A system for including visualization annotations on folders, files and media in a computer filesystem is disclosed. The system enables the use of a plurality of methods for customizing the fonts, icons shapes, icon sizes and other visual attributes of filesystem artifacts and enables these annotations to be updated upon the occurrence of certain events so as to effectuate the process of audiovisual reminders for user and drawing their attention to contingencies specified through rules or macros. The system integrates with a computer electronic mail system to automatically save or facilitate the user in saving files attached to email messages from specified addresses into designated folders that are programmed to offer audiovisual cues to the user and draw their attention to priority documents. Similarly, uploading and attaching files to email addressed to a particular recipient is facilitated by designating email-specific preferred folders. Rules also trigger the assignment of a file or a folder to a predefined “high priority” folder that maintains links to user selected files for monitoring through visualization cues as well as ease of access.