Getting Things Done Ep. 337: Five Principles of Productivity
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Nov 19, 2025 In this discussion, Eric Mack, a productivity software designer known for his e-productivity GTD application, shares insights on the intricate relationship between knowledge management and effective productivity tools. He introduces his five principles of software design that help enhance user experience while supporting GTD methodologies. Topics include reducing cognitive load, ensuring features add true value, and emphasizing the importance of system usability. Eric's perspectives challenge conventional thinking about tool-first approaches and advocate for personal responsibility in productivity.
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Tools Should Support Thinking Not Shape It
- Tools often shape workflows instead of supporting preexisting thinking, which breaks workplaces.
- A good productivity tool should support the user's thinking rather than impose its structure.
David's 1995 GTD Screen Blueprints
- In 1995 David sketched his ideal GTD screens on graph paper and kept them private as IP.
- He later shared those drawings publicly when nothing close had been built in decades.
Decision Support Not Decision Replacement
- Software can provide decision support to facilitate thinking without doing the thinking for you.
- David designed e-productivity to prompt project thinking, next actions, and short brainstorming to support decisions.
