“Built to help you and your team get more done”
Waiting isn’t usually my thing, but when I heard about Hello Focus, a new to-do list app, guaranteed to increase productivity, I hopped right in line for their release.
The app promises that with their extended features and extensive research they can help you or your team: stay focused, get more done, and stay organized. And with 100% productivity being a mere miracle, especially in a team setting, we wanted to find out just how does Hello Focus get it right?
The caveat to multi-tasking
Beginning with their research, Hello Focus found that multi-tasking makes us less productive. The more tasks we see, the more overwhelmed we are, so we get distracted and our minds divert to other things (hello, Facebook) – it’s called the Zeigarnik Effect. With that information alone, they have been able to create tasking and scheduling lists that help you stay in the know and more focused.
One thing at a time
Right away, users are asked to enter all of their tasks, but are only shown the most important one. So if you have a list of five things to achieve, but number 2 is due first, you would select task number 2 and only be shown that until it is completed. The elimination of all the other tasks, will allow you to focus on one thing at a time without retreating to Facebook as a safe haven.
Let’s say you have the same task list everyday, and number 2 is due first everyday; you also have the option to automate recurring tasks – yet another way to save you time.
Great for teams, too
Users can also get more done with the elimination of the beloved daily stand-up, or check in.
With Hello Focus, you can communicate with other teammates, assign work to them, check their progress and give feedback, all on one interface.
File sharing is also an option, so there’s really no need to leave the interface, not even to send a file or email.
Gantt chart software
Another cool productivity feature is their “do not disturb” function. A way to turn off notifications during your most productive hours, or when you have a really important project to finish.
But the coolest feature I saw, was the use of a Gantt chart. This particular chart allows you to see all parts of a project, what tasks to be completed, when it needs to be completed, and who’s responsible for its completion. With this tool, you can check the progress of specific areas, see what’s working, what it not, and come up with a resolution before the issues snowball.
Free trial, or wait list for premium
If you still aren’t convinced and are in denial about your productivity, head over to their page to get a free, risk-free trial of their services. But, if you are like me, and succumb to the kryptonite powers of Facebook, I’d say get in line for their premium version. The price has not been determined yet, which is why there’s a waiting list; but I’m sure anything promising increased productivity, more time, and hence more money, is worth the investment.
