What is Spaced Repetition?
Have you ever finished a book only to forget most of it weeks later? According to research by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, without review, we forget about 80% of what we learned within a month. However, reviewing at the right intervals can retain memories with minimal effort.
This feature automatically schedules scientifically optimal review times (same day, next day, 1 week later, 1 month later) for records you want to remember, and notifies you when it's time to review.
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
We forget learned material over time, but not at a constant rate — forgetting is rapid at first, then gradually slows. Reviewing just as you're about to forget is the most efficient way to transfer information to long-term memory.
| Review | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Same day | Initial consolidation. Forgetting is fastest right after learning |
| 2nd | Next day | Post-sleep review. Sleep organizes memories, making this review highly effective |
| 3rd | 1 week later | Transition to medium-term memory. Reinforces retention at the optimal forgetting point |
| 4th | 1 month later | Long-term memory consolidation. After this, memories can last months to years |
Main Features
- Mark Records for Review Select records you want to remember and click "Mark for review". A brain icon (🧠) appears and 4 review sessions are automatically scheduled.
- Review Notifications When reviews are due, a banner notification appears at app startup. Simply click "Review now" to open the review panel.
- Review Panel Accessible anytime from the View menu under "Review". The "Due" tab shows items needing review today; the "All" tab shows every review item.
- Retrieval Practice In the review panel, notes are hidden by default. Try to recall the content first, then click "Show memo" to verify — leveraging scientifically proven retrieval practice.
- Visual Progress Tracking The "All" tab shows a progress bar for each item, letting you see at a glance how many of the 4 reviews are complete.
How to Use (4 Steps)
- Step 1: Mark a Record for Review Click on a record row to enter edit mode, then click the " Mark for review" button. A 🧠icon next to the date confirms it's active.
- Step 2: Wait for Review Timing The review schedule (same day, next day, 1 week, 1 month) is set automatically. When a review is due, the 🧠icon will pulse to catch your attention.
- Step 3: Review in the Panel Open the review panel via the startup banner or View → Review. Try to recall the content before clicking "Show memo" to check.
- Step 4: Click "Review Done" After reviewing, click the "Review done" button. A celebration message appears when all 4 reviews are complete.
Recommended Use Cases
Exam preparation:
Mark key formulas and concepts from textbooks for review.
Instead of last-minute cramming, build lasting knowledge systematically.
Business book insights:
Mark actionable ideas and frameworks you want to apply at work.
Repeated recall helps translate knowledge into action.
Language learning and technical reading:
Mark new vocabulary and concepts for efficient
vocabulary building and knowledge construction.
Book club preparation:
Mark memorable passages so you can articulate
your thoughts clearly at the next meeting.
Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
- Be selective Only mark truly important content. Too many items increases review burden and reduces sustainability.
- Write notes in your own words Research shows that summarizing in your own words (elaboration) produces stronger memory traces than copying text verbatim.
- Always try to recall first Before viewing your notes, attempt to recall the content. This "effortful retrieval" is the most powerful memory strengthening technique.
- Review before bed Sleep consolidates memories, making bedtime review especially effective. The review panel is always accessible from the View menu, perfect for a nightly routine.