Learning Structures
How Latcher organizes knowledge into Spaces, Topics, and Chapters.
Understanding how Latcher organizes knowledge is essential for effective learning and research. Our platform uses a hierarchical structure that mirrors how human minds naturally organize information: Spaces contain Topics, and Topics contain Chapters.
This structure enables you to build comprehensive understanding progressively, from broad domains down to specific concepts, while maintaining clear relationships between different areas of knowledge.
What is a Space?
A Space is a collection of topics organized around a broader learning domain or goal.
Spaces serve as your learning containers—they’re typically tagged and targeted toward specific areas you want to explore or master. Think of a Space as your dedicated environment for a particular field of study or interest.
Examples of Spaces:
Academic Spaces:
- Biology Class - Contains all topics for a specific course you’re taking
- Philosophy Studies - Exploring different philosophical schools and concepts
- Physics Research - Advanced physics topics for research or graduate study
Professional Spaces:
- Data Science Skills - Machine learning, statistics, and programming topics
- Marketing Strategy - Digital marketing, analytics, and campaign management
- Product Management - User research, roadmapping, and market analysis
Personal Interest Spaces:
- Cooking Mastery - Culinary techniques, cuisines, and recipe development
- Art History - Different periods, movements, and artistic techniques
- Fitness & Wellness - Nutrition, exercise science, and mental health
Why Spaces Matter:
Spaces help you maintain focus and context. When you’re working within a specific Space, Latcher’s AI understands the broader context of your learning goals, enabling more relevant connections and insights across related topics.
What is a Topic?
A Topic represents a specific concept, skill, or area of knowledge that you want to understand within a Space.
Topics are the building blocks of learning within each Space. They represent discrete but interconnected areas that you can explore systematically or as needed for your goals.
Examples of Topics within Spaces:
Within a “Biology Class” Space:
- Cell Division and Mitosis
- Photosynthesis Mechanisms
- Genetic Inheritance Patterns
- Ecosystem Dynamics
Within a “Philosophy Studies” Space:
- Existentialism and Sartre
- Kantian Ethics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Ancient Stoicism
Within a “Data Science Skills” Space:
- Neural Network Architectures
- Statistical Hypothesis Testing
- Data Visualization Principles
- Feature Engineering Techniques
Topic Characteristics:
- Self-contained but connected - Each topic can be studied independently while building on others
- Progressively complex - Topics can range from introductory to highly advanced
- Cross-referenced - Latcher’s AI reveals connections between topics within and across Spaces
What is a Chapter?
A Chapter is a focused learning session within a Topic that guides you through understanding specific aspects or components of that topic.
Chapters break down complex topics into manageable, sequential learning experiences. They represent the granular level where actual learning and understanding occurs through interaction with Latcher’s AI research agents.
How Chapters Work:
Progressive Understanding: Chapters guide you through a topic methodically, building understanding step by step. Each chapter focuses on specific concepts, skills, or perspectives within the broader topic.
Adaptive Learning Path: Based on your interactions and comprehension, Latcher may suggest different chapter sequences or generate new chapters to address gaps in understanding.
Multimodal Learning: Each chapter can incorporate multiple learning modalities:
- Insight Notes for deep conceptual understanding
- Audio Briefs for mobile learning and reinforcement
- Context Maps for visualizing relationships and connections
- Contradictor Analysis for challenging assumptions and exploring alternatives
Example Chapter Progression:
Topic: “Neural Network Architectures”
- Chapter 1: Foundational Concepts - Neurons, weights, and activation functions
- Chapter 2: Feedforward Networks - Architecture and backpropagation
- Chapter 3: Convolutional Networks - Image processing and feature detection
- Chapter 4: Recurrent Networks - Sequential data and memory mechanisms
- Chapter 5: Advanced Architectures - Transformers, attention mechanisms
- Chapter 6: Practical Implementation - Framework selection and optimization
How Learning Structures Work Together
The Learning Hierarchy:
Cross-Pollination and Connections:
Latcher’s AI identifies and highlights connections across all levels:
- Between Chapters within the same Topic
- Between Topics within the same Space
- Between Spaces for interdisciplinary insights
This creates a rich, interconnected learning experience where knowledge builds upon itself naturally.
Getting Started with Learning Structures
Creating Your First Space:
- Identify your learning domain - What broad area do you want to explore?
- Define your goals - What do you hope to achieve in this Space?
- Tag appropriately - Use descriptive tags that help organize and discover content
Developing Topics:
- Break down your domain - What specific concepts or skills need attention?
- Prioritize based on dependencies - Some topics may be prerequisites for others
- Allow for emergence - Let new topics develop naturally as you explore
Engaging with Chapters:
- Start with curiosity - Begin each chapter with specific questions or goals
- Use all modalities - Engage with Insight Notes, Audio Briefs, and Context Maps
- Embrace challenge - Use the Contradictor agent to deepen understanding
The beauty of Latcher’s learning structures lies in their flexibility and intelligence. They adapt to your learning style, goals, and progress while maintaining the organization necessary for deep, systematic understanding. Whether you’re a student tackling coursework, a professional developing skills, or a researcher exploring new frontiers, these structures provide the framework for accelerated learning and discovery.