Do you know how to knoll? It’s possible you do and don’t even know it by name. Knolling is an organizational technique in which you arrange related items together by size, shape, color, or function and then display them in parallel or 90-degree angles. The term knolling came into use in the late 80s, describing the way a furniture designer arranged his tools at right angles as a way to prepare for his work. Knolling has grown in popularity over the past few years as photographers and creative types have adopted it as an art form. Instagram accounts and Tumblr feeds are full of knolling examples using food, tools, flowers, books, and more.
In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson look at the trend and why we are drawn to the symmetry and orderliness of knolling. Although the drive to knoll may be strongest in those who are natural organizers, it isn’t just for the neat freaks. Even the messiest among us see evidence of it, from a color-coordinated closet to a neatly aligned workspace or pantry. Listen in to hear how knolling can help and hinder us our work and being, and then pop out to Twitter @PersuasionCAPC to show us your knolling skills.
Listen to Persuasion Episode 92:
Links from Episode 92:
The History of Knolling — Our Favorite Instagram Trend
‘Things Organized Neatly’ is the book of your inner-neat freak’s dreams, Mashable
Theme music by Maiden Name.