Three spatial zones by usage frequency
Create three spatial zones for workspace objects based on usage frequency: active zone (desk surface/screen/home screen), near zone (drawer/shelf/bookmarks folder/second screen), and archive zone (closet/storage box/nested folder/app library), moving items between zones solely based on documented usage patterns.
When This Fires
- When organizing or reorganizing any workspace (physical or digital)
- After completing Tally every physical reach and digital tool switch for one…'s usage tally to have frequency data
- When frequently-used items are hard to reach while rarely-used items occupy prime space
- Complements Tally every physical reach and digital tool switch for one… (usage tally) with the zone architecture that translates frequency data into spatial organization
Common Failure Mode
Importance-based placement: organizing by perceived importance rather than measured frequency. The expensive monitor arm is in the active zone because it was expensive, while the cheap notepad you use 30x/day is in the near zone because it's "just a notepad." Cost and importance don't determine optimal placement — usage frequency does.
The Protocol
(1) Complete Tally every physical reach and digital tool switch for one…'s usage tally to have frequency data. (2) Rank all workspace items by documented usage frequency. (3) Assign zones: Top 20% by frequency → active zone (desk surface, primary screen, immediate reach). Middle 30% → near zone (drawer, shelf, secondary display, easy-access folder). Bottom 50% → archive zone (closet, storage, nested folders). (4) Physically reorganize: move items to their assigned zones. Active-zone items should be reachable without standing or stretching. (5) Re-tally after 2 weeks: has the reorganization reduced friction? Have any archive-zone items proven to be higher-frequency than expected? Adjust zones based on observed patterns.