Many people do their creative thinking using tools such as mind maps. That’s a good thing, and I also like mind maps (though I use OneNote’s outlines more often than mind maps). However, recently I find another tool which is also helpful for creative thinking: JDarkRoom.
Actually JDarkRoom is just a simple text editor. What special about it is its interface. When you run it, JDarkRoom will change your entire screen into a blank screen. You will only see its blinking green cursor and a mouse cursor (if you don’t hide it). Other than these, there is absolutely nothing on the screen. When you type, the text will be displayed in green color with black background. It’s like you are sent back to the good old days of DOS!
I find it very useful. The fact that there’s nothing else displayed on the screen allows me to focus entirely on the task in front of me. No disruption, no eye candy, nothing. Just me and the task. Just me… and the task. Such situation gives me a peace of mind, a “mind like water”. It is a good condition for me to enter the “flow” state, a condition where I lose track of time and have my creative juice flows freely.
I also like the black background. Unlike most word processors’ interface which is dominated by bright colors, the black background is less irritating to the eyes. I can stare at the monitor for long time without making my eyes tired. This ability to look at the monitor for long time is another good condition for me to get into the “flow”.
It is such a simple tool, but I find it helpful to boost my creativity. I’m sure you will also find it so.
Comment by John Wesley
#1 16. February 2007, 1:17 am o'clock |
I’ve heard of this before, but haven’t tried it yet. Distraction can be problem so I think I’ll give it a shot. Thanks for the reminder.
Comment by Donald Latumahina
#2 16. February 2007, 7:42 am o'clock |
Yes, John. I’ve also heard of it some time ago, but only recently I try to do my creative work on it. And I like it.
Comment by Duncan Jauncey
#3 16. February 2007, 5:54 pm o'clock |
Great news - I’m glad that you’re finding JDarkRoom useful. :-)
Comment by Travis Wright
#4 18. February 2007, 3:48 pm o'clock |
Wow. Thanks for pointing this out. This is just what I have needed to help me focus on writing more, and getting my book completed.
Much Love!
Travis W
Comment by Donald Latumahina
#5 19. February 2007, 2:55 pm o'clock |
@Duncan:
Thanks for stopping by Duncan. Keep up the good work!
@Travis:
You are writing a book? Wow, good luck then. I can’t wait to see it.
Comment by Law Student Blog Source
#6 26. March 2007, 12:38 am o'clock |
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Simplicity at its best! This is so simple it’s genius! Thanks for pointing this out!
One more time:
Yes! Yes! Yes!
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# 24. March 2007, 11:13 pm o'clock |
[...] Creative Thinking Cool Tool: JDarkRoom by Donald Latumahina @ LifeOptimizer.org [...]