This week I conducted an interview with a willing volunteer using the same interview questions but different subject than my previous case study interview. I used Otter.ai to record the interview and that transcription is reproduced below: 

Interviewee: Mid-50s Legal Professional 

Interviewer: Jennifer Molton 

Date: 4/6/24 

Transcript 2: 

1. Can you describe your current method of managing tasks and to-do lists?

Typically I utilize email or my phone. I use email to send messages to myself or send myself text messages with to do list or things that I want to remember.

2. What are the biggest challenges you face when it comes to task management?

I have a tendency to procrastinate which can lead to not staying on task. I often waste time watching television or at times will call a friend or do something else to avoid doing things that are on my to do list.

3. How do you prioritize tasks in your daily or weekly routine?

I try to prioritize things that bring me peace and joy or will help make my life calmer and happier. Typically I like to make sure that I have the tools necessary to make my week go well such as having a clean house and clean laundry and other items that I need to make it through the work week.

4. Do you work individually or as part of a team? How do you currently collaborate on tasks with others?

I am part of a team but my day to day tasks are mostly individual tasks. I have to approve items so that others can complete their work.

5. What features do you consider essential in a task management application?

It is essential that the people who need the application for their daily work are able to use the application easily. Often application creators do not have a complete understanding of the way in which the user needs to use the platform.

6. How important is it for you to have reminders and notifications for upcoming tasks or deadlines?

Very important.

7. Have you used any task management applications in the past? If so, what did you like or dislike about them?

I typically use calendar reminders in outlook or google. I don’t like it when reminders are not flexible with timing. I like reminders that can let you set specific alerts and let you create customized notes.

8. What devices do you typically use for task management (e.g., smartphone, computer, tablet)?

How important is cross-platform compatibility for you? Smartphone and laptop. Cross-platform is very important.

9. How do you track your progress on tasks and projects? Do you use any metrics or analytics to evaluate your productivity?

I typically do not track the progress of my tasks. I will add a task to a to do list and if it has only been partially completed I will re add it to the list.

10. Are there any specific integrations or third-party tools you would like to see integrated into a task management application?

No.

11. How do you handle recurring tasks or tasks with dependencies?

I typically break tasks into parts and add each part onto my to do list.

12. How do you manage long-term goals or projects alongside your daily tasks?

I create to do lists and long term and short term goals are listed separately.

13. Can you walk me through a typical day or week in terms of how you manage and complete your tasks?

I look at my calendar and to do list each day and prioritize items based on their due dates and then tackle them one by one.

14. What would a perfect task management application look like for you?

What improvements or additional features would you like to see in existing task management tools? User friendly for non tech users. Flexible calendar notes and alerts.

15. Finally, how likely are you to recommend a task management application to your colleagues or friends, and why?

If it is user friendly for no. Technical people and is customizable I would recommend it.