Day 19 - Timeboxing, Simplification, and Constraints

Here are 3 strategies for getting things done - timeboxing, simplification, and constraints.

In time management, timeboxing allocates a fixed time period called a timebox to work on a task.  Sharpen your focus and overcome procrastination by putting it in a scheduled time box that you must complete. Time boxes can help you focus on the task at hand, so don't work on anything else (or surf the web) while completing your scheduled task.  When you make your to-do list for the day, make sure you schedule blocks of time for each item on the list.  With out the time component a list is just a list and not a plan.  Parkinson's law states that work expands so as to fill time available for it's completion. So try timeboxing it!

Simplify the tasks of the day and keep the list short. This will help you focus on the present too. Better to have a few things done well and complete them rather than work on a bunch of things and get nothing done. Simplify where you can. So many of us waste time lost in email.  Need to speak to someone about a task your working on? Turn off the email program and pick up the phone instead.  If you need to spend time in email for a written record schedule it as a task. Don't use email as an excuse not to complete your task at hand.

Constraints force you to be more creative and focus on solutions. Some may see constraints as a bad thing, but limiting choices in design enables you to concentrate on the purpose and design mission. Imposed restrictions will help you eliminate distractions, not waste time on things that don't apply, and help you think more creatively about how to push the design confines.

Day 17 - Users Don't Like ...

1. Nobody wants to work.  Make tasks easy with the least amount of work possible.
2. People don't initially read web pages and screens they scan them. Less is more.  Don't clutter your screen real estate and make the content easy to scan. It only take a couple seconds for a user to hit the back button so get their attention quick.
3. People don't want to think too much. Simplify and automate. Automate repeatable tasks, combine similar tasks, and break complexity down into simpler, digestible chunks.
4. People love to share cool things they discover or create.  Your products and services should be social and shareable by default.
5. People get bored easily.  Keep them engaged and interested by getting them to that "Aha" moment quickly and show them the value.