3 vs 4 vs 5 Types

Visual comparison of taxonomy options for Tiny Lab

3 Types

Minimal System

All
Sprint
Experiment
Note
  • Sprint

    Focused deployments that ship to production and measure results.

  • Experiment

    Testing hypotheses or exploring approaches to learn something new.

  • Note

    Any observation, insight, pattern, or lesson learned—from quick tips to deep case studies.

Pros

  • Fits on one line (clean UI)
  • Supreme clarity (hard to confuse)
  • Easy to choose which type
  • Low cognitive load

Cons

  • NOTE catches everything (might feel broad)
  • Lose distinction between patterns & tips
  • Can't filter for "reusable methods" specifically

4 Types

Balanced System

All
Sprint
Experiment
Playbook
Note
  • Sprint

    Focused deployments that ship to production and measure results.

  • Experiment

    Testing hypotheses or exploring approaches to learn something new.

  • Playbook

    Reusable strategies or patterns distilled from multiple experiences.

  • Note

    Quick observations, insights, breakthroughs, or lessons learned.

Pros

  • Still fits on one line
  • Separates "reusable patterns" from "observations"
  • High clarity (each type distinct)
  • Room to grow (add 5th later)

Cons

  • Slightly more choice friction
  • Playbook vs Note can overlap (is a pattern a note?)

5 Types

Complete System

All
Sprint
Experiment
Insight
Playbook
Note
  • Sprint

    Focused deployments that ship to production and measure results.

  • Experiment

    Testing hypotheses or exploring approaches to learn something new.

  • Insight

    Reflections, case studies, breakthroughs, and lessons learned from experience.

  • Playbook

    Reusable strategies or patterns distilled from multiple experiences.

  • Note

    Quick in-the-moment observations captured during the process.

Pros

  • Clearest distinctions (each type unique)
  • 100% scenario accuracy in tests
  • Separates quick tips from reflections
  • Most comprehensive

Cons

  • Wraps to second line (not as clean visually)
  • More cognitive load (5 choices)
  • Insight vs Note can feel similar

Recommendation: Start with 3, Expand to 4

Launch with 3 types (Sprint, Experiment, Note) for supreme clarity and a clean UI where filters fit on one line.

Add PLAYBOOK as 4th type once you have 10+ posts and people are asking "where are the reusable patterns?"

Consider INSIGHT as 5th type only if NOTE becomes overloaded and you need to separate quick tips from deep case studies.

Why this works: