Hatch Notebook - Idea Journal & Project Planner - Slate Gray | 3-step brainstorming and project planning notebook for entrepreneurs & business owners; 160 pages, 5.75 x 8.25 in

I recently purachased a Hatch notebook and was asked to provide a review by the seller. While I used to write equipment reviews for a website, I don’t normally do Amazon reviews, but this was a reasonable request for what appears to be a pretty unique product. Having said that, here are some things to be aware of. First off, I am not getting anything for writing this, secondly, I’ve only had the notebook a short time, and can only provide an impression of it rather than a comprehensive review. And finally, my approach to product reviewing is to provide what facts and insights I can from my experience with a product, but minimal advice as to whether the reader should buy the product. I’d rather give the information that might help someone make a decision than tell them what they should do. Here are my initial impressions: Quality — I’d put this in the same general ballpark as the Moleskine style notebooks, although I would say the latter is slightly nicer. There is no elastic band to keep the Hatch notebook closed. I don’t consider this a big deal. There is only one marker for the notebook unlike the three you typically see in the Moleskine specialized notebooks. Since the Hatch notebook contains a number of different sections, some people might find this to be an issue. The paper quality is good. While I’m using a fine point mechanical pencil in mind, I can’t imagine ink showing through the other side of the page if a pen were used instead. All in all, I would call this a good quality business tool and not a “luxury” notebook. Design — This Is what really makes the product different from its competition. It is very useful for project management and conceptualization. I’ve worked with a few organizers (Daytimers, Franklin, Dayrunner, and my favorite, the Levenger Circa notebook). None of them are perfect, although all of them are useful. My impression is the Hatch notebook compares well to any of them as far as having a sound organization for project conception and management. It doesn’t offer the flexibility of the incredibly versatile Circa system, which allows you to add and remove pages as desired (even ones you print yourself), but then the Hatch costs less than even an entry level Circa setup. Portability — this notebook should travel well whether in a guide bag, briefcase or oversized coat pocket. It will not fit in a normal size pocket. It’s lightweight and fairly durable. Cost — comparable to the Moleskine series of similarly sized notebooks (perhaps a tad more expensive depending on which version Moleskine you’re buying). If you really need something for project planning, then it’s probably a good value. If you just want a notebook to help keep you organized and you’re on a budget, this is probably not the best choice for you. My advice (for what it’s worth) — I like the notebook and am using it a bit. Since I’m semi-retired, I’m not under any deadline pressure at the moment, although I am planning some book projects. I think this notebook will be helpful in that regard. I could have really used something like this 20 or 30 years ago. If you feel you need a simple, easy to use, project organizer (and prefer analog), this is a good choice IMHO. Final thoughts — as mentioned earlier, this is an impression, rather than a formal review. Once I’ve used the notebook a few months or more, I’ll try to come back and provide a more detailed update.

The HATCH Notebook is brilliant. I've been looking for something exactly like this. I do have company and business ideas but all those other business notebooks are not designed for the preproduction, concept mapping, and creation of the idea to full fruition. This notebook gives me a place to freely think of ideas, track those ideas, find those ideas later and evolve them depending on actions I can actually take to make them happen. They give you a place to elevate the idea to the next level. A place to flesh out the details if a particular idea keeps rising to the top of your thoughts. What's not shown on the sample pages of the notebook in this listing are the suggestions on HOW TO map out your brainstorming sessions on the "conceive" pages. They give you 10 pages of Tips and Guides to help you develop your ideas into ACTION!! If I'm I'm lucky and diligent enough to fill out 1 HATCHED idea from Conceived, Incubated, to Hatched!!! I will be extremely blessed. And it gives you space for 5 fully Hatched ideas, not just 1 idea! Thank you for creating this tool for us. You clearly have a ton of brilliant ideas too that this probably helped you hatch them with. Can't wait to see what you create next!

Not only was this a high quality and cute journal, it really guided me through the process and helped me get thinking. It's already led to me fully hatching my business! Also helped setting realistic standards for the creative process and allowing me to ask the right questions to see if it was something I wanted to continue to pursue

Update: 8/9/22 It’s just been 4 days but using this note book everyday I can now see why the conceive section is where it’s supposed to be. Giving this notebook five stars and definitely getting more in the future. Original post 8/4/22 I have to admit it’s a great notebook and helps you take off with a project. I’ve gone from having multiple ideas in my head and having no place to put them down to actually having something help me structure my thoughts. My only complaints are the size. Wish it was larger and I also wish the orders were switched. I wished the incubate was first, followed by ideas section and blank pages, and finished with hatch. I love this book and will either get more or find a way to make the desired format I want. Either way I do not regret this purchase.

I struggle with ADHD & OCD. My husband calls me the "good idea fairy" because when I'm presented with a problem, I can't stop thinking about it until I have a good solution. I bought this because I was volunteering with our non-profit neighborhood association and I had a million ideas for Waze to help the community and also to fundraise. This journal helped so much with keeping everything organized and executing the plans that were actually good ideas! Then when I retired from that association (We moved out of state) I was able to easily hand off all of my plans for the association by giving them my journal. LOVE this thing! As I get more involved with our new community, I plan to buy another one 🫶👏

Overall, I love this book. I do wish it came in 8.5x11 and maybe even with the option for it to be spiral bound but that's personal preference. I am a project manager and use this to keep track of my ongoing projects. I wish it had a couple more ribbons but I use adhesive tabs to keep up with which project is where. It's professional enough I can take it to meetings and I have a good record of my tasks/processes. An additional suggestion: the instructions and tips in the back can be replaced with more workable pages and those sheets made into an insert within the packaging. Not really needed to always be with you and having more space is ALWAYS a benefit :) Buying another already after just a few short months because I like it so much and don't want it to go out of stock or off the market.

I'm still in the "conceive" phase of my Hatch Notebook, but I am a big fan of it so far. I really feel that the way it is set-up and designed has helped me unlock my creativity and brainstorm ideas that I wouldn't have come up with without it. I also really appreciate the tips and guidelines that are included and the logical way the notebook walks you through conceiving, incubating, and hatching your ideas. The notebook, itself, also seems very well-made. In addition, I have found it to be the perfect size in terms of being compact and light enough to easily to carry around while also providing adequate space for thoughts to flow.

Solid notebook for ideas. The organization of the sections is a little strange but it'll work.

Good idea but for the price very disappointed. Not good value for money

Great way to organize your thoughts, ideas and dreams- make them happen!