Google Calendar has demonstrated its potential beyond managing meetings by offering a streamlined approach for individual task management and productivity. A test case showed that using the calendar for tasks, rather than traditional to-do apps, simplified scheduling and reduced productivity guilt.
Novel Task Scheduling
Instead of using dedicated to-do apps like TickTick or Microsoft To Do, creating a Tasks calendar within Google Calendar allowed for scheduling tasks as timed events. Tasks could be set for as short as 15 minutes or marked as all-day events when flexibility was needed. This method helped in visualizing time as blocks rather than endless lists, reducing task anxiety.
Events were creatively customized using features like recurring appointments for repetitive tasks and utilizing the event description field for notes and progress tracking. The 'Schedule' view provided a comprehensive look at upcoming commitments, while color-coding aided in balancing different types of tasks across the day.
Reminders and Notifications
The researcher utilized Google's reminder system efficiently by layering reminders: one set an hour before major tasks and another 15 minutes for smaller errands. Multiple notifications, for example, one day before and another 15 minutes prior, ensured preparation and minimized missed tasks.
Limitations and Conclusion
Despite its advantages, Google Calendar struggles with modeling subtasks and prioritizing tasks, which are strengths of traditional to-do apps. The lack of a built-in priority system or analytics for tracking habits also limits its utility for long-term or detailed project management. However, for individuals facing overwhelm from complex app-based systems, Google Calendar offers a simple and efficient alternative for managing daily tasks.
