel AppUp® center. And they better be good notes. In other words, I better be able to read them. And know what I was talking about in them. And I need them to be digital. Enter my lifesaver app: Evernote.

It’s pure interaction design bliss. The notes are searchable, tagable (is that a word); I can insert pictures and (I love this part) voice reminders. And my notes are available on all of my devices. Remember when I said I have to take unobtrusive notes? That means I’m out in the world with my Ultrabook. Not a note is lost between my Ultrabook and PC.

From a design perspective the app is so simple to use. My favorite aspect is that you open it up and can just start typing away–it’ll start saving and syncing automatically! If I’m taking notes in a meeting or in an interview session with a user, I’ll add recorded audio snippets to the note. I can also take a pic and add that. I love that I can work collaboratively, sharing notes or notebooks with my wife or coworkers.

Have you tried Evernote yet? It’s free and it’s in the Intel AppUp center. So, give it a try. I promise you that it will make note taking and general life organization that much easier. Come back here and tell me how you used Evernote.