They need to be organised around the task they are to be used for. They have the advantage of focusing attention on the task in hand. They need to be synthesised and organised. They should always be condensed and neatened straight after. They must be organised consistently and systematically.
Patterned notes are a diagrammatic form rather than the linear line by line approach.
Do not simply take notes in an automatic copying down process. The successful student should engage in making notes. This is an active process. You should interact with the reading, lecture etc. by deciding what to do with the information. Do an author and subject search of the library.