Folders are one of the simpler taxonomies. We’ve gotten very used to the idea over many years of storing files on our computers. Every computer uses the same system with almost no variation.
Folders can contain other folders. They form a tree structure. A single item (often a file) can exist in only one folder.
There are extensions to this concept, symlinks for example, but the essential structure is that one item exists in only one folder.
Strengths
The great advantage of folders is their unlimited depths. No matter how many things I have to store, because folders can be inside other folders, I can create a huge tree containing an unlimited number of items.
Folders are also extremely widely understood. Most people who have used a computing device of some sort, have used folders. This results in an extremely shallow learning curve. Use the word folder, and people immediately know what to do with them.
Drawbacks
It can be hard to find stuff in folders. Did I put that thing inside my work folder, or my projects folder? Where did I create that folder?
Navigating folders can also be cumbersome. It’s necessary to go into each folder to see what’s inside it. This can make searching time consuming, opening many folders to see what’s inside them.
Folder names can also be confusing. Often the folder itself can have a short name “Pictures” which only makes sense in context. For example, a folder like “Work > unchaos > Resources > Media > Pictures” tells me what I can expect to find there, but just “Pictures” alone, doesn’t give me enough information to know what is inside.
Care to share your thoughts on folders? Do you have ideas about how to improve on folders? Please share in the comments…
