Ep. 202: 5 GTD App Design Principles

20 snips

Apr 11, 2023

In this discussion, Eric Mack, creator of a top productivity tool grounded in Getting Things Done (GTD), shares his innovative design principles for productivity software. He emphasizes user-centric design and the importance of minimizing cognitive load to boost efficiency. Eric also highlights the evolution of productivity tools and the shift in mindset they can instigate. Listeners can engage in his workstyle survey to identify frustrations and improve their productivity, paving the way for future innovations in tools designed for optimized workflow.

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ANECDOTE

Software Can't Think

Many software developers misunderstand GTD's core principle: users do their own thinking.
Software facilitates action and tracking, not prioritization or decision-making.

ANECDOTE

Frowny Face Feature

Eric Mack's e-Productivity software provided thinking prompts, like a frowny face for projects lacking next actions.
This simple feedback system encouraged users to complete the GTD workflow.

INSIGHT

Broken Workplace

The workplace is "broken" because tools shape thinking, not the other way around.
People should choose tools that support their thinking process, not adapt their thinking to tools.

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Creator of the second-best productivity tool for GTD, Eric Mack is grounded in GTD and knowledge management. David Allen and John Forrister recently talked with Eric about his five principles of productivity software design, in the hope that it might inspire future designers to incorporate some of these principles into their applications.

Eric is also doing a survey on workstyles and key frustrations. We encourage the GTD community to take his survey. We did, and found it helpful to us in understanding how we work, what we can do to improve, and more.

Key Frustrations and Work Styles Survey

For a limited time, Eric is offering GTD Connect members a complimentary call to early survey respondents to discuss his recommendations.

Eric Mack Company

eProductivity

This audio is one of many available at GTD Connect, a learning space and community hub for all things GTD. Join GTD practitioners from around the world in learning, sharing, and developing the skills for stress-free productivity.

Knowing how to get the right things done is a key to success. It's easy to get distracted and overwhelmed. Stay focused and increase productivity with GTD Connect—a subscription-based online learning center from the David Allen Company. GTD Connect gives you access to a wealth of multimedia content designed to help you stay on track and deepen your awareness of principles you can also learn in GTD courses, coaching, and by reading the Getting Things Done book. You'll also get the support and encouragement of a thriving global community of people you won't find anywhere else.

If you already know you'd like to join, click here to choose from monthly or annual options.

If you'd like to try GTD Connect free for 14 days, read on for what's included and how to get your free trial.

During your 14-day free trial, you will have access to:

Recorded webinars with David Allen & the certified coaches and trainers on a wide range of productivity topics
GTD Getting Started & Refresher Series to reinforce the fundamentals you may have learned in a GTD course, coaching, or book
Extensive audio, video, and document library
Slice of GTD Life series to see how others are making GTD stick
David Allen's exclusive interviews with people in his network all over the world
Lively members-only discussion forums sharing ideas, tips, and tricks

Note: GTD Connect is designed to reinforce your learning, and we also recommend that you take a course, get individual coaching, or read the Getting Things Done book.

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