Hi everyone,
I’m setting up a research database for my company. We’re on a tight budget so I can’t use fancy tools. I’m thinking about using Notion or Airtable instead.
Has anyone tried this before? I’d really like to know:
I’m also open to other cheap or free options. The main things I need are:
Any advice would be awesome. Thanks!
I’ve been using Notion for our research database for about a year now, and it’s been a game-changer. The flexibility is incredible - you can structure it however works best for your team. We use a main database for all research entries, with linked databases for projects and team members.
One tip: create a solid tagging system early on. It makes searching and filtering so much easier down the line. Also, take advantage of Notion’s templates feature. We have templates for different types of research entries, which saves time and ensures consistency.
The only downside I’ve found is that Notion can be a bit slow with very large databases. But for most small to medium-sized teams, it should work fine. Overall, I’d highly recommend giving Notion a shot for your research database needs.
I’ve been using Notion for research management for a while now, and it’s been quite effective. The key is to create a well-structured system from the start. I set up a main database for all research entries, then use relations to link it to separate databases for projects, team members, and sources.
One thing that’s worked well is using Notion’s toggle feature for detailed notes within each entry. It keeps things tidy while still allowing for in-depth information. The ability to embed files and links directly in entries is also a huge plus.
However, the search function can be a bit finicky sometimes, especially with more complex queries. To mitigate this, I’ve found that maintaining a consistent tagging system is crucial.
As for tips, I’d recommend spending some time exploring Notion’s database views. The Kanban and Calendar views have been particularly useful for tracking research progress and deadlines. Also, don’t underestimate the power of linked databases - they can really help in creating connections between different aspects of your research.
i’ve tried both notion n airtable. airtable’s my fave for research stuff. its got better filters n views, makes organizing data super easy. notion’s good 4 notes but gets messy with lots of info. airtable’s free plan is pretty decent too. just my 2 cents!